September 2025 Newsletter: Making Sense of the World This School Year
We’ve been hard at work, preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. But along with the usual excitement of back-to-school supplies, dread of impending homework, and preparation of lesson plans, there remains an underlying current of fear in and out of classrooms. Immigration raids continue being carried out as a threat and force in our community, and our young storytellers tell us this struggle has been here before.
FRANK
Your papers?
LOLA
No Tengo Mis Papeles Señor.
FRANK
Come with me.
Frank takes her along with all the other people who don’t
have papers to go to La Migra jail.
INT. LA MIGRA JAIL - NOON
Everyone is scared. It’s very crowded. Lola is in a jail cell going around in circles.
After reading this excerpt from a 5th grade student's story, Papers Fixed, in 2018, it has stayed with me ever since. Papers Fixed has a happy, hopeful ending, and though it shows just a small peek into what mattered to that student, I’m glad that Young Storytellers provided an outlet for that hope.
When a student enters a Young Storytellers space, they’re not just learning the mechanics of story structure or playing games. They’re learning real tools and skills to make sense of the world and sharing their ideas, fears, and dreams with others.
The task to support brave young storytellers is not easy, and we can’t do it alone—each of our programs needs volunteers to help these young people get their words and truths on the page.
Young Storytellers is committed to serving our students and families throughout hard and heavy times.
It just takes one hour a week for nine weeks to volunteer as a Young Storytellers mentor. No educational or professional writing experience necessary, we’ll provide all the training and support to help your journey.
Never Volunteered?
Sign up for a Volunteer Info Session to learn about the program, what to expect as a volunteer, and ask any questions.
Returning to the Classroom?
Visit our Volunteer Portal to explore schools and schedules. You can select the sites that fit your needs and we’ll take it from there.
Can’t Commit?
If you can’t commit to the full nine weeks, you can still be a substitute mentor! We send out requests for substitutes on an as-needed basis, and location will vary. You must have already volunteered as a Young Storytellers mentor.
Save the Date!
Psst… Biggest Show, our annual fundraiser and celebration is just around the corner on Wednesday, October 29 at the United Theater on Broadway, and you’ll definitely want to stay tuned for what we have brewing.
Help us by sponsoring the event or sharing it with someone who you know can! Contact us for a sponsorship deck and next steps.
As always, thank you for helping us amplify the bold, inspiring, brave, and emerging voices of Young Storytellers everywhere, especially in such a crucial time.
We look forward to carrying out this important work together and continuing to foster brave spaces for our students.
