Just a couple busybodies 🏃

Friends, students, colleagues,   Taylor and I are really getting into the swing of things! Since our last newsletter, we've submitted two grant applications, connected with a half dozen potential community partners, got interviewed by a local reporter about our new fellowship program, met with two volunteers who are helping improve our operations, launched fall class proposals, and ran three classes and one coworking session. Plus, a bunch of other stuff I'm definitely forgetting.    I won't lie to you — directing a nonprofit for the first time is a steep learning curve. But it's also a joyful one. Friends keep asking me how I'm doing, and all I can think to say is “stressed and excited.” I've had a lot of jobs over the years: prep cook, cat wrangler, Instacart shopper, amateur web designer, and executive assistant, to name a few. But I've never had a job like this one, a job I wake up eager to jump into and stay up late plotting and planning about. We've all heard the old adage: “Find a job you like and you'll never work a day in your life.” I don't buy that — work is work, after all. But I do think it's possible to find highly rewarding, mentally stimulating work that doesn't drain your will to live. Given our collective circumstances, that's a pretty good outcome, if you ask me.    GIVEAWAY We're giving away two free seats for you and a friend in this Thursday's conversation with Madeline Miller, a total value of $100. To enter the giveaway, follow the instructions in our Instagram or Facebook post.  SUMMER SCHOOL Did you know we offer financial aid for our 3-hour workshops? Aid is income-based and limited to those in the greater Philadelphia area.   Applying is fast and easy: Just fill out our super short one-minute survey, check your email to get the discount code, and then use it to complete your purchase.    The following classes are eligible for financial aid: 7/20: "Found Text Poetry": A Workshop with Savannah Cooper-Ramsey 7/27: "The World of Lit Mags": A Workshop with Andrea A. Firth 8/3: "Rice, Salt, and Water – Recipes for Poetry and Resistance": A Workshop with Gabriel Ramirez & Saskia Kercy (in-person) 8/14: "Query Letters 101": A Workshop with Eric Smith Claim your seat today! And while you're at it, check out these other upcoming Summer School offerings — they're not part of our financial aid program, but you can save 10% on these sessions with the promo code SUMSCHOOL24    BTW, nearly all our summer classes and workshops will be recorded and available to watch online through the end of summer. Our recorded sessions with Zach Ozma, Asali Solomon, Dilruba Ahmed, Raena Shirali, and Jennifer Wilson are available now, starting at just $15. FUNDRAISING UPDATE We're halfway through summer and at 35% of our $20,000 fundraising goal. If you like Blue Stoop and have a little wiggle room in your coffee (or used book) budget, we humbly welcome your support.    We'll use these donations to invest in next semester's classes, replenish our financial aid program, and sustain our operations. Every dollar donated puts us one step closer to making it a reality. Thank you to everyone who has given so far!   One of the simplest ways to sustain Blue Stoop is by setting up a recurring donation. Whether it's $1, $5, or more, having that predictable monthly income will enable us to plan ahead with confidence. Click below to get started.   DONATE TO BLUE STOOP ON THE STOOP Thursday, 7/18, 3:30-5:30pm ET:  We are pleased to offer creative co-working while our typical Thursdays on the Stoop sessions are on hiatus. Join Blue Stoop co-director Julian Shendelman for up to 2 hours of quiet time for writing, editing, daydreaming, or whatever's on your plate. These drop-in sessions are free, virtual, and open to all. Wednesday, 7/31, 11:59pm ET: This is the deadline for fall class proposals! We're seeking skilled instructors with a passion for the craft and business of writing, and a deliberate anti-oppressive pedagogy. We prioritize hiring teachers in the Greater Philadelphia Area and are open to those with grassroots, community-based experience as well as those trained in academic settings. We can't wait to read your proposals! Thursday, 8/29, 5:00-6:00pm ET: LIVE RAFFLE EVENT! Tune in as we announce the winners of our exciting prizes, which include signed books, literary coaching sessions, artsy sticker packs, and more. Tickets are just $2. Fellowships for women: Established with the generous support of acclaimed author Jennifer Weiner, this fellowship aims to elevate voices that often go unheard in the literary world. Six fellows will receive $5000 to support their creative endeavors, as well as professional mentoring, a supportive cohort, and promotional opportunities. We'll share details on eligibility and deadlines later this summer, so subscribe to this special mailing list to be the first to find out. Stoop merch: It's farmers market season! Consider schlepping your produce home in one of our super sturdy tote bags. They're only $15 with $5 flat rate shipping. In solidarity,    Julian Shendelman Co-Director   P.S. We just added a “calls for submission” section to our local resource page!  CLASSIFIEDS GOOD GRIEF film screening with SIFT Media 215: Good Grief is a documentary exploring COVID-19 grief and the healing power of the arts. Hosted by Stephanie Renee, this event will include refreshments, a film screening, a live performance by Ursula Rucker, and a brief Q&A. Learn more and register here. Wednesday, 7/31, 7:00pm @ Moore College of Art Advertise with us: Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? Blue Stoop is now offering affordable ad space here and on our website.  WANT MORE LOCAL EVENTS? VIEW CALENDAR 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences