This month we are delighted to share an interview with Me In This Moment volunteer, Laurel!
Where are you from?
Chicagoland.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I have been a big fan of 826 New Orleans since the beginning. When I fiI heard about 826 from a Best American Nonrequired Reading book. The organization sounded so incredible—I wished I’d had that when I was a kid (well, I wish I’d liked writing when I was a kid, but that’s a whole other thing). When I heard there was an 826 NOLA, I immediately filled out a volunteer application. I had some free time that I wanted to use on something that mattered, and storytelling really matters.
What keeps you coming back?
I know how transformative writing can be. I fell in love with writing in large part because I was lucky enough to work with so many encouraging writers and instructors. I want that for everyone. Also, 826 New Orleans has the best people always doing amazing projects with the greatest students.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a background in Literary Studies, which contrary to popular belief, does occasionally come in handy 🙂
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Reading, writing, or running.
Favorite book/ author?
My favorite book is usually whatever I’m currently reading. I love Anne Carson, Lydia Davis, and Diane Williams.
The 826 team is excited to welcome and introduce our new Director of Programs, Andrea Fullington. Andrea brings with her a passion for supporting educators and youth, as well as a love of the Goosebumps series (well represented in The Haunting Supply Company). Read more about her below!
First & Last Name: Andrea Fullington Pronouns: She | Her Job Title: Program Director Hometown: All around Southern California
What brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I was looking for a space to work with young people outside of schools, but in a space that still focused on their education and personal growth. When I found 826, I was really excited about the quality of the publications, the ways they have managed to preserve and amplify student voices, and the alignment of our goals and vision for New Orleans’ students. It was a very natural fit.
What are you most excited for as our new Program Director?
I’m excited to see all the programs in action! There are so many ways 826 is doing phenomenal work with young people. I want to make sure that we are getting to as many students as possible in as many schools as possible! Kyley has done a tremendous job with this work, so I’m thrilled to be standing on her shoulders to keep building transformative programs.
What was your favorite book as a kid, and why?
I was (and still am) obsessed with books so I have a few faves! I read a lot of Goosebumps and Fear Street stories as a child. I really loved Go Ask Alice. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was also pretty formative for me. There used to be a series called “Love Stories” in the 90s that was awful and sappy, but teenager me devoured them whole lol.
What are you up to outside of your work with us?
I do a lot of work to support Black educators in the city. I work with other local orgs, and also run a project called Black Teacher Griot that aims to amplify the voices of Black classroom teachers. Other than that, I read, binge entirely too many series, and play fight with my puppy, Luna, a lot.
If you were a ghost for a day, where would you most like to haunt?
My house! I recently became a homeowner and I’m so excited about how I can use this land in service to the New Orleans community. I think it would be really cool to haunt it after I’m not here anymore. OR… I’d go to the future and haunt a flying car! I mean, can you imagine… Every time someone hops in their supersweet flying Tesla to run an errand, there I am, appearing in the passenger seat like, “Where we going, friend?!?” It would be hilarious!
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Andrea is a life-long educator for liberation and a proud community servant. Originally hailing from the sunny shores and deserts of California, she has been in New Orleans since 2015. For over 13 years, she taught Humanities to high school students with stops in Boston, Colorado, and Philly before venturing into the slower pace of the swamp. Her work outside of the classroom focuses on education organizing, supporting Black teachers, and using writing as a tool for personal and collective healing. She is adamant about working with community organizations that tackle social issues and create spaces for marginalized folks, so she’s thrilled to join the team at 826 New Orleans. An avid fan of stories, you can catch her falling into her latest book, overanalyzing binge options, or reworking her Top 5 summertime music and films lists.
This month we are delighted to share an interview with Kimberlee who gave lovely feedback to students for our Me In This Moment project.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Upstate New York and I have bounced around Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ireland. I have lived in New Orleans for the last 12 years, and this is the longest I have stayed put in my entire life!
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I have been a big fan of 826 New Orleans since the beginning. When I first heard about their youth writing programs and creative publishing projects I knew I needed to learn more. I started reading and sharing books from the 826 New Orleans collection with my kids. We loved the Pizza Poetry Project’s book Is it tasty, does it go to your soul?, the spooky stories collection Something Ain’t Right, and third graders’ advice on overhauling public spaces in Courageous, Eccentric, Diverse: New Monuments for New Orleans. Watching my kids connect with stories from these amazing young writers has been really fun!
What keeps you coming back?
During the pandemic I volunteered to help with the “Me in this Moment” project. Students from across New Orleans wrote about big moments in their lives and I was one of the volunteers behind the scenes cheering on their writing process and sprinkling feedback in the margins. It was a fun and easy way to support young writers throughout this challenging year. I have so much admiration for all the students that shared their stories and I can’t wait to read the published book!
