Dear 826LA community,
The past few weeks, we have found ourselves in a devastating and overwhelming time of violence, racism, and anger, causing many of us to reflect on what we stand for, what we work toward, and how we do that work. We would like to take this opportunity to share that 826LA is committed to acknowledging and addressing the way our work intersects with Los Angeles’ vast inequalities, and stands for building diverse and inclusive environments for our students, our volunteers, our staff, and all within our community.
826LA and other chapters within the 826 National network were created in part to address educational inequalities. When human rights are in question, our mission to empower young voices is even more vital. For this reason, 826LA stands in solidarity with advocates for the equal treatment of all people, especially those who have been marginalized.
Writing is a tool for agency and empowerment. In our summer programs, we are inviting students to reimagine a world that is safe and fair through writing prompts and activities. When the school year begins, we will continue these conversations with teachers, schools, and our larger community, offering support to writing projects centered around students processing violence in the news and their communities.
When there are instances of violence and injustice, oftentimes feelings of helplessness and anxiety follow. How can we make a world that is safer and fairer? At 826LA, we start with writing. Writing opens minds, hearts, and doors. We invite you to come sit side-by-side with our students as they search for answers and discover themselves. In doing so, you will be making a positive difference in students’ lives and in the world. Help us work toward our goal of having each and every student leave our space knowing that their story is important and that their voice is being heard.
If you are already registered as an 826LA volunteer, please sign up for English Language Learner (ELL) Camp, a workshop, or a personal statement training. If you have been considering volunteering but haven’t done so yet, come join this powerful group of people who are working towards educational equity and justice and supporting each other in the process. We hope you will take this opportunity to learn more about volunteering at 826LA. Visit these helpful links below for working with young people and for your own self:
Helpful links for working with young people:
- During this time, we return to The 826 Stand, a document written by 826 National’s CEO Gerald Richards, and vetted by members of each 826 chapter. The 826 Stand is our position on issues of inclusion and diversity. We hope The 826 Stand will be one of the resources that supports you now and in the future.
- A template with prompts for writing, coloring, and doodling.
- An excerpt from “A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools” by The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
- Talking With Kids About News by PBS.
- An article from a child psychologist about Talking Racism, Police Brutality, and Protests with Children.
- A list of tips for helping children cope with acts of violence by the National Association of School Psychologists.
- An older article on Coping with Tragedy (written after Virginia Tech), but nonetheless helpful parallels can be drawn.
- Managing Traumatic Stress in the face of terrorism.
Helpful links for your own self:
- We Can Help Each Other Cope: One Simple Way to Be With Each Other Through Pain Right Now.
- Caring For Each Other After Violence: 4 Things We Can Do To Create Trauma-Informed Communities in Our Schools, Organizations, and Activist Groups.
- Template for Wellness Planning Breaking Isolation: Self Care and Community Tools.
- Managing Grief Guidebook for coping with grief and loss at school.
- College Student Mental Health Resources.
- 17 Poems to Read When the World is Too Much.
- Other poets: Christopher “Loma” Soto, Andrea Gibson, Juan Felipe Herrera, Ross Gay, Franny Choi, and Ashaki M. Jackson.
If you have any questions, please email me directly. Thank you for being a part of our community.
Respectfully yours,
Joel Arquillos
Executive Director