IndyKids

I've volunteered with IndyKids over the years and been impressed with the attention paid in a relatively short period of time given to the next generation of journalism kids. They are eager to do the work and excited to learn how journalism works, and I've always found the presentation professional and exciting.

I wish IndyKids could be in every community, it's such a valuable resource! My child has developed critical thinking, writing, listening, public speaking skills and more as a member of the IndyKids reporting team for almost three years. IndyKids has helped reinforce the idea that "the news" is not something abstract -- it is for us and by us; meant to be a part of our daily lives. We are so grateful to the staff and volunteers who volunteer to support and nurture these young reporters, for the work that goes into this thoughtful process, and the finished product -- each issue of the newspaper -- is of the highest quality. Our whole family is inspired by the excellent work that IndyKids does to engage young people with current events and their communities, and take every opportunity to share it with others.

I volunteered for the first time last month and I can't say enough good things about this organization. The organizers and kids in this program are top-notch. The organizers are smart, attentive and they really care about the program. I recommend IndyKids to any young people who are interested in learning about journalism and the world.

I've been a volunteer mentor for the past two years and can say with confidence that Indy Kids is a great organization from top to bottom.

Two years ago, my daughter took the workshop and was an IndyKids reporter. It was a truly fantastic experience for her. She loved researching for her articles and got incredible assistance with editing.

I was a kid reporter for two years, and Indy-Kids workshops are amongst my fondest memories. Indy Kids provides a great environment where everyone is so aware about what is going on in the world and so caring. It is a great place to grow as a journalist and as a thinker.

I've worked with IndyKids for 3 years now. I could write at length on the merits of its mission, but I'll be brief: IndyKids gives children a say. That's it's singular value. It amplifies their voice, which resounds and gives answer to much of the world's senselessness.

I love IndyKids, as a donor I know that the folks who run it care deeply about helping young people look at their world in an engaged, creative, and critical way. As a newspaper, there is simply nothing else like it.

I first discovered IndyKids through another group I work with, and I enjoyed the program so much that I decided to volunteer with IndyKids directly! My experience working with the group has been wonderful. It enables students to take a closer look at issues that are affecting the world around them, and to practice and develop their skills in writing, research, and critical thinking -- and these are skills that will serve them well in school and beyond.

My nine year old daughter and I were recently watching a news program that was discussing the protests happening in Hong Kong. She exclaimed, "Hong Kong! Hey, I know what's happening there!". I paused the news program and asked her how she knew about this current event, and what she thought was going on. She said that someone was writing an article about it at IndyKids, and that people were protesting for their right to vote--she knew more about it than I did! IndyKids has become such a positive force in our household. My daughter has become empowered by her role as a journalist; she is now confident asking people (kids and adults alike) questions, and not afraid to share her opinion. I feel very lucky to be a part of this amazing organization!

Our daughter is growing as a journalist and building life-long skills in critical thinking thanks to the expert team of IndyKids. This is a top-notch non-profit providing an invaluable service to the community. When the fruit of the kid journalists' labor finally makes it into print, you've never seen prouder facial expressions!

My role as a mentor offered more autonomy, access to thoughtful students, and a new kind of responsibility than I ever thought I would have at this point in my career. IndyKids understands the importance of keeping students (typically ages 9-13) informed about the most pressing social justice issues of our time. One of the best ways to do that is to have them participate in creating a more informed media coverage of these topics for their peers. If you're interested in education, social justice, or non-profit work, this is a great opportunity for both professional and personal growth.

My daughter had a fantastic time writing for Indy Kids. They gave her a lot of responsibility, but within a framework of clear expectations and plenty of guidance. The staff and volunteers are always looking for ways to help the kids stretch and challenge themselves as reporters and as thinkers. I've recommended this program to every kid I know in NYC!

My 10 years old has been participating in IndyKids’ kids’ reporter programs for a few terms now, and the experience we have, as a whole family, have been very precious and valuable. It is not just a weekend class, it is a life lesson, with a lot of fun!

Though the process of my daughter writing assigned articles for the kids’ newspaper, researching and learning reporting style writing, it gives us the opportunities to open up conversations on what’s happening around the world in real time, and to question why they happen and how we supposed to feel and what to do about them. I really enjoy my daughter coming up with questions and me answering them. She also learns about the important role of journalism. Mentors very positively encourage her work one on one And getting her writing work published at the end of this process is such a reward for my daughter.

Organizers and volunteers are the most sweet and intelligent people, they are dedicated for the cause, and efficient conductors on Earth. I feel we are very fortunate to send my daughter to associate with them, as well as to be able to make some nice friends outside regular school.

Their field trips are another wonderful activity. These locations they chose are very relevant, and the activities are rare opportunities.

The reporter program is appropriate for kids with any level of writing skills. And, my daughter is shy so she likes to do her research by reading materials, but for kids who are more out-going they get to have interviewing and communicating experiences for purposes.

The newspaper is professionally printed, but distributed for free. I think it’s the perfect tool for family readers to draw more awareness in justice and democracy to themselves, and to familiarize and realize the coolness of being tuned with the real world beyond just our surroundings in this busy everyday life, for our desire and goals to be or become fair and contributing human beings, because they are written by kids like any of your kids. The future of democracy is in our kids’ hand!

This organization should be celebrated!

I'm a mentor at Indykids and I've had a lot of fun working with the kids so far. I've worked in classrooms for about three years and they're a great group of kids- very interested, sweet and hard-working. I'm studying journalism right now at Columbia University and it's been awesome seeing how quickly the kids pick up the skills of pitching stories, giving each other feedback, and doing research online. I know their generation will be way ahead of me technology-wise pretty soon, so I'm happy to learn what I can from them, too!

I joined IndyKids as a volunteer and really enjoyed my experience with the enthusiastic sixth grader who I was paired with to mentor. This experience benefits children but what I got was the knowledge that I was helping an individual child be a better communicator which I expect will make the world a better place.

My daughter has had a wonderful experience with IndyKids. It has enhanced her writing, her knowledge of world events and how she looks at them. IndyKids volunteer mentors are professional journalists that really help the kid reporters through a process of identifying potential stories, pitching their ideas, researching, writing and editing their story. It provides these youth with an exceptional learning experience that is outside of their school environment.

I recently started volunteering with IndyKids and I can't praise them enough. They do a great job by teaching young kids the art of journalism. I noticed that every kid who attended the workshop whether shy or confident was encouraged and given an opportunity to participate in the discussions.
In fact, I have already recommended their writing workshops to friends with Kids in my apartment building. Can't wait to be back for the next cycle of workshops!

IndyKids provides children with a great opportunity at learning the profession of journalism by doing and being actors in creating each number of IndyKids journal. My daughter has learnt about politics, democracy, science... but more important, she has developed the very needed ability to think critically about the changing reality of our times. The journal is also fantastic, bravo IndyKids!!!!

Indykids has really helped our son with his writing skills. He has learned to work one on one with an adult in the media/journalism field. He has also experienced what it is to interview people in public places. A great example is that he had a terrific time interviewing both adults and kids at the Climate March in NYC a couple of weeks ago. He says one of the main reason he enjoys the time and is willing to learn is the mentors/teachers are understanding, patient and "know a lot of things" (in his words).
At the end of the day, the best reward is that he gets a published piece at the end of an excellent exposure to the media/journalism field.
Overall, Indykids is a great learning experience and we highly recommend it!

MatthewsParents

Indykids is a great non-profit organization. It allows my daughter to enhance her writing skills in a creative way. She enjoys going to the journalism class and I look forward to seeing her writing improve over time.

Indy Kids its a great place for kids to learn not only valuable skills of journalism, implement them, but also find truths about every day concern in todays world. Thank you.

IndyKids has helped my son to feel that his voice matters. The writing mentors help the kid reporters every step of the way. The kid reporters are encouraged to write about issues important to them and to learn about what's going on in their city and world. A great program!

IndyKids has given my child the opportunity to delve into global issues, ponder them sincerely and seriously and then write about them for other children. I know of few other places where it is possible for a child to have a voice about current events and issues hat reaches such a geographically diverse group of people. IndyKids is a wonderful experience.

I can't say enough good things about IndyKids. As a volunteer, I know I'm supposed to be enriching the lives of the young writers I work with, but they are enriching my life even more. Seeing these kids excited about being able to create original works is simply beyond compare. They take a raw idea, and with very little help can create a complete newspaper in a few workshops. It's amazing.

The staff at IndyKids really works hard to make it a fun and rewarding experience for both the writers and the mentors. I've been with IndyKids for a year now, and I've seen students passionate about their topics and their writing and it is great. When it comes to a non-profit that is singlehandedly focused on its mission, few can hold a candle to IndyKids.

My son began writing with Indy Kids last year. Through research and terrific mentoring, his eyes are opening to the world around him. He is learning about different cultures and perspectives. His empathy has grown and his ability to express that empathy even more so. Personally, I felt that he wasn't getting enough opportunity to see what good writing is in school. Through Indy Kids he is experiencing it first hand.

I have been a mentor with IndyKids for 2 years and experience first hand what a difference this organization makes in the kid reporters' lives. They expand their thinking and their ability to look at news and the world with a new set of values.

Last school year 2013-2014, I was assigned to teach Media Literacy at PS128M an elementary school preK-5 located in Washington Heights . So, as soon as I got the assignment, I started looking out for resources that would help my students to make a raid into the Media world. And, luckily I found Indykids. So, I requested them for a school visits and ever since, Indykids has been the “door” through which my students are getting to know what is going on around the world in a simple manner. Indykids newspaper is a great tool we use in the classroom and has allowed students to become aware about important social issues as they develop critical thinking skills and a passion for social activism. Also, Indykids has been crucial in preparing our young learners to become more involved in their communities issues and to be part of the so needed social changes. Before Indykids visits the majority of my students did not know what was going on after 96th street and Broadway in Manhattan!

Thank you so much Indykids. You will stay in our lives -and the generations to come- for ever!

My son wrote over 8 articles for IndyKids - participated in the workshops. It's been truly an extraordinary experience.

I was concerned about my son's educational experience at his school being test and STEM (Science, Tech and Math) heavy and lacks in humanistic values - IndyKids provides a counterbalance to this situation by making him think about contemporary social and geopolitical issues that affect our lives and also to learn to express what he learned in a clear, journalistic prose.

Attending workshop was a great plus because he feels often alienated at school for his political views but at the workshop, he could meet with many kids who are passionate about social and global justice. It's wonderful to have peers. I highly recommend IndyKids.

Indy Kids came to Queens Paideia School to conduct a workshop on media literacy. It was well organized and structured, and there were clear goals in mind for the students. It was great to see them (ages 10-14) digging into the activities, and engage in meaningful discussions. Several of the students were excited, post-workshop, at the idea of becoming writers for IndyKids. We couldn't have hoped for more!

Indy Kids is a real gems on so many levels. Firstly, IndyKids offers children the opportunity to get their feet wet in The world of journalism. They can learn from the highly professional staff of volunteers how to frame an article, how to do the necessary research on their story, and, when the article is written, how to edit the piece down to the desired word count. Finally, the actual product IndyKids puts out is very informative and a stimulating read.

Dear All,

IndyKids provides an extraordinary learning opportunity for kids who are interested in writing, expressing themselves and journalism. For kids to see the process of producing a newspaper, from start to finish, from writing to printing is priceless. Children that work with IndyKids see their work in print, going out to the world and that is a very empowering experience.

As an educator, I give IndyKids my highest recommendation. Good Luck IndyKids.

Simin Farkhondeh
Education Director
www.democracynow.org
“Video of Class Visit To DN!” https://vialogues.com/vialogues/play/10178

"To speak a true word is to transform the world.”
― Paulo Freire, PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED

If I had to describe IndyKids in two words it would be, fundamental and fun. I became aware of IndyKids this past Spring and was instantly intrigued. Creating a space for children to articulate current events, central aspects of society, and the world around them is priceless. The students' creativity is emphasized since they are actually writing the news stories. Discerning perspectives within a story or concept, learning facts and opinions , and finally presenting them in a clear and objective manner to the reader (of which I believe are mostly peers) are just a few ways to describe the experience IndyKids offers. Under the guidance of mentors and editors each young journalist has the opportunity to express their unique writing voice to readers throughout the country. They even conduct interviews and attend field trips. As a volunteer mentor I learned about this incredible process and how much the children enjoyed the program. Cartoon strips (authored and illustrated by young journalists) and creative educational lessons as well as games add to the adventure. I certainly learned a few things and had a great time. A rewarding experience to say the least.

I am not sure that I can put into word the full extent of the positive impact IndyKids has had on my daughter's self esteem and self assurance. My daughter is passionate about social justice issues and has been thrilled to work with a wonderful team of people who have a similar passion. The Kid Reporter program is phenomenal, and the articles and subject matter are vitally important to the lives of children in the United States today. My daughter has learned so much from her experience with IndyKids and proudly mentions it as part of her identity to all who will listen. We really love IndyKids at our house.

My daughter has been with Indykids for almost two years. IndyKids has become like a family to her. But most importantly, she has become an outgoing person, interactive and has learned immensely. The team of mentors, volunteers, assistants are very professional, enthusiastic, dedicated and caring. Alexandra Mercado

I've been volunteering at Indy Kids since Sept. 14, and it has been a great experience, as the writers are able to get a topic based on what their interests are. It also gives a kid a chance to find out how to write articles and reports in their future endeavors in life. It is a fun experience and the insight of the mentors strengthens the ability to write. I loved this workshop!

You know that annoying thing kids sometimes do when they ask "why" after everything you say, but it seems like they're not really paying attention to any of the answers? Well, the kids of IndyKids are paying attention, their persistence in finding answers not so random, and they report their findings in a clear way their peers will understand on topics that profoundly impact the world around them. IndyKids brings us a perspective too often ignored, too often dismissed as irrelevant, and empowers a generation, as readers and reporters, by amplifying their voices. Highly recommended reading for all ages.

I've been with IndyKids for a little over a year now and I have seen it grow in a incredible way. As a mentor I feel that I learn so much more than what I teach to the kid reporters. The kids are wonderful to work with and it is always a surprise when I notice just how smart these kids are. Working with the kids and seeing their progress as they write their articles, and then seeing the complete newspaper is just amazing. It's also sweet to see how proud the kids are when they see their article in the paper.

This is a fantastic newspaper that provides a welcome alternative to the corporate news outlets more often found in schools. The PTA at my daughter's school subscribed to Indy Kids and the kids learned a ton - as well as being inspired to see kids their age taking on the responsibility of researching and writing articles. This is a totally necessary and excellent organization.

As a grandmother, I use IndyKids to explain world events to my grandchildren.
The idea that kids are writing the news peeks their interest and makes it easy
for them to understand the issues. My grandchildren get very excited when IndyKids comes in the mail. Its a time for bonding and learning for us. The news that IndyKids publishes is quality news
that truly is made for Kids written by Kids. I support IndyKids because it matters.

I write this as a parent of a kid reporter for IndyKids, but also as an educator and former journalist. IndyKids is easily the best children's news and current events magazine I know. Their reporting and commentary on news and social justice issues is superb and rivals that of the most serious adult publications. Their process of mentoring kid reporters and editing their work into final material for print and online is excellent and rewarding for the kids. Major kudos to the staff and volunteers at this marvelous organization. Keep up the great work!

I work as a mentor at IndyKids, working with the young reporters who write articles for IndyKids' publication. The young people I've worked with, who range in age from 10 to 11 years old, receive much encouragement and support throughout the writing process. My mentee and I have a great relationship; I guide her through the writing process and provide her with resources. The folks at IndyKids take the publication seriously and I'm certain the young reporters are thrilled to see their names in print. Great work, IndyKids!

I adore IndyKids. The team they have in place is wonderful - supportive to the kid reporters, knowledgeable, and just all around nice. My child has been participating with them for a year, and I only wish we had found out about it sooner, before we reach the max age cut off. The kids learn about the editorial planning process, how to outline, how to interview, how to write. Then they actually bundle the papers when they are printed, which is really pretty cool too. I hope that IndyKids has a lot more success, especially as we enter the post-Internet age of journalism. We need good, objective, smart, dedicated journalists.

It is a really great program for kids run by dedicated independent professionals/volunteers who take their job very seriously. Kids research important issues, get involved in meaningful discussions and learn that other people depend on them meeting deadlines and doing their work well. They also experience a joy of their work being published in the real newspaper. Every time my daughter questions her abilities in any way, which is so common in her age group, I remind her that she is a "Published Reporter". Works like a charm : - ).

