Our troops of dedicated, playful, and brilliant volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Volunteers make our work possible and help us reach over 3,000 students in Chicago each year. Volunteers lead original workshops, design covers for chapbooks of student writing, provide homework support, and serve as lead agents in our storefront.
Whether you are looking to volunteer once a week, once a month, or once a semester, we are thrilled to have your support whenever you can offer it.
For questions, email jillian@826chi.org
Help students with their homework, reading, and writing. Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups during tutoring at 826CHI.
LEARN MORESupport teachers by providing students individualized help with classroom writing projects. Sessions happen in Chicago Public Schools.
LEARN MORESupport students in small groups on writing, drafting, and publishing projects during thematic Field Trips at 826CHI.
LEARN MORESupport students on writing, drafting, and publishing projects in community centers across Chicago.
LEARN MOREServe as an ambassador for 826CHI at fundraisers, volunteer gatherings, student readings, and other events at 826CHI and across Chicago.
LEARN MOREShare the mission and story of 826CHI with visitors to the store while ringing up sales and soliciting donations at the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply.
LEARN MOREDonate your professional Spanish language writing skills to translate student writing, marketing materials, and translate during meetings.
LEARN MORELend your professional design, illustration, photography, and art skills to support a wide variety of online and print projects.
LEARN MOREOffer your professional editing skills to support student publishing projects like the Young Authors Book Project, Chapbooks, or marketing materials.
LEARN MORE
Thank you for helping our students share their stories and become published authors. You let them build critical communication skills and engage with communities throughout our city. Our tuition-free programs depend on people like you who believe in setting youth up for success, regardless of their circumstance.
Make a donation to 826CHI, donating online is easy and secure.
Become a monthly donor, and have Chicago students' brilliance delivered to your door! Sign up yourself or your friend for the Student Writing Delivery Service to receive a student-selected story in your mailbox each month.
You may be able to double or even triple the impact of your support of student writers. Ask your company if they match employee donations or volunteer hours.
We accept gifts of goods and services. Think you have something our students or our organization could use? Check out our wishlist here. Email celia@826chi.org to coordinate a drop-off.
You can make a memorable and lasting gift by including us in your will, wedding or birthday registry, or by donating stock. Email celia@826chi.org for more information.
Does your organization want to partner with 826CHI to support our students, engage your employees, or promote your product? Email celia@826chi.org for more information.
Recommend a gift to 826CHI through your donor-advised fund directly using DAFDirect. If your fund is not supported by this tool, your financial advisor can help you make the gift.
Make checks out to 826CHI and send to:
You've published a book! Fund a professionally printed story collection from the creative minds and pens of Chicago students.
Homework help: Free and individualized support to one student, for one whole year, in our successful After-School Tutoring & Writing program.
English Language Learners: One student learns to embrace language and storytelling in the Word Lab summer camp.
DNA & Superheroes: Transform students into storytelling scientists who conduct a STEM experiment and create superhero poems.
Amplify teen voices: Publish paperback booklets with the memoirs of a full class of Chicago teens.
College access: Offer a high-school senior a one-on-one college essay writing session.
Help us provide a safe, clean, and bright writing hide-out, with a roof, heat, AC, water, electricity, and quality writing materials.
We will not accept support from funders of whom we know that they, in their constitution or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, political affiliation, race, national origin, immigration status, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
826CHI is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. Our IRS nonprofit identification number is 30-0248920
826CHI seeks a group of enthusiastic, dedicated interns for semester or yearlong terms who will collaborate with our staff, volunteers, and fellow interns. Interns participate in all aspects of 826CHI and have the opportunity to conduct individual projects based on personal skills and interests.
826CHI seeks a group of enthusiastic, dedicated interns for semester or yearlong terms who will collaborate with our staff, volunteers, and fellow interns. Interns participate in all aspects of 826CHI and have the opportunity to conduct individual projects based on personal skills and interests.
826CHI interns commit to 15-25 hours per week of experience in one of the focus areas listed below. In addition to their focus areas, all interns assist in our programs, our storefront (the Secret Agent Supply), at our front desk, and at 826CHI events.
Intern focus areas include the following:
After School Tutoring & Writing
Field Trips
In-School Programs & Workshops
Publications
Illustration/Design
Non-Profit Development
Non-Profit Management
Marketing & Communications
Volunteer Management & Recruitment
Social Enterprise
Program Recruitment (Summer)
Curriculum Development (Summer)
Email Volunteer Leadership at jillian@826chi.org with any questions.
Our Associate Board is a group of volunteers committed to spreading awareness of 826CHI’s mission, organizing multiple fundraisers throughout the year (including an annual cocktail gala), and financially supporting the organization.
Associate Board membership is a unique way to contribute to a better Chicago while strengthening personal leadership skills. It comes with memorable social events, the opportunity to volunteer in support of our students, and meaningful relationships with fellow young professionals.
Email celia@826chi.org to find out about our next open house and application process.
All chapters of the 826 Network were named in GOOD Magazine’s 30 Places We Want to Work. If you are interested in working at 826CHI, stay tuned for future opportunities!
There are currently no positions available but when ones open up we will post listings here.
826CHI is looking for four Teaching Artists to facilitate our Teen Writers Studio program. Two Teaching Artists will co-facilitate in the Gage Park neighborhood at a host school and two other Teaching Artists will co-facilitate in the Bronzeville neighborhood at a host school. The four Teaching Artists will be responsible for curriculum preparation and modification, facilitation, and checking in with the 826CHI Publishing Programs Coordinator weekly for 30 minutes. This is a contracted opportunity. Teen Writers Studio program is a 15-week creative writing program facilitated after school in neighborhood schools, from October 2022-May 2023 In person on Tuesdays from 4:30-6pm. This project is artistically designed to encourage unique and personal storytelling, promote student creativity, and results in a professionally designed publication featuring students’ original writing.
There are currently no positions available but when ones open up we will post listings here.
The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for supporting the mission of 826CHI by supporting the organization’s volunteer community and program. The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with the Community Engagement Manager to manage external communication and coordination of volunteer opportunities and trainings, and to support volunteer recruitment efforts and to deliver 826CHI’s New Volunteer Orientation. The Volunteer Coordinator collaborates with other 826CHI departments to understand and support 826CHI’s various volunteer needs. An effective Volunteer Coordinator aligns with organizational values and understands the mission of 826CHI and its programs, and serves as an enthusiastic, effective advocate and ambassador of these programs within the community.
As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826CHI recognizes the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order to build and maintain the safe, supportive environment in which great leaps of learning occur, we commit to inclusion: We will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, military service or disability.
