We’re excited to introduce you to our September Volunteer of the Month, Matt Kane!

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

I first heard about 826NYC through the creative writing program I was enrolled in. A friend of mine was already a volunteer and couldn’t have recommended it more highly, and I was really excited by the opportunity to spend time with brilliant young writers.

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

I love the community that makes up 826NYC. The students and staff and other volunteers make it a really special environment, and I think it’s amazing that students have this space to grow as writers and connect with each other and be creative and silly and themselves. Every time I volunteer I’m reminded of how much I would have loved to have a writing community like this when I was young, and I’m grateful to get to make up for it now!

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of Write After School?

Seeing the students’ stories come to life. It’s awesome to get to spend each week with the same group and see different sides of their writing and personalities as we move from unit to unit, and the students (and Ms. Amani!) make every class surprising and fun.

826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

I’m mostly using the skills I pick up from 826NYC’s student writers to write stories of my own, reading as much as possible, running through the park, and (slowly) adjusting to post-student life in NYC.

826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?

It’s such a welcoming community, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, so the more you can take advantage and get to know everyone as much as possible the better.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

I like to tell the students that my superpower is mind reading, which inevitably prompts them to ask me what they’re thinking, and I get to accurately respond that they’re thinking I’m a liar. It works every time.

Want to support our students this fall? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!