Welcome, volunteers!
Looking for calendars, volunteer guides, or additional resources? You got it!
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Work with the next generation of Twin Cities readers and writers through our after-school, field trip, and in-school programs.
Want to get involved? Fill out our Volunteer Application using the link below.
If you’re interested in volunteering, leading a workshop, or partnering with 826 MSP in any way, please attend a new volunteer orientation. All volunteers are required to attend orientation before working with students. Upcoming orientation dates can be found on our calendar. While some programs are returning in-person, 826 MSP will continue to offer virtual volunteer orientations for everyone’s safety and convenience.
Volunteer qualifications include:
passion for working with and learning alongside students
desire to build healthy relationships and learning skills
consistency and reliability
enthusiasm for affirming students' identities, strengths, and imagination
experience in (or willingness to learn about) working with students of color
and anti-racist educational practices
Do I have to be an expert in all school subjects to volunteer?
No. Volunteers are not expected to have all the answers. What's most important is that you can work alongside students to help them find success.
Do I have to be a professional writer to volunteer?
No. 826 MSP believes everyone is a writer — students and grown-ups alike!
826 MSP requires all in-person volunteers to be fully vaccinated.
This includes volunteers for the Writers’ Room and After-School Writing Lab programs, and some Field Trip positions.
Questions? Email aminah@826msp.org.
Program Opportunities:
After-School Writing Lab (in-person)
Mondays–Thursdays, 4–6 p.m.
826 MSP asks After-School Writing Lab volunteers to commit to one regular 2-hour shift per week.
Storytelling & Bookmaking Field Trips (in-person with virtual options)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
2-hour sessions between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Young Authors’ Book Project (Urban Academy, St. Paul)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3–4:30 p.m.
Writers’ Room @ South High School (in-person)
Mondays–Thursdays, 9:30–10:30, 10:30–12:00, 12:30–2:00, 2:00–4:00.
826 MSP asks Writers’ Room volunteers to commit to one regular shift per week.
Creative Writing Workshops
Dates and times vary
826 MSP supports volunteers with:
Volunteer orientation, so you know what to expect when working with students
Justice & Equity Dialogues (JEDi), where volunteers, staff, and other partners gather virtually to learn and discuss a topic related to justice and equity at 826 MSP
Ongoing opportunities for reflection (and celebration!)