Do you know our short video called Ostriches?
A few years ago, we worked with a film company to bring several of our Inksters’ pieces to life. One of these was Ostriches – based on the whimsical short story by youth writer Julio Gonzalez, and still one of our most popular videos. If you haven’t seen it, you should! (Watch here.)
We recently sat down with 916 Ink rockstar volunteer Cindy Domasky, who told us that originally, Julio hadn’t even planned on including the piece in the book that was published from his 916 Ink workshop. Cindy, who had been a volunteer in Julio’s classroom, told us, “When I told him I would be disappointed, he changed his mind and included it. Imagine my surprise - and his - when it was chosen for a short film clip. Julio's father was so impressed that he was chosen. I'm so happy Julio changed his mind.”
This moment highlights the power that our volunteers can have in the classroom! When young writers have adults listen to them and take their words seriously, it has a lasting impact on youths’ self-esteem and confidence.
Cindy has been with 916 Ink since the earliest days of the program. She had just retired, and a friend who knew of her love of reading shared the program with her. When asked what drew her to volunteering, she told us she hadn’t written regularly in some time, but she loved the idea of working with young kids and the idea of writing and reading with them.
But what kept her coming back? “I was amazed at the stories, the fun, the earnestness of the writing. I loved the program, the positive feedback, the writing community that forms as each member of the group becomes comfortable with his/her own words.”
What’s so powerful and special about 916 Ink? Cindy shared, “I love watching the writers grow and listening to them read their own pieces, and learn to give positive feedback.”
If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, we have many roles - from reading tutor, to guest editor, to helping to type up student writing. Learn more here!
