Be Sure to Wave 🌊

One of my favorite MOI memories is watching 9th and 10th graders from South High School read their writing at the celebration for Indigenous Originated: Walking in Two Worlds. The looks on the students’ faces as they proudly read their poetry and received applause from the room of I’m guessing around fifty people filled my heart with joy. Those precious moments anchor me in my work and keep me sailing forward.

I’m also a big fan of Tall Paul’s music, and as the guest artist on the project, he opened for the young authors, which really set the tone of the evening for me. Since I’ve been at MOI, I’ve met several famous people like Dave Eggers, Dessa, Tommy Orange, and so many other authors, activists, and public officials. I consider it an insider perk of working at MOI.

I started at MOI midway through my year as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I was anxious when I started whether this was going to be an inclusive environment for me as a gender-fluid person. However, my nerves quickly dissipated when I met the staff and the single-stall gender-open bathroom. Then my relationship with the bathroom changed when humanoid sea creatures suddenly appeared on the walls. 

As the Community Outreach Coordinator, I manage MOI’s social media channels. Like and comment on MOI’s posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to let me know what content you want to “sea” more of and what ships need to sink. I also update MOI’s blog, put together our monthly newsletter, manage our media assets, coordinate video projects, and help with development projects.

Most recently, I’ve had my hands full booking authors for MOI’s Family Literacy Festival this July and an extra special event in August. The next chapter of MOI’s story is an exciting one that you don’t want to miss. Stay close to the action by joining MOI’s crew! We’re hiring a Writers’ Room Coordinator to manage our satellite writing center at South High School and a Development & Communications Director. We are also looking for a Development & Communications Intern and Education Intern, learn more here. 

In my short time at MOI, I’ve had the opportunity to continue to grow as a young, queer professional. I want to give a huge thank you to MOI’s crew for welcoming me aboard this spring. Starting August 3rd, I will be moving into a position with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits as the AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for their 2019–2020 cohort. I’m looking forward to my new adventure, but I will miss the “C” horses, creative young authors, and silly crew at MOI. 

I know we’ll meet again, remember to wave to me! 🌊✌️