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a background in education and I’m used to collaborating with students on research and writing projects. I wrote a lot as a kid and I can still remember how much I anticipated and valued comments and red ink from my teachers. As a volunteer, I do my best to offer up encouragement and constructive feedback to young writers because I know how much it matters.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
I am a scientist who is learning to make more time for writing. This year I published some essays and wrote a chapter for a forthcoming book on teaching and learning through the pandemic. I love spending time with my family, biking around New Orleans, baking, and puttering in my garden.
Favorite book/ author?
One of my favorite reads from this year was Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass about Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. My kids and I also loved Jason Reynold’s Track Series and we’re big fans of Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu!
We’re celebrating the release of seven books and hundreds of young authors!
Writing on The Wall | Something Inside Me | I Heard A Voice Echo |That’s When Time Froze | Don’t Open This Book Unless You Like Joy | Make Plain Paper Beautiful | Unicorns and the Forces of Evil Escape to New Orleans
The Broadside • 600 N. Broad • June 12, 2021 • 10 AM – 12 PM
You MUST reserve tickets to attend. The event is outside, and social distancing will be practiced. You can reserve tickets here.
Make Plain Paper Beautiful is the 2021 Pizza Poetry Anthology. This year released online, it features sweet, funny, and thought-provoking poems written by young people from all over New Orleans. The gorgeous cover was created by MILAGROS.
This month we are delighted to share an interview with Erin who has been incredibly helpful for our In School projects
Where are you from?
I am from New Jersey, the ‘Garden State’.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
When I taught 4th grade, the students wanted to write about the Zombie Apocalypse. A colleague shared info on ‘Big Class’ (826 New Orleans was called at the time). The students and 826 worked together to publish two books all about haunted real estate and zombies in New Orleans.
What keeps you coming back?
It has become clear how impactful spoken and written words are, I’m encouraged to help bring students’ words to readers. The 826 projects have all been inspiring and incredibly fun. My favorites have been: ‘We the Almighty’, spine poems and collages inspired by the 1619 Project, and the student-friendly curriculum for Unfathomable Cities, A New Orleans Atlas.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a deep curiosity for what inspires people and my passion runs deep. I try to take care and show students and groups I work with gentle enthusiasm for thoughts and processes.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
You can find me riding my bike around New Orleans. The city is a museum and I am always on the tour.
Favorite book/ author?
This is a tough one! A few authors who I believe capture feminine psyche and friendship adeptly: Magda Szabó, Elena Ferrante, Kiley Reid, Carmen Machado.
Favorite snack?
I call it a ‘trash snack’, Chicken salad on a pretzel chip.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
There’s a lot to love about New Orleans and for me, those appreciative feelings are conjured up in moments: a wave from a colorful porch, paddling on the bayou, roaming the dusty Jazz Fest fairgrounds encountering music from all over the world, crawfish, getting drenched in an infamous rainstorm, Indians, steamy, slow summer days with a snowball antidote, Who Dat culture, an anhinga drying its wings on a City Park stump, cypress knees…
There’s truth to the phrase, ‘I know what it means to miss New Orleans.’
This month we’re excited to share about Patrick, who has been a valuable asset to our MITM and After School programs!
Where are you from?
I’m from the Midwest. More specifically, Danville, Illinois.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I first learned about the mission and goals of 826 from the dust jacket of the 2008 edition of the Best American Non-required Reading series. I was living in Chicago at the time, so I poked my head into 826CHI and asked if there was any way I could help. I volunteered there for several years before moving to New Orleans. Once I got to the city, I made my way to St. Bernard Ave, excited to volunteer with the incredible students all over the Crescent City.
What keeps you coming back?
Everyone has an important story to tell. Everyone. Some folks might not think their story is worth telling, and some might not feel like they know how to tell it. I like working with students to help them realize the power of storytelling and ultimately help them feel empowered to tell their unique story.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I’ve been privileged in my life to work in youth development and leadership for two decades. In that time, I’ve learned that a good admixture of patience, respect, openness, and a non judgemental approach acts as a catalyst for young adults to let down their guard, discover themselves, and foster their writing talents. That, and always being willing to laugh.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Currently, I’m busy taking care of my one-year-old daughter Cameron, supporting my wife who is a frontline doc, and running a small nonprofit which provides warmable plushies to pediatric cancer patients around the country (www.warmhugsfromerin.org)
Favorite book/ author?
Book: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Author: Douglas Adams or Zadie Smith
Favorite snack?
