Program Spotlight: About 826 New Orleans

At 826 New Orleans, young writers ages 6-18 become published authors. Since starting in 2010, the organization (formerly Big Class) has published work from over 5,000 young people on everything from social justice issues to king cake. 826 New Orleans believes that young voices matter. They believe writing skills give you agency to change the world.

The Young Writers’ Council is their signature teen program. Each year, a select group of high schoolers creates two books on topics of their choosing. The group works together to write, edit, design, and publicize the book. Last fall, the Young Writers’ Council explored mental health issues, writing about their own personal experiences as well as featuring interviews with peers, family members, and mental healthcare professionals. The book is called This Is My Happy Face, and it sold out twice, shipping copies all over the country and even internationally! This year’s book will focus on representation in the media.

The Young Writers’ Council sells their books in the 826 New Orleans bookstore, located in the 7th Ward, and on their website. All proceeds from the books go back to the Young Writers’ Council members themselves.

826 New Orleans also offers after-school programs, workshops, book projects with local schools, and other partnerships that encourage young writers to share their voices.

Publications by the 826 New Orleans Young Writers’ Council include a book on mental health and a literary magazine.

Interested in the Young Writers’ Council?

826 New Orleans will start building out the next Young Writers’ Council in April. Follow them on social media and their website to find out when applications are open. To apply, you’ll need to submit a writing sample and participate in an interview with the 826 team.

Where to find 826 New Orleans

826neworleans.org
@826neworleans on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
The 826 New Orleans Youth Writing Center is located at 1750 St. Bernard Ave.