September 2024 Newsletter
We’re Back! Volunteer in a Classroom Today.
PC: Eliana Pipes
Dear YS Community,
It’s officially “Back to School” season. For our students, that means finding their way in a new classroom and taking in all that their new grade has to offer. But did you know that you can go back to school as well, even if you’re not a student?
As we’re preparing for programs to start, we’re actively looking for volunteers to become writing mentors for our students. In all of our programs, our mentors guide a student through the creative process, using a mix of innovative game play and writing sessions to help complete an original story. And get this - no professional writing experience is necessary because we provide all the training!
All it takes is one hour a week for nine weeks to help a Young Storyteller tell their story. And along the way, you’ll join one of the most supportive and fun communities in Los Angeles (not that we’re biased). Keep reading to learn more about volunteering with YS, meet current volunteer and YS Board Member AJ Nseir, and our most recent job opportunity.
Important dates for volunters
To make it a little easier to get all your paperwork in order before getting in the classroom, here are some important and free events for volunteers:
Volunteer Information Sessions: Thursday, 10/10 at 5:30 PM PT
FREE Virtual TB clinics: Thursday, 9/19 & Tuesday, 10/8 5:30 PM PT
FREE In-Person Livescan Event: Thursday, 9/26 10-11:30 AM PT
You can find out more information about events on our website, or contact us.
Volunteer corner
Meet AJ Nseir, a long-term mentor, Head Mentor, and now Young Storytellers Board Member! AJ is an integral member of the YS community, fostering meaningful relationships with students in classrooms across Los Angeles. Most recently, he has been working at our Sony-sponsored school, La Ballona, leveraging his role at Sony to engage corporate employees as fellow volunteers.
Whether as a volunteer or board member, AJ has enriched our community in his dedication to move our mission forward. Volunteers like AJ are essential in supporting young writers in bringing their stories to life and we are grateful for their commitment and dedication. Thank you, AJ, for being an inspiration and helping amplify the voices of future storytellers.
Tell us about yourself and what sparked your interest in volunteering at Young Storytellers?
I first volunteered for YS because I'm a writer and I love working with kids. It's fun (and challenging!) to nurture storytelling in others.
What inspired you to further your involvement by becoming part of the board?
I started with YS almost 15 years ago and it's now a huge part of who I am. I wanted to give back in a different way and to help the organization thrive and grow. It's been so rewarding to meet other board members who care about the org, and to work directly with the amazing YS staff.
What has been the most rewarding part about having your company involved with Young Storytellers?
I discovered YS through a Sony volunteer newsletter. Sony culture is to get involved, and every manager I've ever had has supported the time I spend with YS. Our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team is incredible: they help with events, mentor recruitment, and are another resource for Sony mentors and head mentors.
What is the most memorable part of volunteering with your colleagues?
Nobody likes to network, but volunteering together provides a few minutes before and after each session to chat with your coworkers or people who work in different departments. I love walking around the Sony lot and sharing a wave and a smile with other Sony mentors.
What advice do you have for volunteers who would like to get their company to support Young Storytellers?
Start with your company's CSR team. Show your passion for YS and ask what organizations your company currently supports, financially or otherwise, and what they would be willing to do with YS. There are all sorts of ways a company can get involved, and the board and staff can help you get creative to find a partnership.
Create a DIY Fundraiser for YS
Did you know? Running a Young Storytellers program for one year costs $10,000 per school, plus an additional $500 to perform background checks for the safety of our mentors, volunteers, and students.
Your support helps us bring the power of storytelling and mentorship to schools across Los Angeles, where only 5% of LAUSD schools currently offer high performing arts programs. Last year, Young Storytellers provided programming in 42 schools across Los Angeles, impacting thousands of students. Through fundraising, we can continue to grow that number together.
There are so many creative, easy, no-fuss ways to raise funds on our behalf, whether it’s for your birthday, a special event, a holiday, a play, or even a wedding! We’ll create a personalized fundraising page that matches the theme of your event, and we can even table at your event to share our work with your guests.
If you are interested in doing something like this, please contact us!
At-a-glance
Nominate a Volunteer of the Year
If you know a Young Storytellers volunteer that goes above and beyond, inside and outside of the classroom, nominate them for our Volunteer of the Year award by Friday, 9/20.
Work with Us
We’re looking for a Scale Community Partners Strategist (full-time, temporary) to join our team! This position will grow engagement and awareness of our digital learning resources on The Achievery to reach more students and families.
Biggest Show
The Biggest Show, our annual celebration of our students’ creativity, is just around the corner in October, and we can’t wait! For one night only, we bring friends from film and television to bring our young people’s stories to life on stage. More info coming soon, but to become a financial or in-kind sponsor of the event, contact us.
