Feb
12
(posted by Mallory)
Hello!
As Program Assistant, one of my duties is overseeing the recruitment, training and introduction of new volunteers and interns into the program. Each month, I zip around to the coffeehouses of St. Paul, eager to meet with prospective volunteers and community members interested in The Lab model. Talking to the diverse array of people who have heard about our program, sometimes only through this website, has become one of my favorite parts of this work…
As I divide my work week between our various school sites, meetings with volunteers and my cubicle, I ‘ve gained an interesting vantage point on how others view and experience The Lab. Each meeting is a learning experience for me, and I am better able to hone my own understanding of why The Lab is an exciting, innovative and much-needed program for many populations.
I believe this because I’m able see that at every level, whether its a group of students coming together for a Visual Lab or an interested community member reading through the most recent Poetry Lab anthology, The Lab promotes a sense of community; by bonding people cross-culturally through words and art; by promoting the idea that creative expression is one of the best ways to build community.
I’m pleased to report that, since September, we have welcomed thirteen new volunteer mentors and interns to our program. At last week’s Mentor Gathering, I felt very fortunate to look out among the faces that make up The Lab’s most important asset for community building– compassionate adults who care enough to show up and support our students.
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