826 National ANNUAL REPORT 20192020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE CEO 03 YEAR OF WRITING 826 Digital 14 ABOUT Welcoming 826 MSP 16 Who We Are 04 826 Dallas Project 17 What We Do 06 Student Publications 18 Our Impact 07 Pandemic Voices: A Good Time to Write 19 Why Writing? 08 Civic Engagement: Poets in Revolt! Featuring 826 Network 09 a Foreword by Amanda Gorman 20

YEAR OF DATA SUSTAINABILITY The 826 Network at a Glance 10 National Partners 22 Network Program Results 11 Story Soirée 23 826 Students 12 Today and Tomorrow Fund 24 826 Volunteers 13 FINANCIALS Revenue and Expenses 25

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Institutions 26 Individuals 26 Staff and Board 31

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 01 Let’s write, make things right... Let’s hold hands, as we climb Up the ladder to equality. Paris A., Grade 9, 826LA, Poets in Revolt!

02 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Friends, focus to meeting the moment and supporting a network-wide transition to virtual programming. This year was divided between before and after. 826 Digital became a go-to writing resource for teachers and parents everywhere. In chapter Before, 826 worked tirelessly to ensure that cities, teams produced at-home learning kits students in classrooms in the United States had and students wrote letters to essential workers access to the power and joy of writing. The 826 thanking them for their service. We established Network celebrated the new year by welcoming a dedicated fund to support chapters during 826 MSP in Minneapolis/St. Paul to our movement potentially damaging financial circumstances. in August. An exciting new phase in expanding our reach had arrived. It was a good time to write. This year, our work was more necessary than ever. Being creative when you’re stuck inside was more After, we met teachers and students in living important than ever. Using language to search rooms and at kitchen tables to do the same. With for safety was more important than ever. Using the arrival of Covid-19, our focus remained razor- writing to connect to your community was more sharp: to support student writers. important than ever.

When the pandemic swept over all of us with an As always, our students’ voices light the way. Their overwhelming sense of uncertainty about what words speak the truth of these times and was to come, it was a good time to write. the potential of our future.

When the world witnessed the murder of George Thank you for helping us build the 826 Floyd and the movement for Black lives grew movement—before, after, and well into the future. from our collective determination to end white supremacy, it was a good time to write. In partnership,

Despite these challenging circumstances, 826 staff, students, and families across the network sprung into action. At National, we shifted our Laura Brief, CEO ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 03 ABOUT 826 NATIONAL WHO WE ARE

MISSION 826 National amplifies the impact of our national network of youth writing and publishing centers and young authors’ words. We serve as an international proof point for writing as a tool for young people to ignite and channel their creativity, explore identity, advocate for themselves and their community, and achieve academic and professional success.

826 is a movement that celebrates the power of youth voice, promotes effective and equitable writing education, and emphasizes the importance of writing in the cultivation of the next generation.

04 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 THE 826 MOVEMENT Reading is access, and writing is power. 826 National is the hub of the 826 movement.

Through our pencils, pens, and keyboards, we Through advocacy and resource development, can conjure universes, build understanding and we are partners in our chapters’ impact and empathy, and catalyze change. As the largest success. As fervent ambassadors of student youth writing network in the country, each year voice and writing education, our work extends 826 teaches thousands of young people in under- beyond the walls of our chapters. 826 National resourced communities to harness the power calls for increased public understanding of the and joy of writing. role writing plays in the education system, career development, and a healthy democracy. Rooted in the belief that strong writing skills are essential for academic and lifelong success, the Founded by author and educator 826 Network serves K-12 educators and students Nínive Calegari, 826 National was established in ages 6 to 18 across the nation. We engage youth 2008 to support our growing network of writing through 826 Digital, our free online platform, and centers. in writing programs offered by nine chapters in Boston, Chicago, Detroit/Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

We work towards a country where the power and the joy of writing is accessible to every student in every classroom.

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 05 WHAT WE DO

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH SCALE FOR IMPACT At its heart, 826 National functions to support We tell our data story not just to strengthen our 826 works towards a vision of every student in each of its chapters and their students. By work but also to help move the field of writing every classroom having access to the power of connecting with relevant thought partners in education forward. Our research helps us writing. We support the growth within existing our community, we create meaningful network- measure the impact of our programs nationally chapters and scale the 826 approach to new wide training and professional development. and locally. Through our research process, communities and classrooms. This year, in We facilitate network-wide integrated systems we support the continual improvement of our addition to growing the 826 Dallas Project, 826 to ensure efficient and impactful operations evidence-based programs, identify best practices MSP, and 826 Digital, our expansion efforts have nationally. This includes fundraising, database as well as lessons learned, and disseminate our been rooted in community partnerships. We management, and an annual staff conference. findings to the larger field. scaled our reach nationwide through programs While each 826 community is unique, our like The Great College Essay Project, whole- common practices and vision unify us. school partnerships, and publications that include voices of students across the country.

