Volunteer for Writopia Lab’s Joy and Literacy in Afterschool program!

What is the Joy and Literacy in Afterschool Program?

Writopia Lab is a nonprofit organization that runs creative writing workshops for kids and teens from all backgrounds. We are seeking supportive and enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for creative writing to serve as mentors for our Joy and Literacy in Afterschool program (JLA).

The JLA, a collaboration between Writopia Lab and the Pinkerton Foundation, is designed to share Writopia’s unique, effective, and joyous creative writing workshop methods with afterschool programs serving students from low-income backgrounds throughout Manhattan. The program offers volunteers a chance to learn the Writopia teaching method and enrich their teaching experience by working side-by-side with Writopia Instructors and afterschool staff in various afterschool programs.

Requirements:

Volunteers should be supportive, enthusiastic, and thoughtful published or professional writers or students of writing. We are looking for volunteers who will take young writers seriously, who will be invested in young writers’ work, and provide positive guidance and mentorship. Experience working with students in english or creative writing, or with middle school-aged students is a plus, but not required.

When:

Workshops take place in afterschool programs throughout Manhattan (at schools, after school centers, etc.). Workshop sessions meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday and start in October 2017 and end in early June 2018. Applicants will be asked to attend 10 sessions throughout the school year as well as 1.5 hours of training with Writopia Lab staff

How to Apply:

If you are interested in participating in the Joy and Literacy in Afterschool program, please submit your resume and 500 -1000 word writing sample that helps us understand why you want to help young students become better, more confident writers through this short form. This can be a story, an essay, or a personal statement, feel free to be creative.

Application Period: Until position is filled