826 New Orleans is looking for a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.
The Family and Community Engagement Coordinator will work with staff, youth and families, volunteers, and other stakeholders to increase and maintain engagement with 826 New Orleans Programs. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Engagement Coordinator will manage all aspects of volunteer program, increase student and family engagement across programming, develop systems that will build, grow, and sustain relationships with educators, schools, volunteers and organizations, build and grow our relationship with our neighbors (people, schools, businesses), and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are a key part of volunteer materials and training.
826 New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply!
826 New Orleans is looking for a dynamic Manager to launch our Early Childhood Literacy Program!
826 New Orleans is seeking a dynamic and engaged Manager for our new Wee Write Program.
The 826 Wee Write Manager will launch an Early Childhood Literacy Program designed to provide 100 students ages 3-5 with the literacy support they need in advance of elementary school. Our Early Childhood Literacy Program is designed to radically shift the way writing is taught to preschoolers across Orleans parish. Our vision is to prime early learners with key literacy concepts in advance of entering elementary school, with the goal of ensuring a greater number of young people across New Orleans are reading and writing at their grade-level by 3rd grade.
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 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.
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.
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….
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?”
This month we’re excited to share about Camille, a lovely volunteer!
Where are you from?I was born in Oxford, England. My family moved to New Orleans when I was a baby so I consider myself a native New Orleanian.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?I moved back to New Orleans in January and found myself looking for a community to be part of. I’m also a writer at heart! I love talking about writing and reading. I have experience working with youth, so I thought that volunteering at 826 New Orleans would be a great opportunity to meet people, share what knowledge I have and feel inspired.
What keeps you coming back?There’s so much warmth at 826 New Orleans. I love participating in an organization that meets adversities like Covid-19 with thought, ingenuity and play. It’s kept me feeling motivated and part of something larger than myself.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?I’m a social butterfly and I love learning about people. I think this skill allows me to connect with others and make them feel welcome and comfortable. One of my favorite things about volunteering is encouraging experimentation and fun- I think that it naturally leads to creativity.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time playing with my foster cat Josie, playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends on Zoom, and binge-watching Avatar: the Last Airbender on Netflix.
Favorite book/ author? Hard to say! Right now I’m really enjoying Bunny by Mona Awad.
Favorite snack?Chocolate chip banana bread.
Favorite thing about New Orleans? I love New Orleans’ sense of humor. There’s such a subversiveness about New Orleans that you can’t get anywhere else. I like to think it’s rubbed off on me.
When asked about his experience working with 826 New Orleans, a newly published author said, “You would think making a book was hard, but it was beaucoup easy!”
We loved that. It showed that bookmaking can be accessible.
Making a book doesn’t have to be hard. With Beaucoup Easy Books, young writers can create their own homemade books with our bookmaking kits. To make a book, all you really need is paper (but, we’ll throw in some lagniappe to make it pop). We’ll also provide a little guidance to help young people craft their writing.
While social distancing practices are still in place, 826 New Orleans wants to continue to provide opportunities for young people to publish their work. From the safety of their homes, and without having to use the computer.
There are two kits available, for either K-3 or 4-8. Volunteers can deliver a kit to you if you live in Orleans parish. Kits will also be available for pick up at our center.
Sign up for a kit here until July 1st. Kits will be delivered starting July 6th.
