The Volunteer Experience: Youth Programming with Trinity City Arts

Guest post written by Lillian Loftin.

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Through Trinity City Arts programs, young people don’t just learn how to draw or write—they learn how to tell stories about their communities and speak up about real issues.

Students presented their work through a showcase at Morris Jeff High School last week. Through this showcase, students were able to present their work and discuss the issues they are advocating for with those in the city who can help them to drive change. 

Recently, I had the chance to observe one of their classroom sessions, and what stood out most wasn’t just the creativity in the room, but the drive in every single student. These young people are full of passion and ideas they are putting into action. When given the space to explore their own projects, they go all in: collaborating, sharing, and building something meaningful together. 

That’s where volunteers come in. 

I am a current junior at Tulane University, studying sociology and social policy. I have always wanted to work in education reform, both as an educator and a policy maker. I am focused on finding a way for students to feel there is a space for them in schools, and for them to be excited to show up and learn. Moreover, I believe in providing students with an outlet to be heard so that they feel comfortable expressing their opinions. This is exactly why I wanted to work with TCA.

Through my experience working with TCA, I have seen first-hand how students can thrive when given the space to create according to their own beliefs. Students are encouraged to work autonomously with their peers, only relying on volunteers and faculty to support them and make resources more accessible. TCA represents exactly what I am aiming for in my own career – providing students the opportunity to enlist real change through their own ideas and creations.

We work to facilitate change on behalf of the students. As a volunteer, you don’t need to be an expert artist or teacher. What matters is your presence. Whether you’re offering feedback, or simply showing up consistently, you play a role in inspiring engagement and activism. Currently, we are working on promoting volunteer opportunities within TCA, reaching out to community partners to invite them to the showcase, and facilitating meetings with students to share their ideas publicly. 

If you are looking for a way to really connect with the students and contribute to impactful change, Trinity City Arts is the perfect opportunity. 

Learn more or sign up to volunteer here!