Read & Recycle Literature in Transit

VOLUNTEER

We are looking for volunteers to help distribute free books at the stations. It will only take a few hours of your time, one Tuesday of the month.

Contact Us for more information and to sign up.

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Volunteer FAQs

Who are we?
ReLIT NY is a group of diverse individuals united through a common cause of spreading our love of books. At the heart of our program, ReLIT NY aims to encourage the public to develop better reading habits, and to revive books as a medium of arts, culture and entertainment in today's digital era. At the same time, by recycling and sharing books, we hope the public will develop an awareness and responsibility towards their own community.

How does the program work?
On certain days of the month, you will find our volunteers outside major subway stations handing out free books. Our books range from classics to thrillers to even textbooks-- since our books are all donated, we do not have complete control over what we hand out. However, we do censor and ensure that all materials we hand out are not propaganda or contain objectionable material.

Our books are completely free and there are no sign-ups or registrations required. You don't even have to return the book if you don't want to. However, if you do, you can return it to any of us the following month or at a drop box.

What’s the catch?
None.

What do volunteers have to do?

1. Bring along a signed and dated volunteer waiver form
2. Show up on time.
3. Help us carry books and banners from a central location to his or her designated station.
4. Hand out books to the public; engage them in conversation about our program and the values of reading.
5. Listen to your team leader. They have the final say.
6. Most importantly, enjoy yourselves.

What can the volunteers not do?
Not much really, just the usual stuff. Volunteers cannot be racially discriminating; engage in unlawful activities or inappropriate behavior. We must try and work together; be civil and considerate towards one another.

Do I have to wear a uniform?
No uniform is required but we ask you to use your common sense. As the public face of ReLIT NY, if you come wearing a Brazilian bikini or a T-shirt blatantly promoting another organization or political cause, we may have to ask you to change (even if it’s a cool cause we all believe in.  Sorry – we just don’t want to dilute focus).

Distributing books on the streets sounds scary! Is it?
No, not at all!  In fact it’s fun to meet and converse with people. But keep in mind that books are heavy and volunteers will be asked to carry them through subway stations at peak evening rush hour. So if you don’t feel comfortable carrying the weight, it is your responsibility to let us know and we’ll just ask someone else to do it instead.

What do we do when we get there?
Set up the stands and boxes and start hollering “Free Books!” Most importantly, listen to your team leader who will guide you. They’ve done it before.

How long do I have to be there?
Typically till 7.30pm or when the books run out—which ever comes first.

Can I request a specific location?
We will be placing volunteers at pre-selected stations. If you have a specific request, we will try our best to accommodate you but cannot make any guarantees.

This was fun! I’d love to do it again.
Absolutely. While you are under no obligation to return, we’d be thrilled to have you back. We’re constantly looking to expand our program and we are looking for experienced volunteers to take charge of various sites.