We are excited to announce Meghan Dixon as the June Volunteer of the Month. Read how Meghan found  826NYC, how she used her theatre and teaching background to connect to our young authors and some of her special superpowers below!

1. How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?

I first got involved with 826NYC thanks to an initiative started by my company encouraging employees to donate some of their office hours by volunteering in the community. Before working in theater in NYC I taught English in Taiwan and served as a live-in tutor at a residential academic program in Cleveland, OH. I was drawn to 826NYC for the opportunity to work with young scholars, particularly on their creative writing skills! I was lucky enough to volunteer weekly at the in-school program in East Harlem for two years and currently thrilled to be working with students in the online workshops.

2. What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

My favorite part of volunteering at 826NYC has always been the opportunity to see students develop and grow as confident scholars and writers. I’m so grateful to get to work with many of the same students each week, I’m constantly in awe of their creativity and talent!

3. What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

I’m a marketer for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows (when we’re not in a shutdown!). I’ve worked for many years on the show Come From Away among other titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Prom, Puffs, and currently Girl From the North Country. I also have a podcast with my friend Holly called Thesis on Joan, I’m a big fan of yoga, a member of multiple books clubs, and an avid at-home cook!

4. What are your superpowers?

Broadway Lyric Recall, Book Binge-Reading, Irish Soda Bread Baking

5. What advice would you give to a new volunteer?

Let the students help guide the learning and chase their ideas. A session might not always fit into what you had planned, but through participation and creative input, the students will have even greater ownership over their learning. Oh, and of course have fun!

You can find Meghan on Instagram at @meghanmdixon!