What do YOU imagine for 2016?
In light of the new year, we asked 826LA staff to share one thing–or two–they imagine for 2016. Here is what they had to say:
JOEL ARQUILLOS, Executive Director:
“In 2016 I’d love to ensure we have even more volunteers signed up to support our students and to deepen the work we do with them. That’s one of our new strategic plan goals, and I’m very committed to getting that accomplished!”
ALEJANDRA CASTILLO, Mar Vista Program Assistant:
“In 2016, I am excited to see how far our students go in their academic, personal, and creative goals. I can already see them growing, learning, and becoming insightful, determined kids.”
EMILIE COULSON, Grants Manager:
“In 2016, I imagine highlighting the stories of high school students almost ready for college who have benefitted from 826LA’s programs for years and are now confident and ready to take on what’s next.”
MIKE DUNBAR, Mar Vista Program Coordinator:
“In his memoir, Education of a Wandering Man, writer Louis L’Amour talks about the essential role reading played in his unorthodox education, and challenges his readers who are really serious about pursuing a self-styled education to read fifty non-fiction books in a year. So in an attempt to expand my horizons, my goal for 2016 is to take Louie up on that challenge. First on the list: Encounters with the Archdruid by David McPhee about the environmentalist David Brower.”
PEDRO ESTRADA, Echo Park Program Assistant:
“In 2016, I hope we can partner with more local community organizations in our workshops! These partnerships would deepen on our work with community and better serve under-resourced students.”
CAROLYN GAN, Development Director:
“In 2016, I imagine 826LA sharing Los Angeles students’ writing on a BIG stage at this year’s Tell Me A Story event (stay tuned for details!).”
MARISA URRUTIA GEDNEY, Echo Park Director of Education:
“In 2016, I hope to see college courses across California and the U.S. using We Are Alive When We Speak For Justice in curriculum when studying social justice and equity in education.”
HECTOR HERNANDEZ, Mar Vista Program Assistant:
“2016: the year our middle and high school students start to take initiative in their learning and are not afraid to try new things. I’ve seen progress in some students so far, but I want students to not be afraid or intimidated to ask for help when they need it. Bonus: have our older students volunteer their time to come and tutor the young ones.”
LAUREN HUMPHREY, Mar Vista Volunteer Manager:
“I’m looking forward to 2016 being the year of the volunteer: improving and deepening the volunteer experience here through new trainings, new materials, and new Centaur Club programs!”
BIRTE KLUG, Mar Vista Programs Manager:
“In 2016, I imagine students at Locke Academy in Watts learning about, understanding, and reflecting upon the uprising that took place in their community in 1992. They will use writing as therapy, to compare and contrast sociopolitical issues that persist today, and publish a book of poetry, short stories, and screenplays that interpret their reflections.”
MARIESA ARRAÑAGA KUBASEK, Echo Park Volunteer Coordinator:
“For 2016, I imagine a thriving community of volunteers, who continue to feel supported by us and also empowered to collaborate, learn from, and share with each other.”
SARAH LANCASTER, Store Coordinator:
“In 2016, I imagine the Time Travel Marts entering into a vibrant new age, attracting visitors from near and far. Mammoth chunks and leeches for everyone!”
ERIN LASHWAY, VISTA Marketing & Communications Assistant:
“In 2016, I imagine telling as many of the inspiring stories of 826LA students as possible, and sharing their imaginations with the world! Also, I imagine taking plenty of road trips.”
KRISTIN LOREY, Director of Programs:
“In 2016, I imagine 826LA being a second home to our students, a place where they can explore their imaginations and creativity, and a safe harbor for whatever they’re going through. I imagine our staff and volunteers being happy and healthy and ready to take on the challenges of a new, exciting, and full year!”
DIANA MOLLEDA, Design Manager:
“In 2016, I imagine continuing to honor our students work with thoughtful designs, a new 826LA website, and a stronger brand for both 826LA and the Time Travel Mart.”
KENNY NG, Echo Park Program Assistant:
“In 2016, I imagine new volunteers creating new relationships with our students that will continue to produce new stories in our writing lab(s) every day. I see 826LA as a place that will support and inspire both our students and our volunteers to be aware of and active in their local communities, and to become allies and voices in the future of education.”
JULIUS DIAZ PAGORIÑGAN, Mar Vista Director of Education:
“In 2016, I imagine students and families and volunteers giving more of themselves than ever before—and that increased engagement benefiting everyone at 826LA.”
EMMANUEL PORTILLO, Echo Park Program Coordinator:
“In 2016, I am excited to see our students grow into strong, empowered, and confident writers. The progress I’ve seen with our students this year fills me with joy and optimism for what is in store next year.”
MICHAEL REYES, VISTA Volunteer Outreach & Retention Assistant:
“In 2016, I imagine retaining the volunteers who just started with helping our students become published writers. I’m also looking forward to being published for the first time ever in the Tia Chucha Press anthology Coiled Serpent: Poets Arising from the Cultural Quakes & Shifts in Los Angeles.
JOSHUA RUSHING, VISTA Manual Arts In-School Assistant:
“In 2016, I imagine that the Writers’ Room at Manual Arts High School will continue to thrive with students developing their writing skills. Also, I imagine a strong consistent volunteer base at Manual Arts that will become connected to the school community. Finally, I imagine a positive connection between 826LA, Manual Arts, and USC to develop a wonderful partnership.”
T SARMINA, VISTA Manual Arts In-School Assistant:
“In 2016, I imagine having an after-school creative writing program at Manual Arts High School. Students will work on writing poetry, story-telling, will use writing as a tool for social justice and healing. I can imagine poets and writers coming in from the community–maybe Juan Felipe Herrera. We could work on a collective poem, both with students voices and the voices of volunteers so that we are all engaging in our stories and connecting through written words.”
ANNIE VOUGHT, Development Coordinator:
“In 2016, I imagine sharing the stories of more students with more supporters than ever before. Every time a donor or ally in the community hears from 826LA, they will be impressed anew with why it feels so good (and matters so much) to support these young authors!”
Your gift not only helps 826LA to set goals and grow in our imaginations, but paves the way for the future of our students. With your support, 826LA will bring our creative, inspiring, free educational programs to thousands of students in 2016 and for years to come.
Click here to make your tax-deductible donation today.