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How does A Dark and Stormy Night support young writers?
Learn more about how Big Class’s Halloween literary costume and cocktail party supports our city’s young writers.
1. They gain crucial writing skills
Big Class programs are project-based, engaging students over an extended period of time with the goal of publishing a book. Our programs are challenging and fun, and always emphasize individuality and imagination.
Along the way, students gain essential writing skills that improves the experience of confidently sharing their work with a wider audience.
2. They get a chance to flex their creative muscles
Big Class programs encourage students to practice and hone their writing skills outside of academic contexts.
We believe in cultivating a sense of possibility that allows for creativity, joy, humor, and weirdness.
3. They learn about themselves in the process
Student voice is placed at the forefront of any Big Class program.
We believe that powerful youth become powerful adults.
4. They collaborate with other students in safe spaces
Big Class offers safe spaces for young people to come together, think creatively, and write.
Last year, 90% of students reported that Big Class helped them improve their abilities to work well with others.
When students feel supported, the creative and collaborative possibilities are endless.
5. They attain a sense of empowerment
All Big Class programs culminate in a finished product that students can hold in their own hands and feel proud of.
We also throw a publishing party for students to share their wonderful work with their teachers, friends, and family.
We believe providing young people with opportunities to publish and celebrate their work builds self-empowerment and paves a pathway to future success.
In addition to raising crucial funds that make our work possible, A Dark and Stormy Night is a a great reason to dress your spookiest, drink delicious cocktails, and bid on fantastic auction items.
Join us for this spooky celebration of young writers, creativity, and all things literary:
???? A Dark and Stormy Night: Calling All Cool Ghouls ????
Calling all cool ghouls: we’ve got the party for you.
Like cocktails? Ghost stories? Supporting the voices of New Orleans’s young writers? Scroll on for even more reasons to join the fun at Big Class’s literary Halloween costume and cocktail party, A Dark and Stormy Night.
Tickets are on sale here. They’re $20 more at the door, so get them while you can!
1. Cool ghouls support youth
Big Class is the only nonprofit in New Orleans that offers writing programs and publishing opportunities for youth–all free of charge.
We believe in creating space for New Orleans’ under-resourced youth to express themselves through writing. Last year, Big Class worked with 1,244 students and released 37 publications.
If we meet our goals for A Dark and Stormy Night, we’ll cover all of this year’s book publishing costs!
2. Cool ghouls love cocktails
A Dark and Stormy Night centers around a ghost story cocktail contest, with some of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans brewing up spine-tinglingly tasty beverages for all of the ghouls in attendance.
A great panel of judges will be looming over the competition, which features 11 bars. But don’t fret, all party-goers will be able to weigh in on their favorites as well.
3. Cool ghouls know growth is great
Big Class is gearing up for a fantastic year’s end, with our Youth Writing Center opening in the 7th Ward in 2017. Cool ghouls know that supporting youth means supporting our future, and we’re dying to open our Youth Writing Center and support as many young people as (in)humanly possible.
4. Cool ghouls bid on spooky auction items
Why so serious? Ghosts and ghouls alike love auctions!
Bid on award-winning authors Dave Eggers, R.L. Stine, and Walter Isaacson to call you up with a bone-chilling ghost story. We also have Saints tickets, hotel stays, hauntingly memorable nights out in New Orleans, and much more.
Even the undead know that the living need fun.
5. Cool ghouls love to eat
The food at A Dark and Stormy Night? Downright diabolical. Vendors include Debbie Does Doberge, Frady’s, Mona’s, The Munch Factory, Pizza Delicious, Press Street Station, and Vaucresson Sausage Co.
6. Cool ghouls wear costumes!
A Dark and Stormy Night is a costume party, so sprinkle on some corporeal dust and don your spookiest attire!
A Dark and Stormy Night will also feature a pop-up shop by The New Orleans Haunting Supply Co. We’ll have original haunting supplies devised by Big Class students and local artists. Our costumes (ghouls will still be invisible to humans, of course!) and supplies will make your endless days and nights of roaming the underworld a little bit easier.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night:
5 reasons to don your best human disguise and join us at the Felicity Church on October 20th for Big Class’s second annual literary Halloween fundraiser.
