Information for Parents: PJ Our Way Design Team 2015-2016
Interested in joining the next Design Team? Here's what you need to know!
“Sitting in the car with Nadav, I kept thinking how lucky he was to be involved, and how thankful I was for it. Knowing that he is part of a group of young readers/thinkers/writers will help him develop the skills, and frankly the patience, to bring him to his full potential in expressing himself. Thank you for giving Nadav the opportunity to take part in this great project!"
- Norah Mazer (mother of Nadav, age 11 from Massachusetts)
What is the PJ Our Way Design Team?
In keeping with PJ Our Way’s goals to empower kids and showcase their creative work, all PJ Our Way members are eligible to apply to be a part of the national Design Team. Every year, the national Design Team develops most of the content viewed on the website. Over 100 videos, reviews, blogs, and author interviews have been produced by Design Team members. Local, community-based Design Teams have also been created, inspired by the success of the national team. Now in its third year, national Design Team members have the opportunity to make videos, meet authors, write content for the website, and serve as local ambassadors for their communities.
How does it work?
Members of PJ Our Way may apply to be part of the national Design Team. The Design Team has early access to PJ Our Way books and creates videos, reviews, polls, quizzes, and blogs for the website. The team meets monthly via video conference with PJ Our Way Content and Program Coordinator, Saskia Swenson Moss, and, starting this year, will also be supported by Teen Leader, Zachary Charlick (Design Team 2014). Design Team members gain writing, design, communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. They participate in skills-building workshops, form friendships with peers from all over the country, and develop quality content in a safe and fun environment.
Who is eligible?
Design Team participants must be between the ages of 9-11 and live in one of the communities listed below. If you are wondering if you are within the correct zip code to apply, feel free to email Saskia at saskia@hgf.org.
The Design Team is available in the following communities: Baltimore, MD; Bend and Central OR; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Charlottesville, VA; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Dayton, OH; Detroit, MI; Eugene (Lane County), OR; Greensboro, NC; Idaho; Louisville, KY; Marks JCH, NY; Miami, FL; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; New Mexico; Northeastern, NY; Northshore, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Rochester, NY; Salem and Corvallis, OR; Seattle, WA; Silicon Valley, CA; South Palm Beach County, FL; Southern Arizona; Southern OR; Southern NJ; St. Louis, MO; Washington, D.C. The 2015-16 Design Team will consist of 10 PJ Our Way members chosen by application.
How do kids apply to be on the Design Team?
To request an application, a parent or guardian can email: saskia@hgf.org.
Key Dates:
- August 1, 2015: Applications for Design Team made available.
- October 19, 2015: Applications for Design Team due.
- Early November 2015: New Design Team members notified.
- November 2015-June 2016: Design Team creates content for PJOW.
Contact Saskia Swenson Moss: saskia@hgf.org