We're simply debating the two dates above. That's it. There will be close to 40,000 people doing it, all over the world, in different time zones, with different needs and lives and backgrounds and responsibilities, so we cannot account for everyone, and people will be have to be flexible or start later. This is also the time that I can offer to do it for a variety of reasons. So please vote on above, but I'm not going to offer a third time. Thanks so much!
The vaguely compulsive part of me likes the idea of starting 1 June because...beginnings, clearly demarcated boundaries, all that. And for lots of folks, I think the memorial day weekend can be pretty hectic. So consider this a vote for 1 June.
I've wished, since its inception, that 1000 Words of Summer could perhaps start later, like around July 1, as for people with school-age kids--even college age kids--June is the hardest month (the final month of school, maddeningly filled with assemblies, performances, family breakfasts, commencement week activities, finals, and preparation for sleep away camp). For years, I planned to participate, only to be foiled by kid-madness, which all dies down once school ends (and, for many of us, kids depart for camp). Could there ever be an alternative 1000 Words that starts later, so parents can more easily participate? Please, please?
Yes I have noticed you've said this before Joanna! The original intent of this project was to support teachers who spend all year round supporting other people. So summer starts with them, when they have time off, but also, I think, when lots of other people have time off, too! The idea in general is for people to get momentum on their summer writing projects. And summer begins Memorial Day weekend.
There are also two Mini-1000s that happen throughout the year, including one coming up this March. It feels impossible for me to do more work than I am already doing, though I appreciate your enthusiasm.
I will add that what a lot of people do is just keep the letters and start them whenever they can, even if it's in July. Could you consider that? And even getting a group of friends to do it together? Good luck! You are a very productive person with a supportive social media presence so I know you got this!
Just to give a different parent perspective--I find it nice doing the 1000 Words while the kids are still in school & routines are more predictable. But, as Jami says, sometimes you have to personalize the schedule a bit and do a few days on your own--or whatever!
Voted for Memorial Day start because I like the idea of kicking things off on the earlier side, but of course I'm psyched for either start date.
I second this, most of the school districts in my state aren’t even done with school until June 5 or later. So a late June or July 1 start might actually help teachers?
Selfishly… going to be in NOLA Memorial Day weekend for a conference and would love to kick things off in the city that started it all! ❤️ But, of course, will be on board for #1000words whenever, wherever
Hi Jami, on a purely selfish basis I voted for June 1st. I have an Irish wedding to attend the previous weekend, so would miss several days of writing. I get so much from #1000words, so that would be a shame!
I am a teacher and voted for June 1. My last day of school is 6/7, and many of my teacher friends up here in MA don’t end until mid or late June. I loved 1,000 words of summer last year (even got the t shirt!) and my students know all about it. I will try to do it regardless, but June will always be easier for New England teachers.
We're simply debating the two dates above. That's it. There will be close to 40,000 people doing it, all over the world, in different time zones, with different needs and lives and backgrounds and responsibilities, so we cannot account for everyone, and people will be have to be flexible or start later. This is also the time that I can offer to do it for a variety of reasons. So please vote on above, but I'm not going to offer a third time. Thanks so much!
The vaguely compulsive part of me likes the idea of starting 1 June because...beginnings, clearly demarcated boundaries, all that. And for lots of folks, I think the memorial day weekend can be pretty hectic. So consider this a vote for 1 June.
But I'm committed either way
I've wished, since its inception, that 1000 Words of Summer could perhaps start later, like around July 1, as for people with school-age kids--even college age kids--June is the hardest month (the final month of school, maddeningly filled with assemblies, performances, family breakfasts, commencement week activities, finals, and preparation for sleep away camp). For years, I planned to participate, only to be foiled by kid-madness, which all dies down once school ends (and, for many of us, kids depart for camp). Could there ever be an alternative 1000 Words that starts later, so parents can more easily participate? Please, please?
Yes I have noticed you've said this before Joanna! The original intent of this project was to support teachers who spend all year round supporting other people. So summer starts with them, when they have time off, but also, I think, when lots of other people have time off, too! The idea in general is for people to get momentum on their summer writing projects. And summer begins Memorial Day weekend.
There are also two Mini-1000s that happen throughout the year, including one coming up this March. It feels impossible for me to do more work than I am already doing, though I appreciate your enthusiasm.
I will add that what a lot of people do is just keep the letters and start them whenever they can, even if it's in July. Could you consider that? And even getting a group of friends to do it together? Good luck! You are a very productive person with a supportive social media presence so I know you got this!
Just to give a different parent perspective--I find it nice doing the 1000 Words while the kids are still in school & routines are more predictable. But, as Jami says, sometimes you have to personalize the schedule a bit and do a few days on your own--or whatever!
Voted for Memorial Day start because I like the idea of kicking things off on the earlier side, but of course I'm psyched for either start date.
I second this, most of the school districts in my state aren’t even done with school until June 5 or later. So a late June or July 1 start might actually help teachers?
It's definitely different everywhere! Ends here May 23. Can't please everyone, sadly.
40,000 people! :) Go, Jami!
Selfishly… going to be in NOLA Memorial Day weekend for a conference and would love to kick things off in the city that started it all! ❤️ But, of course, will be on board for #1000words whenever, wherever
Hi Jami, on a purely selfish basis I voted for June 1st. I have an Irish wedding to attend the previous weekend, so would miss several days of writing. I get so much from #1000words, so that would be a shame!
Voting for June 1, will be away and unavailable for Mem Day
June 1 for me, please! Work commitments through end of May.
I am a teacher and voted for June 1. My last day of school is 6/7, and many of my teacher friends up here in MA don’t end until mid or late June. I loved 1,000 words of summer last year (even got the t shirt!) and my students know all about it. I will try to do it regardless, but June will always be easier for New England teachers.
June 1 sounds lie a perfect day to begin a new or revive an old summer project. :)
I would definitely miss the first few days if it began MDW but I’ll make it work either way. For now, I’ve started waking up early to write twice a week, and I’m inviting anyone else on east coast time who might want to join me: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOMcU-oIIla9lb78Rgw4ig56wn74sYqbLxDVv9-XncFHZYVA/viewform
@jami feel free to delete this message if it’s not appropriate here!
Groundhog Day.