1. We’ve got the spirit(s).
A Dark and Stormy Night centers around a ghost story cocktail contest.
We’ve enlisted some of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans to concoct their spookiest (and tastiest) beverages.
There will be a scary-good panel of judges presiding over the competition, featuring 11 amazing bars. However, they won’t be the only ones weighing in; attendees will also have the opportunity to choose their favorite cocktails!
2. We’ve got the goods.
At A Dark and Stormy Night, you can look forward to an auction with a host of spooky specials.
Bid for an award-winning author like R.L. Stine, Walter Isaacson, and Dave Eggers to call you up and tell you a ghost story.
Additionally, we’ve got Saints tickets, signed books, hotel stays, and lots more!
3. We’ve got the purpose.
A Dark and Stormy Night raises essential funds to help Big Class do what we do best: help young people get excited about writing.
Last year, Big Class worked with 1,244 students and released 37 publications.
Funds raised at this event will allow us to continue supporting New Orleans’s young writers and deepen our impact.
4. We’ve got our eyes on the future.
Big Class is in the process of building a Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward, opening Summer 2017. A Dark and Stormy Night will support our efforts to make our new home an inclusive, supportive, creative space that reaches as many young people as (in)humanly possible.
5. We’ve got the fun.
Want to join us for this evening of haunts, named one of NOLA.com’s Best Parties of 2015?
Interested in supporting and celebrating New Orleans’s brilliant young writers?
Get your tickets below and we’ll see you (unless you forget that human disguise) on October 20th.
Volunteer of the Month: September 2016
Congrats to our September volunteer of the month, Julia Lavigne! Julia has been an awesome volunteer over the past two and a half years, working with students one-on-one during in-school projects, being the resident illustrator at a bookmaking field trip, and bringing countless student’s stories to life with her art. Thank you for all your hard work, Julia! Read our Q&A with her below:
What first brought you to Big Class?
All thru college I had the opportunity to work in schools as a teaching assistant and tutor. Post grad I found myself freelancing full time but I really missed working with kids. I happened to see a flyer for Big Class and knew immediately that this was for me!
What keeps you coming back?
The people I’ve met (students, teachers, and big classmates) and all the fun projects. I still do illustration work and I find that Big Class gives me so much creative energy! I love creating art with new people, volunteering with Big Class is the perfect outlet for that.
What are some skills you have that help you out at Big Class?
Honesty. I’m not a writer (writing TERRIFIES me) so admitting that to students helps break the ice some, especially when the student is having trouble getting started or they’re shy and don’t want to engage with me. Being an artist also helps! I’m not able to help out in classrooms as much, so my skills as an illustrator come in handy for behind-the-scenes work!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced at Big Class?
Scheduling! Working full time cuts out all the fabulous in-school and after-school projects. I wish I had more time and energy to volunteer more.
What are some great projects you’ve helped with? Tell us the story behind one of them if you can.
I’m proud of every Big Class project, but I have to say the poetry projects at Sylvanie Williams blew me away. I had a lot of free time that spring so I was in the same classes for Pizza Poetry and Poetry of the Every Day. All the students had so much enthusiasm for their poetry and their time with Big Class. By the end of the month they were all so proud of how well their ideas translated into words and finished poems on paper.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
I feel like both of my careers as a preschool teacher and illustrator spill over into my hobbies. I love looking for new books and teaching materials for my classroom, and I draw whenever I can. I’m in an illustration collective called Quick Draw, we illustrate on a monthly theme. I’m also organizing a monthly adult “art club” for Non-Society Hands! When I’m not doing all of those things I enjoy trying new recipes and spending time outside with my husband and dog.
Check out some of the illustrations of student’s stories Julia has created:
Having a Big Class is a Good Thing
Check out the great radio and written piece by Nola Vie! Big Class’s Executive Director Doug Keller discusses the history of our organization and what’s coming up in the future. Read and hear the full piece here.
Early Bird Special on tickets for A Dark and Stormy Night!
Now through Labor Day, enjoy $15 off of general admission tickets to Big Class’s annual literary Halloween party, A Dark and Stormy Night. You don’t want to miss this event, which was named one of NOLA.com’s 11 Best Parties of 2015. Click here to purchase tickets!
IT’S LIT: Big Class’s Mobile Youth Writing Center Debuts!
We’re so excited to announce the completion of IT’S LIT: Words on Ice!
Made in collaboration with the Arts Council of New Orleans and students from The NET Charter High School, It’s LIT! recently made its grand debut at the Art + Place forum at studioBE.
It’s LIT! was born through a paid 6-week design internship with 4 students from The NET. This project challenged students to think critically about the environments that they and their peers occupy and come up with a design that provided a safe space for New Orleans youth to come together and be creative (not to mention enjoy a sno ball).
It’s LIT will be making appearances at events throughout the school year as a mobile writing center/workshop space — bringing creative writing opportunities to youth around the city. Stay tuned with the Big Class blog and newsletter for updates!
Volunteer Meetings & Orientations
Whether you’re a brand-new or well-seasoned Big Class volunteer, mark your calendars with these upcoming dates!
Volunteer Orientation:
Sunday, August 14th from 2-4pm at 532 Louisa St. Fill out an application here to sign up!
Back-to-school info session for returning volunteers:
Wednesday, August 10th at 6pm at 532 Louisa St. We’ll outline volunteer opportunities for the upcoming year, and update everyone on our plans for the future and our new youth writing center (coming Summer 2017!)
Apply here to be a Big Class Volunteer!
Photo and Phiction Exhibition
On Thursday, July 28th, we finished our Photo and Phiction summer workshop series with a exhibition of student work in the Teen Room of the Norman Mayer Library. Young writers brought family and friends to see their beautiful photos and writing proudly displayed on the library walls and celebrate their creativity.
See the full photo gallery here.
Making a Difference: Empowering New Orleans youth through pen and paper
“This program is teaching our kids how to use how to use words in a way that can affect change. Now they are becoming the powerful ones because reading gives you access, but writing gives you power.”
–Kyley Pulphus, Big Class board member and teacher
WDSU wrote a lovely short piece about our work and dropped by our final Photo and Phiction workshop of the summer, led by Big Class youth intern Keith Riley (pictured above).
Check out the article and short video: http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/making-a-difference-empowering-new-orleans-youth-through-pen-and-paper/40950558
How does A Dark and Stormy Night support young writers?
Learn more about how Big Class’s Halloween literary costume and cocktail party supports our city’s young writers.
| 1. They gain crucial writing skills
Big Class programs are project-based, engaging students over an extended period of time with the goal of publishing a book. Our programs are challenging and fun, and always emphasize individuality and imagination. Along the way, students gain essential writing skills that improves the experience of confidently sharing their work with a wider audience. |
2. They get a chance to flex their creative muscles
Big Class programs encourage students to practice and hone their writing skills outside of academic contexts.
We believe in cultivating a sense of possibility that allows for creativity, joy, humor, and weirdness.
3. They learn about themselves in the process
Student voice is placed at the forefront of any Big Class program.
We believe that powerful youth become powerful adults.
4. They collaborate with other students in safe spaces
Big Class offers safe spaces for young people to come together, think creatively, and write.
Last year, 90% of students reported that Big Class helped them improve their abilities to work well with others.
When students feel supported, the creative and collaborative possibilities are endless.
5. They attain a sense of empowerment
All Big Class programs culminate in a finished product that students can hold in their own hands and feel proud of.
We also throw a publishing party for students to share their wonderful work with their teachers, friends, and family.
We believe providing young people with opportunities to publish and celebrate their work builds self-empowerment and paves a pathway to future success.
In addition to raising crucial funds that make our work possible, A Dark and Stormy Night is a a great reason to dress your spookiest, drink delicious cocktails, and bid on fantastic auction items.
Join us for this spooky celebration of young writers, creativity, and all things literary:
???? A Dark and Stormy Night: Calling All Cool Ghouls ????
Calling all cool ghouls: we’ve got the party for you.
Like cocktails? Ghost stories? Supporting the voices of New Orleans’s young writers? Scroll on for even more reasons to join the fun at Big Class’s literary Halloween costume and cocktail party, A Dark and Stormy Night.
Tickets are on sale here. They’re $20 more at the door, so get them while you can!
1. Cool ghouls support youth
Big Class is the only nonprofit in New Orleans that offers writing programs and publishing opportunities for youth–all free of charge.