This fall, I started mentoring the kid reporters at IndyKids. Their intelligence and motivation makes them such a pleasure to instruct. They are definitely training to become the next generation of journalists. I am proud to be a part of this worthwhile organization and hope that I continue to influence the students' lives as much as they influence mine.

As the parent of an 11 year old inspiring writer, I love IndyKids! We stumbled upon the organization (through Facebook) and two years ago my daughter began writing as a "Kid Reporter." We're not local to NYC, yet they've encouraged her to stay involved, have asked her to write on multiple occasions, and have sent her books to review for the paper. I love that the editorial team has high expectations for the Kid Reporters. The experience that my daughter has had with the organization has been phenomenal. She loves to share the print copy of the paper with her friends at school. I believe in this organization and recommend them highly. I feel great about the work they do and the small contributions I've been able to make to the organization.

My daughter had an incredible experience at Indykids one that has lasted well past the workshop ending. She's now really interested in the behind-the-scenes of the media. Her mentors boosted her confidence and gave her important writing/editing skills.

It is so inspiring to see the way IndyKids gets kids excited about researching, learning, and writing!

As a former journalist, I wish I had had IndyKids to write for when I was in school. Somehow editing my high school newspaper just wasn't the same. IndyKids is the only nonprofit newspaper focused on social justice, current events, and science written by, for and about 4th-8th graders and bilingual high school students. It fills an enormous gap because it is not influenced by the corporate media or advertising. Instead, kids who care about real issues get the chance to report on them to their peers with gentle editing help from adult mentors. In a world full of challenges and corruption due to corporate shenanigans, IndyKids shines a bright beacon for equity and the next generation. We plan to be annual donors to IndyKids because the mission is so important for a better world.

Indykids is an amazing organization that helps kids,teens and every other age become informed and active in the world. It is a great idea a great team and a great cause!

I love Indykids! My daughter and I have attended their training workshops and she was able to write an article with their mentoring that got published. Now she wants to be a journalist! This is a valuable and needed project.

Kids writing for kids.. What a great idea ! I've been volunteering as editor and proof reader for the past few issues of IndyKids.. What could be more gratifying than to help young people get a leg up on learning skills: to write, research and come up with ideas for articles all their own. And it's about things the kids personally experienced. Mentors work with children, one-on-one, in a group setting, to pass on their knowledge of what it means to look around and write about what they know, see, think and feel. The children -- ages 9-16 -- come from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, many of whom are from financially strapped families. And yet they keep coming. Parents rave about this learning experience. At this time many --- or I'd say -- most of us contribute our time on a voluntary basis.
Acknowledgment by Great Nonprofits would give IndyKids a heads up to attract funding sources we need to pursue & grow the work of IndyKids.
Thanks for your consideration.

It's important for kids to be aware of current events and the problems our society faces in order to form their own opinions, and reading articles written by their peers is an accessible and fun way for them to do it. IndyKids is a great way for kids to both learn about their world and get involved with it.

Kids are not living in a vacuum, and are constantly absorbing and engaging with the stories that are unfolding around them on local, national and global levels. IndyKids provides them with the tools to critically engage with issues that are important to them an their communities. Their instinctive ability to ask straightforward questions in a world where adults have mastered the art doublespeak makes them natural journalists. With some guidance from mentors and editors, they consistently produce an incredible news source that succeeds in breaking down tough concepts for other kids. IndyKids empowers kids to teach other kids about the world around them.

My 6th and 7th grade English Language Learner students use IndyKids newspaper every week. The articles are interesting, relevant, and accessible to my students. It really makes a difference for my students to know that kids like them know about these topics and can write about them. And, it is SOOO wonderful for my students when they have their own writing and letters published in IndyKids. To see their own name and ideas in print makes my students proud. IndyKids inspires my students to read and write more, and provides a venue for the voices of young people like my students.

With each issue of IndyKids, I am more and more amazed at how these kid reporters can be so young and yet write about such complex topics with clarity and insight. IndyKids is a really unique project that is filling a void in the media.

This wonderful independent newspaper fills a great need in the media - intelligent, thoughtful news and information for kids in later elementary school and junior high/middle school as well as ESL learners. They have a vivid, interesting format and a great Letters to the Editor and Kid Reporter sections. I recommend this newspaper to all independent thinking parents and kids!