For the first of my Inspired Monday series, I am featuring an amazing local organization called 826LA, a non-profit writing and tutoring center in Echo Park, LA that I discovered during the recent Citylabs event and just finished a volunteer session with-illustrating for a storytelling field trip for 2nd graders. What exactly is it that earns 826LA an Inspired Project showcase? Well, it hits all three requirements that I feel makes it worthy of some hero-worshipping-namely amazing creativity, passion for work, and last but not least, a genuine desire to help others.
I will start with the top of the checklist. Make no mistake, this is an extremely creative group, from the idea of the Time Travel Mart (scroll and see pictures below) and its fabulous products, to the tutoring center in the back and the way the spaces are designed and put together-definitely inspiring! From the moment you walk in, whether its through the mart at the front, or from the entrance in the back, the space itself to me feels like coming home-a great place to go if you want to conjure up stories of faraway lands and tales of monsters and superheroes! It has warm antique elements, modern design sensitivities, wall to wall bookshelves and radiates with playful wit.
The volunteers and interns that I spoke to during my storytelling illustration have a real passion and belief for what they are doing-helping children learn to appreciate and enjoy the written word. There is care and thought put into to every detail of a simple storytelling 2nd grade field trip-from a basket of sunglasses for posed mugshots of the visiting kids, printed photos and individual ‘approved’ booklets of the stories they all co-wrote, to a booming oz-like voice of the omnipotent Mr Barnacle the Big Boss staged to thrill and captivate the young audience.
I undoubtedly enjoyed my session there, surrounded by so much creative energy and malleable young minds!
I honestly feel that doing remarkable work with passion and a genuine desire to help others is a powerful, powerful combination. There are so many lessons that can be learned from the 826LA approach. Such an interesting combination of programs and products in a non-profit group is definitely a befitting first featurette! Check them out ,volunteer at your next opportunity and be inspired!
