readfromthestart.org

• Are you passionate about books and stories?
• Do you enjoy working with small groups of parents/caregivers in a workshop setting?
• Would you love to encourage parents to read to their young children?

READ from the START programs are facilitated by certified volunteer RFTS Discussion Leaders. Our Discussion Leaders include storytellers, teachers, social workers, librarians, realtors, community volunteers, and journalists, just to name a few! Each brings his/her own special gifts and talents to READ from the START programs. Interested in joining us? Read on to learn more.

How do I get started?
Complete a  Discussion Leader Interest Form and tell us about yourself. The Missouri Humanities Council will contact you when a Discussion Leader training is planned for your area.

When and where are trainings held?
Trainings are held all over the state. Although there is not a set schedule, we offer training periodically. Once we know of your interest, we will keep you posted as to when a training will be held near you. A day of training lasts about six hours with a break for lunch.

Is there a charge to attend RFTS Discussion Leader training?
No, there is no charge.

How do I become certified to lead a RFTS program?
-Attend a RFTS training
-Complete a RFTS Discussion Leader Information Form and Biography
-Observe a RFTS program

What are my responsibilities as a RFTS Discussion Leader?
First and foremost, a Discussion Leader shares a love of books and stories with the parents who attend RFTS. We believe that enjoying children's literature is contagious! When RFTS participants read and discuss the very books that they will take home, they spread the enthusiasm to their children.

The Missouri Humanities Council handles the scheduling of RFTS programs and contacts a Discussion Leader when there is an opportunity to lead a program. All books and materials are provided by MHC. Once a RFTS program is completed, the Discussion Leader completes an evaluation, writes a detailed narrative report about the program, and inventories the books and materials that are left over.

MHC reimburses Discussion Leaders for travel expenses to and from a program. MHC also offers an honorarium for facilitating a RFTS program.

What other support do RFTS Discussion Leaders receive from MHC?
Discussion Leaders receive a newsletter with tips and ideas for RFTS programs. A biennial Refresher Training is offered. And, coming soon, our Discussion Leaders will have their own space to talk and share ideas on this website!

Questions? Contact Julie at 800-357-0909 or 314-781-9660 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What's it like to be a READ from the START Discussion Leader?

lThe reward I get from RFTS is the giving. Giving of myself, giving parents reading ideas and giving out wonderful books to families. Thank you Missouri Humanities Council. ~Karen, Poplar Bluff

lAs a busy mother, grandmother and full time employee at a local health department, I often wonder why I took on the "extra" job of being a discussion leader for Read From the Start. I am NOT a night person, and I love to go directly home after a long day of work. But my "creative, love for reading" side pops through whenever I sign up to do a program. On the day of the program, as the work day winds down, I again think, "now why did I agree to do this?" Home seems very appealing after work. However, on my drive to the program site, I begin to get psyched up to share my love of books and reading with parents, grandparents and child care providers. As I haul my bags of books and display items into the site, I begin to hope that a good crowd attends, and that I can spark an interest in sharing reading and books with some of the participants. Without fail, as the first parent comes, I feel a burst of energy and the worries and weariness of the work day evaporate. I am hopeful that the enthusiasm I feel as I begin is felt by the parents and childcare providers in the group. The feedback from the program and the group participation help to "fuel" my efforts. After the program, I have a feeling of warmth, joy and accomplishment that enables the ride home to be more relaxed than the rest of the day.

As a daughter of educators, a mother of two voracious readers, and a lifelong reader myself, books are my passion. Read From the Start gives me the rare opportunity to share this passion with others who may not know the pleasures and adventures reading can bring. ~Diana, Moberly