We believe in creating space for New Orleans’ under-resourced youth to express themselves through writing. Last year, Big Class worked with 1,244 students and released 37 publications.
If we meet our goals for A Dark and Stormy Night, we’ll cover all of this year’s book publishing costs!
2. Cool ghouls love cocktails
A Dark and Stormy Night centers around a ghost story cocktail contest, with some of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans brewing up spine-tinglingly tasty beverages for all of the ghouls in attendance.
A great panel of judges will be looming over the competition, which features 11 bars. But don’t fret, all party-goers will be able to weigh in on their favorites as well.
3. Cool ghouls know growth is great
Big Class is gearing up for a fantastic year’s end, with our Youth Writing Center opening in the 7th Ward in 2017. Cool ghouls know that supporting youth means supporting our future, and we’re dying to open our Youth Writing Center and support as many young people as (in)humanly possible.
4. Cool ghouls bid on spooky auction items
Why so serious? Ghosts and ghouls alike love auctions!
Bid on award-winning authors Dave Eggers, R.L. Stine, and Walter Isaacson to call you up with a bone-chilling ghost story. We also have Saints tickets, hotel stays, hauntingly memorable nights out in New Orleans, and much more.
Even the undead know that the living need fun.
5. Cool ghouls love to eat
The food at A Dark and Stormy Night? Downright diabolical. Vendors include Debbie Does Doberge, Frady’s, Mona’s, The Munch Factory, Pizza Delicious, Press Street Station, and Vaucresson Sausage Co.
6. Cool ghouls wear costumes!
A Dark and Stormy Night is a costume party, so sprinkle on some corporeal dust and don your spookiest attire!
A Dark and Stormy Night will also feature a pop-up shop by The New Orleans Haunting Supply Co. We’ll have original haunting supplies devised by Big Class students and local artists. Our costumes (ghouls will still be invisible to humans, of course!) and supplies will make your endless days and nights of roaming the underworld a little bit easier.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night:
5 reasons to don your best human disguise and join us at the Felicity Church on October 20th for Big Class’s second annual literary Halloween fundraiser.
1. We’ve got the spirit(s).
A Dark and Stormy Night centers around a ghost story cocktail contest.
We’ve enlisted some of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans to concoct their spookiest (and tastiest) beverages.
There will be a scary-good panel of judges presiding over the competition, featuring 11 amazing bars. However, they won’t be the only ones weighing in; attendees will also have the opportunity to choose their favorite cocktails!
2. We’ve got the goods.
At A Dark and Stormy Night, you can look forward to an auction with a host of spooky specials.
Bid for an award-winning author like R.L. Stine, Walter Isaacson, and Dave Eggers to call you up and tell you a ghost story.
Additionally, we’ve got Saints tickets, signed books, hotel stays, and lots more!
3. We’ve got the purpose.
A Dark and Stormy Night raises essential funds to help Big Class do what we do best: help young people get excited about writing.
Last year, Big Class worked with 1,244 students and released 37 publications.
Funds raised at this event will allow us to continue supporting New Orleans’s young writers and deepen our impact.
4. We’ve got our eyes on the future.
Big Class is in the process of building a Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward, opening Summer 2017. A Dark and Stormy Night will support our efforts to make our new home an inclusive, supportive, creative space that reaches as many young people as (in)humanly possible.
5. We’ve got the fun.
Want to join us for this evening of haunts, named one of NOLA.com’s Best Parties of 2015?
Interested in supporting and celebrating New Orleans’s brilliant young writers?
Get your tickets below and we’ll see you (unless you forget that human disguise) on October 20th.
Volunteer of the Month: September 2016
Congrats to our September volunteer of the month, Julia Lavigne! Julia has been an awesome volunteer over the past two and a half years, working with students one-on-one during in-school projects, being the resident illustrator at a bookmaking field trip, and bringing countless student’s stories to life with her art. Thank you for all your hard work, Julia! Read our Q&A with her below:
What first brought you to Big Class?
All thru college I had the opportunity to work in schools as a teaching assistant and tutor. Post grad I found myself freelancing full time but I really missed working with kids. I happened to see a flyer for Big Class and knew immediately that this was for me!
What keeps you coming back?
