Advisory Board members at a training session
What is an Advisory Board?
An Advisory Board is an active committee of volunteers who carry out the mission of First Book and help deliver the magic of books to children at the local level. Advisory Boards raise awareness and funds to provide book grants to existing literacy programs in their community that serve children from low-income families. Advisory Board members represent a broad spectrum of the local or campus community.
What are the different types of Advisory Boards?
All First Book Advisory Boards perform the same primary functions. Local Advisory Boards primarily consist of members from the local community. Campus Advisory Boards, known as CABs, are located on college and university campuses and their members are primarily from the campus community.
Who can serve on an Advisory Board?
Anyone who is committed to bringing the magic of books to children in need can join or start an Advisory Board. First Book Advisory Boards consist of dedicated people from a diverse cross section of the community including: local business owners, librarians, media representatives, elected officials, literacy advocates, social service coordinators, professionals, teachers, senior citizens, and members of the faith community. In addition to community members, Campus Advisory Boards include students, faculty and staff.
How do Advisory Boards raise funds?
Advisory Boards utilize their strengths to fundraise in fun, innovative ways to provide books to children in their area. Advisory Boards raise funds through fundraising events and donations from individuals, businesses, service organizations and foundations in their communities.
How does the book grant process work?
Using applications and eligibility criteria established by First Book, Advisory Board members select existing literacy programs serving children from low-income families and award them with a book grant. The grant provides 6 - 12 books for each child in the program over the course of the grant (typically one year). The books are selected by the program, incorporated into program lessons, and given to the children to take home and keep.
How are Advisory Boards supported by the First Book National Office?
- Dedicated staff to answer your questions and provide guidance
- A regular accounting update that details the money raised and spent by your Advisory Board
- Technical assistance for grant writing (i.e., to local foundations, literacy coalitions)
- Fundraising and event planning resources (i.e. sample grants, fundraising letters, event invitations, brochures, press releases, etc.).
- Ongoing training and networking through conference calls and local seminars
- The Advisory Board Online Resource Center, which has all the information and tools you need to start and maintain a successful Board
- Opportunities to participate in First Book national initiatives.
What are the benefits of volunteering on an Advisory Board?
Through First Book, you can:
- Use your skills and talents to make a difference in children's lives
- Gain leadership experience
- Develop skills in community outreach, partnership building, fundraising, event-planning, and grant writing
- Join a national network of literacy advocates
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