Needs From: United Way of Rhode Island

Now Accepting Internship Applications for Summer 2025! 

Who We Are

Books Are Wings is a non-profit organization whose mission is to put free books into the hands of children. We believe that the power of literacy transforms the lives of children, their families, and their communities for the better. 

Internship Description

We are currently offering up to 3 internships - Administrative and Program & Event internships as described below.

Location:  Our offices in Pawtucket, RI and various children’s education sites throughout RI.

Time Commitment:  Create your own schedule (minimum 5 hours) preferably 1-3 days per week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm.  Occasional weekends and evenings may be needed. (If time requirement is an issue, you can email info@booksarewings.org about volunteer opportunities).

What We Expect:

A Books Are Wings internship offers the opportunity to support Books Are Wings and become a valuable part of the Books Are Wings team. Interns have the opportunity to work to support the literacy of children through a variety of programmatic activities:  in particular, distributing books to children to build their home libraries. 

Interns commit to a semester/summer of work. Time commitment varies by internship and is negotiable.  Interns must have reliable transportation to their internship location (Pawtucket, RI);  Program/Event internships take place at sites throughout Rhode Island and may require personal transportation (car) to these locations. While internships are geared toward college students, we accept applications from mature high school students, recent graduates, and those with relevant lived experience able to commit to an internship.  Books Are Wings internships are unpaid. We are happy to work with schools that offer credit or work study for internships. Be sure to check if your school offers a scholarship program for students with unpaid internships.

Duties

Shifts: 1-3 days per week (minimum, 5 hours) - Administrative and Program & Event Internships may do a combination of the following:

Manage book donations, including working with individual donors and book drives Count, itemize, label, and sort children’s books according to interest and reading levels Plan and pack book and/or literacy activity sets for Books Are Wings programs at community partner sites Conduct engaging book readings with children at programs and events Assist with literacy based activities, arts and crafts projects and programs and events Manage book distribution table at programs and events Enter and manage data related to book inventory, programs, and events Conduct surveys with community partners, families, and program participants Work with staff and volunteers on other duties as needed

Requirements

Have a strong interest in education, books, and literacy Excellent communication skills – must be comfortable speaking to and engaging with the general public on Books Are Wings’ behalf Enjoy working with children and have a strong interest in education Public speaking skills & strong sense of professionalism Must be willing and able to work indoors and outdoors Able to lift up to 30lbs  Creative, reliable, and flexible team member Prompt arrival for shifts Undergo a criminal background check Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email 

Application Details:   We offer unpaid internship opportunities with a flexible schedule. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. 

For more information about internships and volunteer opportunities email info@booksarewings.org

Volunteers at Community Events!

Who We Are
Books Are Wings is a non-profit organization whose mission is to put free books into the hands of children. We believe that the power of literacy transforms the lives of children, their families,and their communities for the better. 

Volunteer Description
We are currently looking for volunteers to assist at community and school events throughout Rhode Island. Duties include setting up, managing, and breaking down the book table and helping children select books. If you have some free time and a passion for inspiring young minds through the joy of reading, we'd love to have you join us!

Time Commitment
Once on board, you will have access to a sign up list to choose events to attend as frequently as you’d like. Community and school events usually take place evenings during the week or on weekend mornings/afternoons.

Apply here: Books Are Wings Volunteer Application
For more information about internships and volunteer opportunities email
volunteer@booksarewings.org

Books Are Wings is an equal opportunity employer and organization. BAW does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, national origin, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment, volunteer and board service is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

 

 

Seeking Board Members

Key Requirements

Commitment to Books Are Wings Mission

The mission of Books Are Wings is “putting free books in the hands of children.” Books Are Wings seeks to provide every child with regular access to books andworks to engage students in their classrooms, at school functions, community events, and playgrounds. We believe that offering books to children in different environments instills a consistent message that reading is not just schoolwork- it’s a way of life! For more information, visit our website at https://www.booksarewings.org

Books Are Wings is seeking members for its Board of Directors,who will provide strategic leadership and governance, working in partnership with the Executive Director, who oversees day-to-day operations of the organization. The Board of Directors supports the work of the organization and serves as the organization’s fiduciaries, who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month for meetings or other board-related activities.

Board Member Term

Board members serve an initial term of 3 years, which is renewable, for a total of 6 years.

Overall Board Responsibilities

Periodically review the mission statement and by-laws.

Ensure that Books Are Wings finances are adequate for its current and long-term needs by approving the strategic plan and budget and monitoring the financial records throughout the year.

Ensure that the legal obligations, including state registration and income tax forms, of BAW, are met.

Recruit board members, donors, and volunteers as needed.

Hire and annually review the Executive Director.

Individual Board Member Responsibilities

Attend all Board meetings and actively participate in discussions, supporting decision making and the consensus of the board once a decision has been reached.

Maintain confidentiality of board proceedings and internal matters of the organization, unless otherwise stated.

Disclose fully and completely any conflict of interest that may arise and to refrain from voting on matters that may result in a conflict.

Act as an ambassador for Books Are Wings within the Rhode Island community by personally advocating for the organization and by identifying potential donors and volunteers for our staff to contact.

Every boardmember has the obligation to remember that they represent the organization and to conduct himor herself in a professional manner.

Serve on at least one Board committee.

Make a yearly monetary or in-kind donation. We ask for 100% board participation in ourdevelopment efforts, based upon the board member’s ability to give.

Ensure Books Are Wings commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Books Are Wings serves.

Benefits of Board Service

Help shape and support the direction and future of Books Are Wings.

Identify needs, and support and achieve organization goals.

Participate in opportunities to meet influential, intelligent, and well-connected people.

Develop your own leadership skills and leadership in others.

Opportunity to make an impact by improving childhood literacy and creating a love of reading and learning.

Make a difference in the community and for the youth of our state.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Books Are Wings Executive Director, Jennifer Smith, at jsmith@booksarewings.org for consideration. We would also appreciate your completing our Interest toServe Form.

 

Books Are Wings is an equal opportunity employer and organization. BAW does not
discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age,
physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, national origin, veteran status or any other
status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment, volunteer and board
service is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Classroom Readers Needed!

Who We Are
Books Are Wings is a non-profit organization whose mission is to put free books into the hands of children. We believe that the power of literacy transforms the lives of children, their families, and their communities for the better. 

 
Volunteer Reader Description
We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers with daytime availability to read stories to Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students in elementary schools across Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. If you have some free time during school hours and a passion for inspiring young minds through the joy of reading, we'd love to have you join us!

Time Commitment
Once on board, you will have access to a sign up list to choose events to attend as frequently as you’d like. Read aloud events are scheduled about twice a month on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

Apply here: Books Are Wings Volunteer Application
For more information about internships and volunteer opportunities email
aaguiar@booksarewings.org

Books Are Wings is an equal opportunity employer and organization. BAW does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, national origin, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment, volunteer and board service is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.