06 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 OUR IMPACT

The 826 Network has activated and inspired writing education that celebrates the power of youth voice, promotes an effective approach to supporting literacy development, and emphasizes the importance of writing in the cultivation of the next generation. 826’s programs are designed to have an impact in three broad domains:

ACADEMIC GAINS Writing skills TOOLS FOR LEARNING FUNDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY Engagement and motivation in school 826 National provides educators with quality AND GROWTH and schoolwork writing curriculum to get students excited about We raise funds to sustain our own impact and Homework (completion/understanding) and engaged in writing. All content is developed direct approximately 20% of all funds raised to and field-tested by educators, volunteers, chapters. This has been more critical than ever SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL GAINS and students affiliated with the 826 National as our nine chapters navigated the challenges of Confidence/pride Network. These materials are distributed Covid-19. Read on to learn about our 826 Today Self-efficacy through 826 Digital and publications like Don’t and Tomorrow Fund, which provides emergency Fostering creativity Forget to Write and STEM to Story. and resiliency grants to ensure the financial health of the network. COMMUNICATION GAINS Increased self-expression Learning to ask for help Interacting with adults

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 07 WHY WRITING?

Three out of four twelfth graders are not writing at grade level proficiency; that number increases to nine out of ten Black and Hispanic students (National Center for Education Statistics, 2012). Studies show that youth who cannot effectively convey thoughts and ideas through writing are more likely to receive lower grades, especially in classes where learning is assessed through projects and tests requiring written responses (Graham, 2006). Writing proficiency is also central to success in the workforce: American businesses spend $3.1 billion annually in remedial writing training (National Commission on Writing, 2004).

The 826 Network addresses this opportunity gap by investing in the writing, communication, and creative thinking skills of students in under- resourced communities across the country. We believe writing is the key to cultivating a new generation of creative and diverse thinkers who will define a better, brighter, and more compassionate future with their bold and honest ideas. Through our creative, student-centered approach to writing education, even the most reluctant young writers can learn to share their story with joy, authenticity, and pride. And their words have power.

08 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 826 NETWORK MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL BOSTON MICHIGAN NEW YORK CHAPTERS • CITIES • STAFF • BOARD MEMBERS CHICAGO 9 12 285 120 WASHINGTON D.C. SAN FRANCISCO

LOS ANGELES

826BOSTON.ORG 826LA.ORG NEW ORLEANS Storefront: The Greater Boston Storefronts: The Echo Park Time Bigfoot Research Institute Travel Mart & The Mar Vista Time Travel Mart

826CHI.ORG 826MICHIGAN.ORG 826NEWORLEANS.ORG 826VALENCIA.ORG Storefront: Wicker Park Secret Storefronts: Liberty Street Robot Storefront: The New Orleans Storefronts: The Pirate Supply Agent Supply Co. Supply and Repair Shop & The Haunting Supply Co. Store, King Carl’s Emporium, & Detroit Robot Factory Woodland Creature Outfitters, Ltd.

826DC.ORG 826MSP.ORG 826NYC.ORG 826DIGITAL.COM Storefront: Tivoli’s Astounding Storefront: Mid-Continent Storefront: Superhero Magic Supply Co. Oceanographic Institute Supply Co.

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 09 YEAR OF DATA THE 826 NETWORK AT A GLANCE

549 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 178 IN-SCHOOL PROJECTS 109,087 STUDENTS SERVED 651 WRITING WORKSHOP SESSIONS

7,327 EDUCATORS SERVED

1,440 AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING SESSIONS 561 3,948 FIELD TRIPS ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS

10 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 NETWORK PROGRAM RESULTS

During the 2019-20 school year, 826 programs reached nearly 110,000 students and 7,300 educators and caregivers across the country in our tutoring centers, satellite locations, within public school classrooms, and through 826 Digital.

92% 96%

OF STUDENTS SURVEYED OF STUDENTS SURVEYED BELIEVE “You know BELIEVE 826 HAS HELPED THEM THAT 826 HAS HELPED THEM TO TO BECOME BETTER WRITERS IMPROVE THEIR GRADES AT SCHOOL that book we made? At home, I read it 94% 99% every night.” Hana, Grade 2, 826 MSP OF STUDENTS SURVEYED LIKED OF STUDENTS SURVEYED WORKING WITH THE TUTORS FEEL SAFE AT 826

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 11 826 STUDENTS

826 works with educators, schools, and community “[At 826] I had the deepest partners to ensure that our writing programs are reaching students from traditionally under- pleasure of meeting resourced communities and backgrounds. different people from different backgrounds 89.3% of students surveyed across our nine 85.6% of our partner schools have a majority of chapters are BIPOC. students from low-income households. with different cultures, ideals, and values. 826 unites us all, both students and staff. 826 is a place that allowed me to believe DATA ON 2019-20 DATA ON 2019-20 PARTNER SCHOOLS in myself and the magic STUDENT RACE/ BY PERCENT OF ETHNICITY STUDENTS FROM wand [that] lies in the LOW-INCOME power of what we are able HOUSEHOLDS to do.”