The people I’ve met (students, teachers, and big classmates) and all the fun projects. I still do illustration work and I find that Big Class gives me so much creative energy! I love creating art with new people, volunteering with Big Class is the perfect outlet for that.
What are some skills you have that help you out at Big Class?
Honesty. I’m not a writer (writing TERRIFIES me) so admitting that to students helps break the ice some, especially when the student is having trouble getting started or they’re shy and don’t want to engage with me. Being an artist also helps! I’m not able to help out in classrooms as much, so my skills as an illustrator come in handy for behind-the-scenes work!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced at Big Class?
Scheduling! Working full time cuts out all the fabulous in-school and after-school projects. I wish I had more time and energy to volunteer more.
What are some great projects you’ve helped with? Tell us the story behind one of them if you can.
I’m proud of every Big Class project, but I have to say the poetry projects at Sylvanie Williams blew me away. I had a lot of free time that spring so I was in the same classes for Pizza Poetry and Poetry of the Every Day. All the students had so much enthusiasm for their poetry and their time with Big Class. By the end of the month they were all so proud of how well their ideas translated into words and finished poems on paper.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
I feel like both of my careers as a preschool teacher and illustrator spill over into my hobbies. I love looking for new books and teaching materials for my classroom, and I draw whenever I can. I’m in an illustration collective called Quick Draw, we illustrate on a monthly theme. I’m also organizing a monthly adult “art club” for Non-Society Hands! When I’m not doing all of those things I enjoy trying new recipes and spending time outside with my husband and dog.
Check out some of the illustrations of student’s stories Julia has created:
Having a Big Class is a Good Thing
Check out the great radio and written piece by Nola Vie! Big Class’s Executive Director Doug Keller discusses the history of our organization and what’s coming up in the future. Read and hear the full piece here.
Early Bird Special on tickets for A Dark and Stormy Night!
Now through Labor Day, enjoy $15 off of general admission tickets to Big Class’s annual literary Halloween party, A Dark and Stormy Night. You don’t want to miss this event, which was named one of NOLA.com’s 11 Best Parties of 2015. Click here to purchase tickets!
IT’S LIT: Big Class’s Mobile Youth Writing Center Debuts!
We’re so excited to announce the completion of IT’S LIT: Words on Ice!
Made in collaboration with the Arts Council of New Orleans and students from The NET Charter High School, It’s LIT! recently made its grand debut at the Art + Place forum at studioBE.
It’s LIT! was born through a paid 6-week design internship with 4 students from The NET. This project challenged students to think critically about the environments that they and their peers occupy and come up with a design that provided a safe space for New Orleans youth to come together and be creative (not to mention enjoy a sno ball).
It’s LIT will be making appearances at events throughout the school year as a mobile writing center/workshop space — bringing creative writing opportunities to youth around the city. Stay tuned with the Big Class blog and newsletter for updates!
Volunteer Meetings & Orientations
Whether you’re a brand-new or well-seasoned Big Class volunteer, mark your calendars with these upcoming dates!
Volunteer Orientation:
Sunday, August 14th from 2-4pm at 532 Louisa St. Fill out an application here to sign up!
Back-to-school info session for returning volunteers:
Wednesday, August 10th at 6pm at 532 Louisa St. We’ll outline volunteer opportunities for the upcoming year, and update everyone on our plans for the future and our new youth writing center (coming Summer 2017!)
Apply here to be a Big Class Volunteer!
Photo and Phiction Exhibition
On Thursday, July 28th, we finished our Photo and Phiction summer workshop series with a exhibition of student work in the Teen Room of the Norman Mayer Library. Young writers brought family and friends to see their beautiful photos and writing proudly displayed on the library walls and celebrate their creativity.
See the full photo gallery here.
Making a Difference: Empowering New Orleans youth through pen and paper
“This program is teaching our kids how to use how to use words in a way that can affect change. Now they are becoming the powerful ones because reading gives you access, but writing gives you power.”
–Kyley Pulphus, Big Class board member and teacher
WDSU wrote a lovely short piece about our work and dropped by our final Photo and Phiction workshop of the summer, led by Big Class youth intern Keith Riley (pictured above).
Check out the article and short video: http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/making-a-difference-empowering-new-orleans-youth-through-pen-and-paper/40950558
