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This Non-Profit Is Helping Young People Find Their Voice and Bring Their Stories to Life
Despite shuttered schools and social distancing, staff and volunteers are finding ways to stay connected and get stories told.
Based in Los Angeles, Young Storytellers is a non-profit devoted to empowering students across the U.S. “We help young people tell their stories and see them brought to life on stage. Well, previously on stage, now via video,” laughs Jaylene Chung, the development and engagement coordinator.
For nearly five years, she’s had a front-row seat to witness the power that storytelling, mentorship, and engagement can have on kids. From the first interview, Jaylene knew it was a great fit, seeing how passionate executive director Bill Thompson was about the program. “Bill is one of the most amazing bosses I’ve ever had,” she says. “He’s the type of leader who extends leadership to everyone.”
Bill originally began as a volunteer in 2006, but quickly realized his time at Young Storytellers was more fulfilling than his job in the entertainment industry. Now, he’s focused on reaching more students and growing their connections with schools across the U.S. The Young Storytellers program works with teachers to identify students who could use a creative outlet or a chance to shine, and mentors them as they write and create their own stories. Then, the students watch as professional actors bring their words to life on stage.
With school closures and pandemic protocols in place, the staff and volunteers have scrambled to adjust their approach. “In the beginning, like a lot of people, we were hoping it would be temporary,” Jaylene explains. “So we were initially going off of what all of our school districts and teachers were doing.”
Over time, they’ve adjusted their approach, attempting to provide the same benefits in a digital space. “We also offered a collaborative program. Instead of a classroom full of students each writing their own story, they all wrote a story together, which actually turned out to be really cool for them. I think something our students really missed was interaction with their peers,” Jaylene says. It’s been amazing for her to see the students encourage one another, work collaboratively, and lift up one another’s ideas.
Bill is one of the most amazing bosses I’ve ever had. He’s the type of leader who extends leadership to everyone.”– Jaylene Chung
“It’s been a really great way to stretch ourselves creatively, to grow as a team, and refuse to take ‘no’ as an answer in the face of all of these different challenges,” she continues. “And I think it’s really paid off. Our students have a great time and the volunteers have a great time, even more than I was expecting.”
“We’re still accomplishing the same learning objectives, and I think that this has pushed us to grow in strategic areas that before, in the ‘real world’, we didn’t have time for,” Jaylene explains. Previously, Young Storytellers wanted to create a toolkit of resources for schools where they don’t have staff on the ground. “But now, because of the physical barriers, we’re working on those things anyway,” she says. “That means we can extend our reach beyond what we thought we could do, and in a quicker time frame, which is really exciting.”
This story is part of a powerful series highlighting the hope and resilience of small businesses and non-profits across America. Whether your business is well-established or just starting out, U.S. Bank has all the banking tools and support you need to keep your business dreams alive and thriving.
