Want to Read for RFB&D? Here's How...

Step 1: Director Training

All volunteers are expected to commit to one session each week, with each session lasting for an hour and a half.  However, you are welcome to attend as many as you wish!  During this period of training you will work with an experienced volunteer reader.  This provides you with the opportunity to master the role of directing, while being introduced to the procedure and conventions for reading at the same time.  Volunteers are typically recommended to complete three to five director training sessions.

Step 2: Decision Time

After director training, it is time to choose which area you wish to contribute to as a volunteer.  If reading is your choice, see the paragraphs below.  If you prefer directing you are ready.  If you are interested in book marking, see Eleanor or Kane.  After deciding your area of interest, each volunteer needs to meet with any staff member, and they will assist you in signing up for a weekly session time.

Step 3: Attend a Reader Training Session

Once you have mastered directing, you are ready to learn the reading conventions implemented by RFB&D.  These conventions serve as the guidelines that every reader and director follow in order to maintain the consistency and quality of our recordings.  This session will introduce you to the conventions.  Obviously, all of the conventions cannot be learned in one day! Therefore, a detailed explanation of the conventions will be provided for you.  This tool serves as your initial study material, as well as a source of reference when needed.  Reader Training Sessions are held twice monthly, and a sign up sheet will be posted with specific dates and times. 

Step 4: Reader Training

Now that you have the instructions and advice needed to succeed, the next step is to apply the conventions through practice.  The remainder of your training will consist of teaching sessions where you will work with an experienced reader, allowing you to learn through instruction and by example.  Our digital system, accompanied by the assistance of an experienced reader, allows even a reader in training to produce quality recordings.  Therefore, the training of volunteers can be accomplished without hindering the rate of audio book production.  A specific number of required reader-training sessions have not been designated, because everyone does not learn at the same pace.  This allows the reader and training volunteer to determine the best training plan for each individual volunteer.