Volunteer

You’ve moved to Los Angeles and want to give back. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, learn about our writing community, and maintain your positive attitude. Here are some places to consider volunteering.

WriteGirl

WriteGirl is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that pairs girls who want to write with women writers who mentor them. Yep, it’s that simple and brilliant.

Each year, WriteGirl sponsors workshops, panel discussions, and other events to encourage teen girls to be creative, get through high school, and get into college. Their website touts that since 2001, 100 percent of their graduating seniors have been accepted to college, and many have received partial or full scholarships!

If you want help the next gen of women writers, check out WriteGirl.

Young Storytellers Foundation

The Young Storytellers Foundation helps public school students learn and enjoy filmmaking starting in the fifth grade. Students learn through mentoring, collaboration, and performance. These young storytellers not only get to write their stories but also get to see their works come to life on stage and screen, often with professional actors.

This program is provided free of charge to the Los Angeles Public Schools system. In many cases, young storytellers who have gone on to college return to the program and become mentors themselves.

If you want to empower young storytellers, check out this worthwhile program.

American Cinematheque

If you love the moving image, you may love volunteering for the American Cinematheque. The American Cinematheque is a nonprofit, viewer-supported film and video exhibition organization that operates both the Grauman’s Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and the Aero Theater in Santa Monica. These theaters exhibit diverse programming, including tributes to legendary filmmakers and actors past and present, premieres of new films, and iconic films on the big screen. If you want to see Rear Window, La Dolce Vita, a screening of local short films, documentaries, or a tribute to, say, Bradley Cooper – the American Cinematheque has you covered. You can share your enthusiasm and skills with other cinephiles and support the art of filmmaking. Plus, you can make industry contacts and maybe meet some stars. Get details about volunteering here.

The Egyptian is one of my favorite theaters in L.A. It’s simply gorgeous, and they screen magnificent prints of films old and new. Definitely check out this theater. If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can become a member of the American Cinematheque. Membership has great perks and supports this outstanding organization.

L.A. Works

Want to know about even more volunteer opportunities in the Los Angeles area? Check out L.A. Works. L.A. Works is a nonprofit volunteer action center that helps connect volunteers with a variety of organizations. If you just want to volunteer for a few hours, you can find an opportunity that fits your schedule. If you want to commit more time, you can find a cause that speaks to you and make that connection.

Whether you’re looking to encourage the next generation of writers or champion another worthy cause, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, get to know our community, and give back.

Cheers!

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