Former 826michigan student and intern, Madeeha Khan Asian 5.7% 0-25% of students 11.2% Black, African 25.6% 25-50% of students 13.2% Hawaiian Native 0.2% 50-75% of students 22.2% Latinx, Hispanic 41.2% 75-100% of students 53.4% White 10.7% Other 6.0% Two or More 9.5%

12 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 826 VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers play an essential role in our work and help keep 826 programs tuition-free. These passionate individuals are found at our centers and neighboring schools each day—assisting 826 staff members during morning field trips, sitting side-by-side with students after school, and helping entire classrooms learn the art of writing. And in 2020, these dedicated volunteers joined us in supporting our virtual programs remotely.

3,948 volunteers “This place spent 68,262 hours reminds me supporting youth in programs across the nation this year! of the way the world could be.” Tim, 826 Boston Volunteer

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 13 YEAR OF WRITING 826 DIGITAL

826 Digital is a free online platform designed for Following the sweeping school closures that educators by educators. By providing an ever- began in March 2020 to mitigate the spread expanding collection of engaging, adaptable, of Covid-19, 826 National quickly adapted standards-based resources—designed to lessons originally designed for classroom captivate young writers and empower their teachers into low-tech, parent-friendly educators—826 Digital aims to reach students #AGoodTimetoWrite Remote Learning everywhere, whether they are aspiring authors Kits downloadable for free on 826 Digital. or reluctant writers. Through the end of the 2019-20 school year, we continued to release timely new resources like 826 Digital’s steadily growing following was Essential Words: Letters of Gratitude to met with a surge of support in the past year as Essential Workers and Life in the Time of 826 Digital served the essential role of providing Coronavirus. And in June 2020, we released accessible writing materials to parents and Protester Portraits to complement Change educators amid a historic national shift to the Ending, Take Back Your Power, and other remote learning. In FY2020, 826 Digital reached resources to help students engage with and an estimated 82,000 students across the country. process the Black Lives Matter movement and Digital serves educators in all fifty states and write toward social justice. sixty countries.

14 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 Check out highlights from 826 Digital in the past year:

“The writing prompts 82K STUDENTS SERVED from 826 Digital have been ACROSS ALL 50 STATES amazing and have inspired my sixth graders to develop 53.6K USERS interesting characters and 186.5K hilarious and suspenseful PAGEVIEWS stories during remote 3.3K learning. I am so glad I NEW SUBSCRIBERS discovered you!” 10K TOTAL DOWNLOADS Alison Rice, Teacher, Arlington,VA

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 15 WELCOMING 826 MSP

On 826 Day (August 26th) of 2019, the 826 Network welcomed our ninth chapter, 826 MSP! 826 MSP, formerly Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute (MOI), was created by a group of dedicated local educators and writers who were inspired by the 826 model. The writing center offers opportunities for 1,500 local students each year to dive into creative writing, tutoring, and publishing with the support of more than 60 volunteers.

Minnesota has one of the widest educational opportunity gaps in the country, with graduation rates for students of color that are 20-30% lower than their white peers. These disparities show up in the literacy gap too: In 2017, Minnesota ranked 16th in the nation for fourth-grade reading proficiency overall, but Latinx and Black students ranked 33rd and 37th, respectively. 826 MSP works to close this gap by utilizing writing as a tool for processing experiences and building community.

They recently expanded their youth leadership opportunities by launching the Young Authors’ Council, a program focused on youth-leadership skill “I am a mirror. I reflect building, civic engagement, and writing enrichment for students in grades 6–12. In spring 2020, Young Authors’ Council students engaged in their first on my family and project and wrote letters of gratitude to the essential workers helping to friends the tenacity of keep us healthy, fed, and safe. Their words of encouragement were sent to a my grandmother, the local children’s hospital and published on yard signs around the Twin Cities, spreading hope at a time when many felt hopeless. cooking of my mother (sambusa, pasta, rice).”

