BY VIKKI BOWES-MOK, WORDS ALIVE VOLUNTEER
To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century.
Kay (second from left) at a Words Alive “Spark a Love of Reading” event
Kay Gurtin has touched all aspects of Words Alive, from volunteering to serving on the board. She was site chair at Lindsay School (a school for pregnant and parenting teens), launched the Choice and Youth Development Center programs for the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) and served on the Board of Directors from 2011 - 2019, including serving on the search committee for Words Alive’s incredible Executive Director, Rachael Orose!
Now, a few words from Kay!
What drew you to Words Alive?
I am a voracious reader and have been in book clubs for years. Plus, I had been trained in the University of Chicago Great Books program. The opportunity to promote literacy and volunteer with students was a win-win. What I didn't realize when I signed up was the special friendships I would make as I had just moved to San Diego when I joined Words Alive. Fortunately, I have maintained those interesting and diverse relationships for 20 years!
Looking back at your work with Words Alive, what makes you proud today?
Kay with teacher Ben White
I am most proud of working for more than a decade with ABG teacher Ben White, who was a teacher for 20 years in the Juvenile Court and Community Schools. I appreciated the respect and connections we developed with the students who were described as “last chance.” In Ben’s school, I encouraged and mentored a young man who had been involved in a gang, been shot, and incarcerated. I was excited to see him earn a Words Alive Westreich Scholarship and become the first in his family to attend community college. I also loved introducing Salman Rushdie at a Words Alive Author’s Luncheon.
Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive?
What an incredible pivot Words Alive made during the COVID-19 crisis, including attracting new volunteers and students across the world to engage with students of all ages on social media platforms. It was especially impressive since many nonprofits shut down during this period.
How do you envision the next chapter of Words Alive’s story?
I think Words Alive will continue to spread its wings in the literacy sector in San Diego and beyond and potentially monetize their curriculum and programs.
What are you reading right now?
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig