Words Alive is so excited to announce a new addition to the Words Alive team: our AmeriCorps VIP Fellow, Emanuel Prince! Read on to learn more about Emanuel and his drive to join the Words Alive team.
In September 2023, Words Alive was thrilled to welcome Emanuel Prince to the team for an 11-month position as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellow. This purpose-driven service opportunity builds and strengthens volunteer programs at partner agencies across California through the service of their members. By focusing on capacity building, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and partnership building, VIP members level up their site’s volunteer programs and equip the organization to sustain strong volunteer infrastructure after the conclusion of their term. Fellows receive training in volunteer management and professional development throughout their service.
Emanuel joins Words Alive after graduating summa cum laude from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology and justice studies. He was a leader on campus as the first Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Mira Costa College Associated Student Government, and chartered the Phi Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, seated at CSUDH. Passionate about serving the Black American community, Emanuel aims to pursue a legal career in civil rights and the public interest sector.
Now, a few words from Emanuel:
What drew you to Words Alive?
After graduating college, I wanted to take a gap year. However, I wanted my gap year to be filled with professional work experience. I applied to a variety of different job opportunities and came across the AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship. Through the fellowship, I connected with Words Alive, which is now the partner site that I will be serving for the next year. What really brought me to Words Alive was our shared belief in serving historically underserved communities. Additionally, we connected in the belief that reading is an essential skill for children to have on their educational journey and future success.
What is your relationship with books and reading?
Personally, I love books, especially as they relate to crime/mystery. One of my favorite novels is The Conjure-Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher. As a kid, I enjoyed The Hunger Games series, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (which inspired the movie Hugo), and Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting.
What are you currently reading?
Towards Zero by Agatha Christie.