We're excited to have you volunteer with 826NYC! To help you become the best volunteer you can be, we've assembled some resources to help you on your journey. On this page, you'll find anything from how to support students through story revision or cyberbullying, to additional writing prompts in case they aren't feeling inspired!
We also have a monthly newsletter on a different topic called the Justice & Equity Learning Series! You can catch up on previous topics here!
We sometimes provide professional development training throughout the year with our Justice & Equity Dialogues. These training events are free for all 826NYC volunteers and educators in our community! Keep an eye on your inbox for information on how to RSVP to our next event.
Have questions or a resource you think might be helpful? Email us at volunteer@826nyc.org!
Orientation Deck - the slideshow that we go through during the volunteer orientation
Volunteer Handbook - rules and legal stuff for your new role with 826NYC
Go Pass Data Sheet - information we need to run your background check
Volunteer Agreement Form - A copy of the volunteer agreement form
Grade-appropriate Responses to Bias - how to engage with students of different ages who use harmful language
Working with Minors: Boundaries - establishing boundaries is important when working with students
Volunteer Toolkit - Your volunteer toolkit to utilize during programs, in digital form!
Suggested Questions for Books & Mentor Texts Use or adapt these questions to lead group discussions or have one-on-one conversations with students about what they have read
Volunteer Station Toolkit Your one-stop-shop for in-the-moment resources—from writing prompts, to story generators, to supporting reluctant writers!
Volunteer Tips for Working with English Language Learners A great resource from 826 Valencia on how to support students who are English Language Learners
Behavior Management Major Takeaways Our philosophy towards supporting students through challenging situations and behavior.
Tips & Tricks for Supporting Students We've all had those days when a student just can't stay focused. Here's a toolkit for positively guiding students to productive behavior.
The Teacher as a Warm Demander The warm demander is an educator who provides a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, which allows them to set clear and consistent expectations while still building a positive relationship. Here are some tools for becoming a warm demander!
The Future of Our Schools While 826NYC is a third space—neither home nor school—it's helpful to know the experiences of our students, that way we can provide an environment that's safe physically, emotionally, and creatively.
On 'Spirit Murdering' Black & Brown Students In this article, Dr. Bettina Love talks about the 'spirit murdering' going on in our schools. She talks about it as "a slow death, a death of the spirit, a death that is built on racism and intended to reduce, humiliate, and destroy people of color". Learn more about 'spirit murdering' so that you can prevent yourself doing it!
Difficult Conversations Exercise - think through how you would handle a conversation with a student who produced a piece of writing with content that may be cause for concern
A Guide to Bullying A student can be bullied anywhere—here are some tips on how to prevent bullying in the classroom, and how to recognize the signs of someone who is being bullied.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Whether you want to support a student who's questioning their identity or incorporating LGBTQ+ history into your classroom, here's a list of resources on how to support, understand, and lead with compassion!
Supporting Neurodiverse Youth Students have all different learning styles and needs in the classroom. Here's a list of resources on how to support neuroatypical students and utilizing universal design in creating curriculum.
Internet Safety Tips & Cyberbullying Educators and youth-serving professionals may be the first students tell about online bullying or harassment. Here are some best practices for internet safety, as well as how to support a student who may be dealing with cyberbullying.
If a Student Tells You... If a student trusts you to share their experience in an abusive situation, here are some listening skills and phrases you can use. Remember: volunteers are not mandatory reporters, but 826 staff are—if you think a student may be in a dangerous situation, please let staff know immediately.
Supporting Students Online Need a Zoom refresher or advice on a specific scenario? In this slideshow, we've provide guidance on how to best support our students in the virtual space.
E is for Equity: Creating Classrooms for Everyone Learn foundational skills around creating safe & equitable learning spaces and see examples of lesson plans—in online programs and in-person!
New prompt Generator A great tool for motivating writers who aren't feeling inspired by the daily writing prompt!
Writing & Revision Best Practices The 826NYC approach to supporting students through the writing & revision process.
"But I Don't Want to Write!": A Toolkit Nobody wants to write all of the time. Use this toolkit to navigate the days when students struggle to get pen(cil) to paper.
826NYC Publishing Guidelines Important guidelines to keep in mind regarding student safety, anonymity, and difficult writing topics.
Revision Checklist The one stop shop for producing a stellar piece of student writing that showcases their unique voice!
How to be a Great Editor Editing your first chapbook or just need a refresher course? This short guide will touch on all the key points you need to help transform our students into published authors!
826NYC Publishing Style Guide Need a more in-depth guide on publishing or aren't sure about something in a student's story? This guide should answer any question you have!
Book Design Guide Whether you're a new designer working on a book or just can't remember how to make an interactive PDF, this book design guide is here to help.
Book Design Guide (Visual) More of a visual learner? This visual guide contains all the details around designing a book, with lots of great examples!