Volunteer FAQ

So what do volunteers do?

In short, a lot. Volunteers work directly with young writers in our after school program, lend a helping hand during field trips and events, type and copy-edit student writing, design publications and so much more. If you have a specific volunteer project in mind you’d like to do with us, email us at volunteering@826neworleans.org.

So I can volunteer if I don’t want to work with kids?

Yes! Volunteers help run the Haunting Supply Co., design print materials, assist with grant writing, and help with our fundraising efforts. If you have a specific volunteer project in mind, email us at volunteering@826neworleans.org.

I really wanna volunteer, but I’ve never worked with kids and I’m not a writer!

As long as you’re ready to learn and listen, you’ll find your volunteering fit at 826 New Orleans. You’re gonna be great!

Where are you located?

1720 St. Bernard Avenue in the 7th Ward.

What are all the things I need to do in order to become a volunteer?

1. RSVP for an 826 New Orleans Info Session to hear about 826 New Orleans’s history, our programs, and all the ways you can get involved.
2. After learning a little more about 826 New Orleans, you’ll fill out an application, complete a background check, and chat with our Volunteer Manager about your areas of interest
3. Once we receive the all-clear from your background check, we’ll send you a confirmation email and a link to our calendar where you can sign up for a direct service training (if you want to work with kids) and our programs!

Do I have to attend both an Info Session and a Volunteer Training?

We respect your time, believe us. For this reason, we want to make sure that when you come through the doors and sit down with a young writer, you are well-versed (get it?) in our tutoring methods. Many of our volunteers are former educators, teachers, and parents and combined, probably have over a hundred years of experience. But we’re all about consistency here, and we want all our volunteers to be on the same page.

Do I really need a background check?

Yes. It’s required that anyone who works with our young writers undergoes a background check. If you think there may be the possibility that something in your history could deter you from being able to do so, please reach out to us to discuss it.

I already completed a background check for a different organization. Can I just submit that to you instead of getting another one done?

Unfortunately, you’ll need to complete another background check. Don’t fret though, we’re gonna do all the hard work for you! We’ll mail it in and notify you once it’s been accepted.

I can’t afford to pay for the background check. Does that mean I can’t volunteer here?

Heavens no! Contact us at volunteering@826neworleans.org and we got you covered!

Y’all have a lot of programs going on. How can I keep up to date?

Once you become a volunteer, you will automatically be added to our email list, where we will send the occasional newsletter and volunteer updates.

I am required to complete community service hours as part of a program. Can I volunteer at 826 New Orleans?

We will review community service requests such as these on a case-by-case basis. Generally, though, we’d love to have you.

I guess I’m so unique that my question is not frequently asked. Where can I ask this questions??

Email volunteering@826neworleans.org and we’ll get back to within a couple days!