Bahsra, Grade 7, 826 MSP

16 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 826 DALLAS PROJECT

We are also proud to welcome our newest chapter in development: 826 Dallas Project. “My friends, whom I shared these past four 826 Dallas Project is a coalition of local Dallas youth-serving organizations, years with all are capable of changing the including Big Thought, For Oak Cliff, Paul Quinn College, Southern Methodist world, literally. I have no doubt that many University MADI, Deep Vellum Publishing, and The Writer’s Garret. Convened of them will go on to do great things. And by the University of North Texas at Dallas, the coalition is working with 826 National to build an 826 chapter in Dallas from the ground up. While 826 Dallas it is because of this feeling that I don’t let Project is in its formative stages, it has accomplished so much in the last year! this pandemic weigh me down, and I know

826 Dallas Project kicked off its work with students fall 2019 with its for a fact that others feel the same way too.” participation in The Great College Essay Project. They hosted two successful college essay workshops in which college-bound seniors worked one-on-one From “The Beginning of the End” by Dilyan Arizmendi, Grade 12, with volunteer tutors. Trini Garza Early College High School, 826 Dallas Project

In the spring, they continued to build on their programming with the Young Author’s Book Project. The result was a stunning publication: Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race & COVID-19. The series of prompts used for the project was published on 826 Digital as “Life in the Time of Coronavirus” and became one of our most downloaded lessons during the 2019-20 school year. The lesson sparked conversation surrounding isolation, fear, hope, and resilience to a national level. Most importantly, it brought young voices in conversation with one another at an unlikely time. Read the excerpt from Faceless, written by Dilyan, to discover how writing has allowed students to process the moment.

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 17 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Indigenous Originated: Walking in Two Worlds At 826 chapters, young people by ninth- and tenth-grade become published authors. Their We Matter: Notes From All Nations students from words are featured in beautiful DC’s Generation Z by South High School publications that sit on the shelf scholars from Brookland 826 MSP alongside best-sellers. Students have Middle School powerful things to say—this year’s 826DC Young Authors’ Book Projects honor We the Almighty by their voices and are available for tenth-grade students at purchase in our chapters’ stores and G.W. Carver High School websites. 826 NEW ORLEANS

Time to Heal: Expressions My Generation Can: of Resistance, Resilience, Public Narratives for and Reimagination by the All I Have to Say Community Change by ethnic studies students of memoirs from 826NYC twelfth-grade students at Roosevelt High School students at the High the E.M. Kennedy Academy 826LA School of Fashion For Health Careers Industries 826 BOSTON 826NYC

Let Us Keep What We Because No One Else The Freedom to Live Love by 826CHI’s Teen Could Do It photography Without Fear written by Writers Studio and memoir by students twelfth-grade students at 826CHI at Ypsilanti Community Mission High School High School 826MICHIGAN

18 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 PANDEMIC VOICES: A GOOD TIME TO WRITE

Our commitment to students’ voices has taken #AGOODTIMETOWRITE VIDEOS Hope is dreams many new forms this year given the Covid-19 In addition to sharing writing prompts, 826 That are still within us pandemic. In addition to producing our annual National’s YouTube channel featured many and the last beacon schedule of professionally bound books, we authors, staff, and volunteers reading student and there’s still hope for life in this also recognized a need for student voices to writing. Some pieces of student writing were also connect to their communities and to the world illustrated by professional artists. universe with immediacy. Check out some of the creative and there’s still hope for aliens that ways the 826 Network inspired, cultivated, and live to this day celebrated students’ voices during the pandemic and there’s still hopes and dreams this spring. and the last chance to get something and there’s still hope for other planets and hope is the last man standing WRITING ON THE WALL In New Orleans, young people published their and hope is magical work right on their front door. 826 New Orleans and hope is joy staff and volunteers distributed chart paper, and hope is your last chance markers, and other writing supplies to bring joy and hope is amazing and color to neighborhoods around the city. and hope is overjoyful and hope can bring peace QUARANTEEN VOICES and hope can bring anything In this program from 826NYC, students met guest authors to talk about writing, ask Adam & Ayub, Grades 6 & 3, 826 MSP questions, and share their writing at an open mic. Students in the program learned from luminaries like Inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, filmmaker Spike Jonze, and National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson.

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 19 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: POETS IN REVOLT! FEATURING A FOREWORD BY AMANDA GORMAN

At 826, we elevate youth voices by offering tools and platforms for self- expression. Through thought-provoking writing projects and lessons, we invite students to think critically about the world we live in and join the conversation around the issues that matter to them.

In an election year marked by a global pandemic, environmental disasters, and a resurgent movement for racial justice, fostering civic engagement and critical thinking is taking on new resonance. Young people are raising their voices and sharing perspectives on these vital issues.