Strawberry and grape Nerds mixed with peanuts. It tastes like a PB and J. Don’t believe me? Try it.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I’ve never lived in a city that not only tolerates others’ traditions, but embraces them, twists them up, combines them with their own, and showcases them for the world to see. Gumbo, yakamein, architecture, jazz. It’s a crazy, one-of-a-kind port city that has tangible influences from all over the globe, and the willingness to proudly incorporate others’ stories into your own is my favorite thing.
826 New Orleans is currently seeking applicants for Director of Programs. We sat down with Kyley Pulphus to talk about her immense impact as the founding Program Director at 826 New Orleans and what applicants can expect from the role.
What brought you to 826 New Orleans, and how long have you worked here?
I first came to the organization when it was Big Class. I was a partner teacher, and the Big Class staff and volunteers helped my second graders write a poetry book. It was such a beautiful little piece of time. The executive director at the time told me the organization was in the process of joining the 826 network, and asked if I was interested in being the program director. I told him…no. I didn’t want to leave the classroom. He continued to offer the job for a couple more years, and finally I was ready to be the founding program director. I’ve held the position for four years.
What’s one achievement you’ve made here that you’re particularly proud of?
I have all the feels when I attend our publishing parties. There is something so special about seeing a young person get a copy of their published book in their hands for the first time. Someone always cries, and it’s usually me. I’m very grateful to have played even the smallest role in supporting a young person in sharing their story.
What is something you’re going to miss about 826 New Orleans?
There isn’t enough paper and ink, or strength in my hands, to write the unending list of things I’ll miss most about this very special place. But I will say this position has allowed me to connect with the most amazing people, both little and big.
What advice do you have for interested candidates? What disposition should they bring to their work and what expectations should they have of this position (and working with 826 New Orleans in general)?
Your ultimate goal should be to support a young person in telling their story in a way that feels authentic and true to them. The ability to manage several projects at one time, forging genuine connections with folks, and having a sense of humor has served me well. Also understanding that you are a prominent representative of the organization is important. The program director is often called upon to speak at events and to the press and is regularly featured on social media platforms. Get ready to be cute cute!
Our partnership with the Made in New Orleans Foundation and Gracious Bakery + Café is back for a 3rd year! The week before Mardi Gras, king cakes purchased from all Gracious Bakery + Café locations will feature pourquoi tales about the origin of the king cake.
Pourquoi Tales are fictional stories that explain how something came to be. These hilarious and engaging stories were written by 1st-12th graders from all around New Orleans. If you want to write your own king cake pourquoi tale, you can follow this plan, also available on 826 Digital.
Support youth voice while enjoying delicious king cake at the same time!
The 826 team is so excited to welcome and introduce you to our new Program Manager, Kush Thompson. Kush is a native Chicagoan and is bringing diverse experiences in writing, education, and youth empowerment to the team. Read more about her below!
First & Last Name: Kush Thompson Pronouns: She/Her Job Title: Program Manager Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
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What brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I’ve lived my whole life as a writer and have yet to figure out what life is not surrounded by other writers. You need the company of folks who love what you love in order to keep doing what you love. 826 NOLA prioritizes this art form and uses it in the service of the New Orleans community. It’s exactly the kind of organization that 4th grade me would’ve sought out and tried to join.
What are you most excited for as our new Program Manager?
I’m most excited about meeting all of the young writers and learning everything I need to know about this city through their storytelling. As a Chicagoan, my love runs deep for my misunderstood city. New Orleans and Chicago share that similarity and the love for this city is so deep amongst everyone, but especially the young folks. I feel like I could never know New Orleans properly until I see the way its children write about it. That’s what I can’t wait for.
What was your favorite book as a kid, and why?
My favorite book was and pretty much still is Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. The main character was a role model for me in the 5th grade when I felt very alone at school. Stargirl reassured me that it’s better to be weird than to blend in. It’s also beautifully written and was one of the first models I used for my own work as a young writer. It’s one I come back to at least once a year.
What are you up to outside of your work with us?
Outside of 826, I paint pink-haired cartoon characters and collect, probably too many, VHS tapes and original Goosebumps books.
If you were a ghost for a day, where would you most like to haunt?
I would love more than anything to haunt an amusement park. Six Flags during Fright Fest, hands down.
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Kush Thompson is the author of A Church Beneath the Bulldozer (2014) and creator of the pink-haired Blk Hottie portraiture series. Kush served the Chicago community as former chapter co-chair of Black Youth Project 100 Chicago and as a longtime educator for Young Chicago Authors’ Teaching Artist Corps.
A 2017 Luminarts Creative Writing Fellow and 2018 Cave Canem fellow, her work can be found in Poetry Magazine and The Breakbeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop (2015). Kush herself can be found in the VHS bin at any given thrift store somewhere in New Orleans.
