We’re excited to introduce you to our February Volunteer of the Month, Jack Szwergold! Jack started volunteering with us in 2023 in our summer workshops, and currently goes on imaginative quests in our Dungeons & Dragons & Writers class! Learn more about Jack by reading his interview below:
826NYC: How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?
Jack: I decided to volunteer because ‘Why not?’ I had known about the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. from way, way, way back when there was a McSweeney’s store at 429 7th Avenue in Park Slope. I knew there were volunteer opportunities, and since I ‘work from home’, I figured I would give it a shot to give me a reason to leave the ‘home office’ every now and then.
826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?
Jack: The “never say no” attitude. Pretty much anything and everything students want to do at 826NYC can happen… Within reason! We can’t smash all of the Spotted Lantern Flies in the backyard, but we can try!
826NYC: What do you enjoy most about volunteering in Dungeons & Dragons & Writers?
Jack: Simply being there as a fairly neutral supporter of the game is great. I get to participate in the action without being in the center of the action. Also, my ability to raise a voice of reason when players want to do anything like blow things up or murder everything in sight. It’s just a game but in the end we can’t blow things up and murder everything in sight to solve our problems; we have to work together creatively and cooperatively to solve problems.
826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?
Jack: In my day job, I am a skilled web developer who has worked for Artforum and the Guggenheim Museum. I founded the Onion’s website in 1996 and I currently work for the New School. I also dabble in personal writing in my free time.
826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?
Jack: Try it out and be open towards new experiences. At the worst, at least you tried.
826NYC: What are your superpowers?
Jack: Perception. I’m very good at picking up details others tend to ignore. This helps me out in my day job as well as life in general.
Want to support our students? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!