Featuring poems by young writers from all over the country, 826 National’s publication Poets in Revolt! A Call to Action by Young Writers demonstrates how students’ stories can deepen our understanding of our contexts, both near and far. Whether it’s Black Lives Matter, the March for Our Lives, or the Youth Climate Strike, young people are at the frontlines of combating injustice and changing the world. Diverse voices have shaped our country’s history, and young writers in 826 programs will write its next chapter.

20 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 “826 authors are courageously and unapologetically filling in the literary gaps of yesterday, and demanding that we explore new topics and voices in this sociocultural moment. They are writing the poems that they want to read, and what’s more, writing poems we all should be reading.” Amanda Gorman, Inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate and 826 National Board Member, from the foreword to Poets in Revolt! A Call to Action by Young Writers

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 21 SUSTAINABILITY NATIONAL PARTNERS “Keep writing. Let your voice be heard—what

At 826 National, our partners are vital to PROGRAM PARTNERS you’re doing is important, helping us reach students in every corner Amplifier and what 826 is doing is of the nation. Thanks to their support, we have Anti-Defamation League hosted college essay writing workshops in cities AT&T’s Youth Voice Collective important . . . [Writing] across the country and published some of our Barkley inspires others and teaches most popular lesson plans on 826 Digital. We’ve Beau Biden Foundation made 826 writing tools accessible to students, Cartoon Network Stop Bullying: Speak empathy, and makes people caregivers, and educators nationwide and hosted Up Initiative feel special. I would ask you workshops that challenge students to write CNN to keep [writing] and keep for inclusion and stand up to bullying. We’ve Common App made publications printed on beautiful paper, Common Sense Media inspiring us all.” collaborated at conferences, and even gained Grammarly new board members from our partnerships. PBS NewsHour, Student Reporting Lab Christina Miller, former president of Cartoon Their investment in our network is felt every day, Reach Higher Network, when asked what advice she would and we are proud to call them partners in our Wide Open School give 826’s students. mission. Thank you! Zingtrain

22 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 STORY SOIRÉE

“Through writing at 826NYC, I discovered the incredible power of world-building. So thank you for believing so much in 826, in my voice, and in the voices of my fellow students.” Noemi Martinez, 826NYC alumna

Celebrating a movement centered on creativity, Attendees watched a video animated by Cartoon Noemi Martinez, an alumna of 826NYC and democracy, and amplifying student voice Network of a story by Nana-Wadieh, a ten- current college student, read an excerpt from a through writing—that’s what happened on year-old student who’s been participating in fantasy story she’d written in high school and November 7, 2019, in New York City at the programming at 826NYC for two years. His presented Marlon James—who is also a founding inaugural 826 Story Soirée, an evening hosted story was part of the 826 National Inclusion board member of 826 MSP in Minneapolis-St. by 826 National and 826NYC. The event was Storytelling Project—an initiative to promote Paul—with the inaugural Literary Luminary generously sponsored by AT&T, WarnerMedia, kindness, caring, and empathy among students Award. International Paper, Microsoft, Lynda and across the country in partnership with Cartoon Stuart Resnick, and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign. James explained why he believes in supporting Sullivan LLP. 826: “Because I never stopped being a “I never dreamed that Cartoon Network teacher, and I’ve seen that moment a At the Soirée, Wyatt Cenac, Ira Glass, Maulik would animate the anti-bullying story you student comes across a mind-blowing book, Pancholy, and Jon Scieszka joined the festivities. just saw, and that more than one million it’s irreplaceable.” Together we celebrated President of Cartoon people would see it,” said Nana-Wadieh, as he Network Christina Miller as well as author and presented Christina Miller, former president of Man Booker Prize recipient Marlon James. Cartoon Network, with the Super Citizen Award.

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 23 TODAY AND TOMORROW FUND

826 National raised $250,000 this year for the 826 Today and Tomorrow Fund to support the 826 Network’s continued ability to serve K-12 students in under-resourced communities who are most deeply affected by school closures.

The Covid-19 crisis has reinforced several realities about the 826 Network, including the courage and ingenuity of the 826 staff, the readiness of chapter leadership to come together to support each other, and the importance of the network’s overall financial resilience. It has also provided a catalyst to accelerate 826 National’s long-term plans to support the overall stability and sustainability of the 826 Network by funding a dedicated pool of cash resources for chapters in extraordinary times of need.

The 826 Today and Tomorrow Fund provides support and platforms for the tens of thousands of students and teachers learning at home today, and prepares 826 Network chapters for the moment when students once again fill our schools and youth writing centers.

While created in response to Covid-19, this fund will outlast our current crisis and evolve as the 826 Network grows.

24 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 FINANCIALS

TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL EXPENSES $2,359,303 $1,902,163

Foundations 41% Programs 74% Corporate 37 Fundraising 16% Government 4% Management + Administration 10% Individuals 8% Chapter Fees 9 % Earned Income 2%

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 25 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INSTITUTIONS International Paper Foundation Tattly Temporary Tattoos Adam Weiss Jentes Family Foundation Truist Adele Chavez Acton Family Giving JP Morgan Chase UncommonGoods Agustin Cervantes AmazonSmile Judd Apatow’s Sick in the Head Warby Parker Aimee Peterson AmeriCorps VISTA Keough Family Foundation in WarnerMedia Alan Eustace and Kathy Kwan Anonymous (2) honor of Lane Brown William I. Smith Family Alexa Brnilovich AT&T Foundation Meredith Corporation Foundation Foundation Alexander Ward Attion Consulting Merge Records & A Very She & Him Yellow Chair Foundation Alexandra Suich Bass and Barkley Inc. Christmas Yerba Buena Fund Kyle Bass Bonfire Funds Microsoft YourCause Alexandra Takayesu California State Library National Endowment for the Arts Zingerman’s Community of Alexandria Phelps California Student Author Program News Corp Businesses Alfred Lafave State of California Panta Rhea Fund Alfredo Reyes Cartoon Network Penguin Random House Alisha Phillips Charities Aid Foundation of Polk Wealth Management Allegra Rosenberg America Postmates Allison Potocki in honor of Colliers International NY Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & INDIVIDUALS Cameron Messinides Creative Artists Agency Sullivan Amanda Lipitz and Greg Smith The Eucalyptus Foundation The Resnick Family Foundation Aaron Dannenbring in honor of Amanda Uhle in honor of Exelon Corporation Richter Foundation in memory of Gary Dannenbring Nick Hornby Field Notes John T. and Martha R. Richter Abbey Hayward Amber Hopper Givguard Charitable Rollins College Abraham Shafar Amelia Whittington in honor of Goldman Sachs Rosenfield Linde Fund in honor of Adam Abensohn Larry Sims Good Today Amanda Gorman Adam Gensler Amir Mokari Google Singer Family Foundation Adam Keeper Amy Mayo Hachette Book Group, Inc. State Street Global Advisors Adam Koehler Amy Young Hellman Foundation StellarEngine Consulting Adam R. Levine Andie Kully Humble Bundle Target Corporation Adam Rex Andrea Ball

26 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 Andrea Rickard Ashley Antler Carlos Clay Corey Delaney Andrea Van Hagen Astrid Golomb Carly Barnhardt Cynthia Zapata Andrew Colville in honor of Audra Robb Carol Goldberg Dan Kuruna and Justine Jentes Miles Schiff Avi Shafar Carole Levine Dana Kapp Andrew Morwood Barbara and Rich Furman Carolyn Ainslie Dania Cortes Cervantes Andrew Rubenstein Barbara Kessler and Richard Soble Cary Lerman Daniel Conway Andrew Schweig in honor of Anna Rose Moore Catherine Butz in memory of Daniel Galban Andrew Sparkler and Becky Silverstein and Naomi Sobel Doris Rochlin Daniel Shader and Starling Marshall Bertha Gorman Catherine Hilton Elisabeth Dutton Andrew Strickman and Bertha Sanchez Catherine Miller Danielle Davis Michal Ettinger Bethany Freund Cathleen Hartge Danielle Sinay Andrew Womack Bethany Kristovich Cece Balman Danny and Amity Horowitz Andy Samberg Betsy Yates Celeste McNeil Clark Dave Grable Andy Swist Dr. Beverly J. Simmons and Celia Pinzi in honor of Victoria Dave Morgan Angela Showalter Dr. Ross W. Duffin in honor of Havlicek and Owen Farcy David Billingsley Anh Nguyen Selena Simmons-Duffin Chris Colabella David Bradley Anikah McLaren Brandon Silberstein Chris, Lisa, and Richard O’Toole David Eiseman Anjali Viji Brennan Lyons Chrissy Gipko David Fredericks Anna Gross Brian Doyle Christian Herr David Luiken Anna Mayersohn Brian Juergens Christian Pulley David Nowers Anndee Hochman Brian and Paula Powers Christiane Hayward in honor of David Owen Anne Tromsness Brian Salomaki Abbey Hayward David Perlson Annelise Hagar Preciado Brooks Kenny in honor of Christie Bahna David and Lori Schnadig Anthea Weixel Lisa Novick Christopher Bragdon Dennis Wolf Anthony Hayes Bryan Gaertner Christopher Conway Diane Cassanego Anthony Rowe Caitlin and Zack Balgeman Christopher Tague Diane Doolittle and Michael Grady Antonio Merenda Calvin Huang Cindy Ogasawara Dinah Berland Anuraag Chigurupati Candice Ferguson Claes Morén Donald Verrilli April Champion Candie McClain Claire Davis Donna Cowan and Barry Nelson Ari Kahan Cappy and Janie McGarr in honor Claire Meaney Drew Holmes Arita Vernon of Alexandra Bass Conor Donegan Eduardo Lander Arlette De La Cruz Carina Traub Conor and Lauren Lastowka Edurne Diaz

