February 2025 Newsletter
Be part of our expansion to South LA!
PC: Brandon Moningka
Dear YS Community,
The Spring semester is finally kicking off and we’re so excited to get back in the classroom. Amidst the uncertainty and heartbreaking challenges of this year, from the devastation of the Los Angeles fires, to the continual and chaotic changes rolled out by the new administration, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve our students, schools, and families. All of our schools are continuing with Young Storytellers programming as scheduled, and we’re even adding new schools in South Los Angeles. There is joy and strength in the stories we tell and we’re grateful to be doing our work with supporters like you!
Read on to find out how we’ve been expanding our programs, meet Kila, one of our Head Mentors (lead volunteers), and learn about new ways to support the work we do.
As always, thank you for helping us to raise the voices of young people.
Two new school partners in south los angeles
A key pillar of our strategic plan is to bring our program to life in communities that have been historically marginalized and under-resourced, helping to create more opportunities where they’re needed most. This spring, we are proud to announce the launch of two new school partnerships in South Los Angeles: Twenty Fourth Street Elementary School and Ninety Fifth Street Elementary School.
Twenty-Fourth Street Elementary School, the "Home of the Eagles,” is an LAUSD school located in Jefferson Park. Led by Principal Dr. Veronica Brown, the school’s mission is to “empower each student with the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the 21st century by providing an exceptional public education, as well as to instill a sense of dedication to improving our world through commitment to social justice.” Head Mentor Sal Neslusan will lead 10 students through our Collaborative Script to Stage program with the assistance of Ms. Luz Ortega, the school liaison. This program begins on Monday, March 24, 2025, 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM.
Ninety-Fifth Street Elementary School, the “Home of the Tigers,” is an LAUSD school located in Westmont. Led by Principal Manuel Nava, the school’s mission is to “educate and empower our students to contribute to and benefit from an ever-changing world as responsible life-long learners.” Head Mentor Kila Packett will lead 10 students through our Collaborative Script to Stage program the assistance of school liaisons Kissten O'Brien and Ms. Alvarado. This program will begin on Friday, March 28, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
Want to get involved at these schools? Check out our volunteer portal for the full schedules and to sign up today.
volunteer mentors still needed
Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter (Hollywood): Monday, March 3, 1 PM - 2 PM
Cheremoya Elementary (Hollywood): Tuesday, March 11, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edison Language Academy (Santa Monica): Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
24th Street Elementary (Jefferson Park): Monday, March 24, 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Ninety-Fifth Street Elementary (Westmont): Friday, March 28, 1 PM - 2 PM
Meet 95th Street elementary school’s head mentor, kila!
Young Storyteller’s expansion into South Los Angeles would not be possible without the leadership of our dedicated Head Mentors. Keep reading to learn more about Kila, our 95th Street Head Mentor!
Emilio, Volunteer Team Intern: What are your thoughts on Young Storytellers expanding into South LA, and how do you feel about contributing to our first steps forward as an HM within the area?
Kila: I am thrilled that YS is expanding to schools in South LA, because there are plenty of students who will benefit from the Script-to Stage program. Having taught Shakespeare workshops in South LA, in particular Watts, I know that elementary students in that area are bursting with creative energy. With the inspiring step-by-step YS curriculum, I am confident that we will discover the untapped talent of student writers who may not have the opportunities to venture outside their neighborhoods. I feel honored to bring my experience and passion for YS to this community which is long overdue.
Emilio: For people who aren't familiar with Young Storytellers, what would you say to try and get them through the door?
Kila: For those who are unfamiliar with YS, I would say that there is a child in all of us who is ready to break out and contribute their voice to the world. I would challenge future mentors to think back to a time when they wanted their voice heard as a young student, and how effective it can be for a professional to nurture that voice. As a mentor, I cherish the one-on-one interaction with young writers, and I encourage each writer to reach the heights of their imagination. There is no other program that makes writing more easy, fun, and fulfilling than YS.
Emilio: If you were a student with Young Storytellers, what do you think you would have written about?
Kila: Oh boy! I was obsessed with roller coasters when I was in 5th grade, so I would probably have written a story about a roller coaster with a mind of its own, and how I could have tamed it to become a sort of magical travel coaster. Maybe a time travelling roller coaster or a roller coaster that goes rogue!
We’re constantly looking for volunteers to join the YS family, especially as we focus on expanding our programming across LA. Help us get the word out by liking, following, and sharing our content on social media. You can check us out on TikTok (for now) and Youtube Shorts, as well as our Instagram.
young storytellers on california & me talk show
In January, Young Storytellers was featured as the spotlight organization for an episode of California & Me, a weekly Public Affairs program that examines issues and topics relevant to the state of California, its people and its communities. Jaylene Benggon Chung, Managing Director, Alexis Underwood, Volunteer Outreach and Partnerships Strategist, and Tom Jenkins, a long-time Head Mentor, chatted about our organization’s mission and the work we do with host Holly May in a 30 minute interview. You can watch the entire episode online on MeTV.
March 20th, 2025: Young Storytellers' First-Ever Day of Giving!
March 20th is not just World Storytelling Day, it's a new special occasion for Young Storytellers: our first-ever Day of Giving! A Day of Giving is a 24-hour campaign where supporters like you come together to make a big impact in a short time.
Double Your Impact:
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, every donation up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your gift goes twice as far in helping us bring the power of storytelling to more young people across Los Angeles.
National Research Group x Young Storytellers:
On March 20th, we’ll also be unveiling a study from the National Research Group. This research explores how childhood has evolved over the last 25 years through Young Storytellers' archive of student stories. It highlights the growing importance of storytelling in shaping identity, community, and navigating technology.
You’ll receive an email with the World Storytelling Day donation link on March 20th - your chance to make twice the impact. And if you can’t wait, you can still donate now!
