Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament event supporting 826DC’s programs, returns on Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC! Learn more and sign up here.

We’re Hiring: Development & Communications Manager

826DC seeks a highly motivated self-starter to join our team as Development and Communications Manager, leading or overseeing social media channels, low- to mid-level giving campaigns, earned income revenue programs, and some special events. The ideal candidate will have a collaborative and can-do attitude, the ability to design collateral and implement dynamic and public-facing events, and experience with social media outreach and marketing. This person will report directly to the Director of Development and manages Communications intern(s), as needed, and Salesforce experience is a plus.

Who You Are

To be successful in this job, you will excel in three areas:

– Project management skills:  You will have a demonstrated track record of success in managing projects from conception to execution at a high-performing organization.
– Creative execution and communication skills: The 826 brand calls for a playful quip—and this position needs it in abundance. You’ll have a significant role in maintaining our high level of brand/design standards, which means a discerning eye is required.
– Interpersonal ability and a strong lens on issues of equity: Our small staff values equity and inclusion, and you must bring a commitment to build trust and goodwill in a diverse community. Prior experience in the nonprofit sector and with managing others would be a plus, but not a requirement. You need to fit well with our culture, demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and an innate humor!

See full position details here.

Interested in this position? Please email cover letter and résumé to areesah@826dc.org by May 18, 2018. Expected start date for this position is July 13, 2018.

 

Support Young Writers With Your Nats Ticket

Did you know that it’s possible to support our youth writing programs whenever you see the Washington Nationals play ball? Use our special discount code “826DC” all season long to direct a portion of your ticket purchase to our programs. Here’s how you can use the code:

1.       Go to www.nationals.com/vip

2.       Identify game of choice

3.       Enter coupon code “826DC”

4.       Select price option and checkout

Questions? Want to organize a game with fellow volunteers? Reach out to us anytime at info@826dc.org. *Please note that the code will not be active for the Red Sox series (7/2 – 7/4) or the Yankees series (5/15 – 5/16). We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you’ll join us for any other game this season.

Paddlestar Success!

On Sunday, friends of 826DC gathered at Pearl Street Warehouse to witness the annual extravaganza that is Paddlestar Galactica: A Ping-Pong Tournament Benefiting 826DC. Now in its sixth year, the bracket-style tournament attracts over 20 teams of fundraising players and a growing number of local business sponsors. This year we moved to a bigger venue and had more teams compete than ever before. Special congratulations to Team Cornerstone Research for winning top prizes, and Team “You’ve Got Another Ping Coming” for winning best costume with their tribute to hair metal.

With help from our matching partners The Kimsey Foundation and Catherine Wakelyn, players managed to raise over $70,000 through our sixth annual Paddlestar. Giving pages are still open if you’d like to contribute. We’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, fearless competitors, and countless other individuals who contributed to making this event a tremendous success!

Until next year,

Team Paddlestar Galactica

Meet Volunteer of the Month Karen Sirker

How did you first hear about 826DC? What motivated you to get involved?

I first heard about 826DC through my former employer, the World Bank (WB), which has a community outreach program called “Community Connections”.  The work at the World Bank is to help reduce poverty in developing countries around the world.  Since its headquarters is in DC, it encourages its staff to volunteer in the metropolitan area and provides a list of vetted NGOs.   After spending my career working in other countries, I wanted to work in my adopted hometown of DC and with kids.  I had also been taking a number of courses in creative writing and loved how telling stories can transform lives.  When I saw the description of 826DC on the WB list, I knew that I had found a new home.

Tell us about your favorite moment working with an 826DC student.

Working with the 826DC team and the kids has been a constant source of joy and adventure.  Kids are naturally creative and it is pleasure to see how they respond to the 826DC program activities. So far I have worked with students in advocacy writing to create podcasts – from developing the themes, writing the scripts, choosing their roles as host and guests to recording the podcast.  It gave the students a great deal of confidence by enhancing evidence-based writing skills. They also shared personal experiences which other students in their class can relate to and bond over. I loved watching the students overcome their fear to record the podcast.  It really built their self-esteem.  One of favorite podcasts was on the pros and cons of having siblings. It is so informative, funny and honest.

What’s one unusual thing on your desk right now?

A very unusual thing on my desk is a book that I am reading:  Your Brain on Ink:  A Workbook on Neuroplasticity and the Journal Ladder by Deborah Ross and Kathleen Adams. The book is for an online course  that I am taking from the Therapeutic Writing Institute in Colorado. The basic premise is that writing has the power to heal. I am interested in using writing and creative expression to help facilitate healing, personal development, academic improvement and lasting behavioral change for kids that have experienced difficulties.

What are you most looking forward to in this moment?

At the moment, I am looking forward to developing my own 826DC workshop that I can offer to the kids on the weekend.

Any advice for folks who are considering volunteering?

For anyone interested in volunteering with 826DC, I would say to be ready to laugh, to learn, and to be challenged, surprised and inspired.  Most importantly, you will make a difference in many students’ lives whether through helping them improve their writing or listening to personal experiences and problems. 826DC has wonderful and committed staff and volunteers. When you are in class, it is team effort between the 826DC staff, fellow volunteers, the teachers and students.  It is a perfect creative storm.