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 27 Edward Lovett Erika Swyler Heidi Wrightsman Jason Brown Eileen Manning Erin Ellenbolt Henry Lee and Elia Herrera Jason So Elaine and Robert Andrews Erin Liviskie Hilary Gridley JD Horton Elena Megalos Erin Phillips Holly Byrd in memory of Jeffrey Coddington Eliot Merrill Erin Ryan Debra West Maciazek Jeffrey Snow in memory of Elissa Klopfer Ethan Sawyer Holly Gordon Dwain and Sue Smith Elizabeth Caswell Eugene and Suzanne Valla Holly and Jerry Suich Jeffrey Szudy in honor of Elizabeth Dukes Evan McGarvey and Huntley Rodes Scot Ranslem Elizabeth Herrera Allegra Asplundh Ido Ostrowsky Jen D’Ambrosie Elizabeth Stokes Farley Ziegler Ilsa Bruer Jenn Kujawski Elizabeth Wade Felipa Quiroz Isaac Celis Jenna Williams Ella Vorenberg Flavia Vidal Isabel Pinner Jennifer Bertman Elliot Feng Frances Robinson Jack Bertges Jennifer Bryant Elliott Waxer Francesca Kelley Jacob Best Jennifer Gubicza Emilia Agrafojo Freek Staps in honor of Jacob Schmidgall Jennifer Houser Emily Chu Japke D. Bouma Jacob Stebel Jennifer Repo Emily Feinberg in honor of Elisha Gabrielle O’Leary Jacqueline Woodson Jennifer Struss Cooper, Lily Williams, Karen Gerad Ball in honor of Maura Baker James Burke Jeremy Legg Blumenthal, and Nick Bruel Gina Cargas James Delgadillo Jessica Coalson Emily Gelb Gina Siddiqui James Esposto Jessica Delgadillo Emily Lenzner in memory of Giovanna Gioffre James Jang Jessica Leung Doris Rochlin Glenn Baxter James Muske in honor of Jessie Gienow Emily Luther Grant Nguyen Sandra Lee-Muske Jill King Emma Levitz Greg West James Neff in honor of Victoria Jill and Joe Lervold Eric Abrams Gregorio Magarelli Havlicek and Owen Farcy Joe Rieke Eric Demby Gregory Paul James Swartchild Joey and Susan Klein Eric Lin Grethe Mo James Walters John Box Eric Winston Gustav Roman James Wynne in memory of Sally John and Kelly Couch Erik Gulsrud Halima Hudson Steinberg John Erickson Erik and Kendra Ragatz Heather McAdam Jamie Hwang John Keough in honor of Erika Ortiz Heather Takahashi Janelle Adsit Lane Brown Erika Pulley-Hayes Heidi Lee Jaret Butler John Owen

28 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 John Schwab Kathryn Higgins Lee Brenner in memory of Margaret Eppinger John Wyatt Kathy Nichol Doris Rochlin Margaret Jenkins in honor of Jonatan Kanter Katie Devlin Leticia Ortiz Katie Lindsay Jonathan Hsieh Kay and Arthur Brief in honor of Linda Bannan Margaret Lynch Jordan Terry Laura Brief Linda Brewer Margaret Parish Joseph Capuano Jr Kelly Klaus Linda Dong Margaret Reeve Joshua Meltzer Kelly Zalatimo Linda Turnbull Maria Lefebre Joshua Patashnik Kelson Goldfine Linzi Juliano in honor of Alan Marian and Roger Gray Joyce McGovern Kendra Curry-Khanna Gallauresi and Kate Wallinga Marie Ann Fernandez-Silva Juanita Kika Teudt in honor of Kenneth Chiate Lis Sinner Marisa Ruiz Haven Teudt Kerry Kourepenos Lisa Kucharski Marisa Yuh Judi and Pete Morell Kevin Kloth Lisa Piotrowski Marja Overbeck Julia Tranchina Kevin Spall Liz Kim Marjorie Folkman in honor of Julianna Berry Kianna Flowers Liz Radzicki Laura Steuer Julie Albright Kimberly Yorio Liza Demby Mark Elson in honor of Julie Dougery Kin Lun Law Lola Grillo Kristina Mody Justin and Sumona De Graaf in Kristen Henderson Lonee Lona Mark Kujawski honor of Kathryn Edmonds Kyle and Jennifer Klopfer Louis Lucido Marty Corren Justin Floersch Kyle Vineyard Louisa Grenquist Mary Lou Dale Justin Kalifowitz Kyle Welch Louise Grotenhuis Mary Schaefer Justin and Salit Kulla Lane Brown Louise Warnock in honor of Matt McCloskey Justin McKee Laura Coonrad in honor of Gordon Warnock Matthew Hooban Justin McLachlan Timothy Hobin Lucia Magis Weinberg Matthew McHenry Kaitlyn Royer Laura Egan Lucrecia and Sofia Herrera Matthew Pratt Miss Kara Benton Laura Heery Luis Herrera Maximilian Diehn Karen Larsen Laura Herrera Luisa Li Megan Stuart Karl Plank Laura Lopez Lydon Vonnegut Megan Wittekind Kate Dwyer Laura Marris in honor of Victoria Maddy Russell-Shapiro Meghan Ball Kate O’Sullivan and Kurt Bauer Havlicek and Owen Farcy Magdalena Tułecka Melissa Buss Katharine Freeman Lauren Ramsby Marc Armato Melissa Sexton Katherine Forster Laurie Malkin Marc Russell Meng Tan Katherine Schwab Laurie Stowell Margaret Bradley Meredith Charpantier

