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.
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.
This month we’re excited to share about Nancy, an amazing volunteer!
Where are you from?
New Orleans
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
826 DC
What keeps you coming back?
Its character and talent like in you kids, the spark of divine fire. Also my roots.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
Prose composition and emotional therapy trying to get the chance to look into each other’s soul and finding out your story.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Writing
Favorite book/ author?
Walker Percy had the biggest influence on me when I was young. Now? You can’t list just one – here are some: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nabokov, Graham Greene, Evelyn Waugh, Jan Morris, Balzac…
826 New Orleans seeks a visionary Director of Development & Communications who can lead the charge in building a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the long-term advancement and sustainability of our organization and the students we serve. The Director of Development & Communications oversees all aspects of our Development Department, including the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that focuses on securing the resources our students need to thrive. This will include planned campaigns around annual and major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, endowments, and special events. We are looking for a results-focused, committed individual who has a passion for creative writing and educational equity.
This month we’re excited to share about Errol, a volunteer who is near and dear to our hearts!
Where are you from? Born and raised here in New Orleans
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
The program director is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
(Though if you need a less creepy answer: I really like the work you guys are doing with the writing programs for the kids)
What keeps you coming back?
The kids are amazing.
The staff is great.
The events are so much fun.
I really love it there.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans? I’m the chief nerd consultant and electronic problem solver. Also I’m great at checking names off on lists when we have guests. Also my most important job, keep the program director happy.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Being a nerd for a living! I work in IT
Also doing cool things like night swan rides in city park.
Favorite book/ author?
I’m all over the place but (shocker) I’m reading a lot of sci-fi right now.
Favorite snack?
Snack, I dunno. But food in general is always gonna be shrimp.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
It’s the best city in the world, with amazing food, people, and music. There’s too much great stuff to name but if im picking one thing….
Our college essay writing workshop has moved to a virtual space. College-bound juniors and seniors who need support in writing their application essays should join us on November 14th. The workshop will be between 10 AM – 12 PM. Students who want extra support can come back between 1-4 pm for an individualized check in.
Students who attend the workshop will automatically be entered in a raffle for a chromebook! The workshop is free and sign up is required. Sign up today!
“Me in this Moment” is a personal narrative writing project meant to support students in telling the story of a memorable moment in their lives. Writing personal narratives, particularly now, is a vehicle for healing, processing, and making meaning of the world.
826 New Orleans can support schools, and their young writers, both synchronously (via zoom) and asynchronously (via pre-recorded lessons), as it makes the most sense for each site. This project is most appropriate for students in grades 5-12.
Young writers will produce a compelling story aligned to the following goals:
Creating a structured piece that unfolds an event in an engaging way
Including details that paint a vivid picture for the reader
Using dialogue and internal thinking to drive the story
Additional support includes:
An online writing notebook for young writers
Individualized feedback for each writer
Pre-selected mentor text aligned to the project
Narrative writing rubric for assessment
Student-facing writing checklist for self-assessment
826 New Orleans is looking for a dynamic Program Manager to lead center-based programs!
We are seeking a dynamic Program Manger to develop and foster authentic and impactful writing environments for young people. This person should have a mix of skills and experiences that demonstrate a passion for youth, writing, and education. This person is able to inspire creativity in youth, volunteers, and staff. Ultimately, this person has the passion and vision to help New Orleanians ages 6-18 develop the desire and skills to explore the unlimited depths of their imaginations through the power of writing.
826 New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply!
This month we’re excited to share about Abdi, a dedicated volunteer!
Where are you from? Baltimore, Maryland
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans? I love organizations like 826 and benefited from similar programs when I was young. Specifically, the director, Brooke Pickett, is a friend and I like to be a part of whatever she is doing.
What keeps you coming back? The students are super impressive. And the events usually have good food.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans? A valid driver’s license.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us? Too much, but it usually involves making something.
Favorite book/ author?My Losing Season by Pat Conroy
Favorite snack? Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
Favorite thing about New Orleans? Mosquitoes. Oh, you said “favorite?”
