World Storytelling Day

March 20, 2025

What difference can one day make? If you have ever seen a Young Storytellers program in action, then you know that a day can make a huge difference in a young life. In a day, a student can fall in love with writing, meet a new mentor, or see their words come to life on stage.

So far this school year, Young Storytellers has provided 400 sessions of programming in over 40 schools across Los Angeles, with plans to bring our programs to parts of LA we haven’t been yet. Our team is also creating new tools to bring Young Storytellers nationwide, to more people than ever before.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, every dollar donated on March 20th will be matched up to $10,000, doubling your impact.

Donate

Volunteer

  • Mentor and a student writing something together

    Mentor

    Led by a volunteer Head Mentor, each session is a mixture of creative game play and writing time in pairs or groups. No professional writing experience necessary; we’ll provide the training! All programs take place in-person, and all volunteers will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination in order to participate.

    This volunteering opportunity is a 1-hour commitment, one day a week for 9 weeks in person

    Click here to learn more about what it takes to be a mentor!

  • Two women actors pointing

    Perform

    Bring our students’ stories to life on stage! Big Shows are one-off, 1.5 hour-long commitments. Actors audition for students, then are cast in their stories. Improv and/or theater experience preferred. All volunteers will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination in order to participate.

    Acting at our Big Shows is a one-day, 2.5-hour acting commitment.

    Click here to view and commit to upcoming Big Shows.

  • A journal titled "Script to Stage Workbook" with a Young Storytellers VIP badged on top

    Creative Collective

    The Creative Collective is a group of talented individuals that assist with design, photography, illustration, and translation projects to increase our storytelling impact and improve accessibility of our materials. A small stipend is provided per project. For examples of projects and stipends, check out this informational deck and fill out the interest form.

  • A sample of a script

    Script Reading Committee

    We read each of our students’ stories to ensure the quality of our curriculum, share them with our supporters, and select a few each year to highlight at the Biggest Show. Members of the SRC read 40-50 stories per semester, and fill out a short reading report. Applications for the SRC are open!