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 29 Meredith Lee in honor of Erin Ryan Natasha Moskow Priyanka Krishnan Sara and Steve Pandolfi Meta Weiss Natasha Weidner Rachel Hassas Sarah Box Michael DiFiglio Nathan Marinoff Rachel Kassabian Sarah Connolly Michael Flanagan Nathaniel Bisson and Keith Naftaly Rachel Miller Sarah Dunn Michael Hong in memory of Nicholas Fram Rachel Moore Sarah Fogle Sam Lee Nicholas Jasenovec Rachel O’Connell Sarah Pape Michael McGovern Nicholas Montgomery Rachelle Doorley Scott Coomes Michael Mordenga in honor of Nicholas Weinstock Raymond Carpenter Sean Hilton Adam Keister Nicole Wilson Rebecca Foerg-Spittel Sean Pak Michael Regan Nonna Marinoff Rebecca Mieliwocki Shane Boyar Michael Ross Nuala Mamdani Rebecca Mitsuse Shannon Waldman Michael Schwartz Owen Stone Rebecca Parker Sharon King Michael Turso Pamela Rogers Renee B. Pray Shayna Kulik Michael Williams Pamela Smurlo Rich Zahradnik Sheena Hilton Michele Brennan Patricia C. Birdsell in honor of Richard Farrell Sheena Zadai Michelle and Michael McGovern Christopher Widenor and Richard Santos Sheila Kilb Michelle Tountas George Widenor Rita Farin Skylar Brooks Miguel Molina Patricia Mott Rita Juda Sonia DeYoung Mike Masserman Patrick Healy and Rob Trevino Sonia Fernandes Mo Frechette Isabelle Georgeaux Rohit Singla Sonia Kraftson Molly Loftus in honor of Patrick Pichette Ronicka Briscoe Sophie Afdhal Victoria Havilcheck Patrick Wong Rosa Canales Spencer Beard Monica Burdick Paul De Groot Rosamund Palmer Spencer Worthley in honor of Monica Shields Paul Gangsei Rose Baskett Cindy Worthley Monique Deschaine Paul and Clementine Philbrick Rose Sabo Spike Jonze Morgan Shaber-Twedt in honor of Paul and Lori Saginaw Russell Warriner Stacey Bronoel Aaron Shaber-Twedt Paul St John Ruven Chu Stacey Matson Morgan Tovey Percival Ampomah Ryan O’Connell Stan Chiu in honor of John Couch Morissa Henn Peter and Michelle Detkin Ryann Armstrong Starling Marshall Mya Hotter Peter Kempe Sammy Dweck Stephen Ensley Nancy Curran Peter Koehler Sara Bursavich Stephen Jessey Naoki and John Yoshida Philip and Alicia Hammarskjold Sara Silberstein Stephen Lippman

30 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 Stephen McGaw Vaughan Boone Steven Colton Victoria Cook in memory of STAFF AND BOARD Steven Malk Simon Broom Susan Kaar Victoria Maroulis Susan Krauss Vinay Kamath Thank you to all of the 826 DONNA COWAN Susan Lou Wendy Duvall National board and staff members 826 Boston Representative Susan Morrel-Samuels William C. Barbot who worked tirelessly to grow the Active Community Volunteer Susan Sarabasha William Clarke 826 Network over the past year. Susan and David Tunnell William Seybold JODIE EVANS Suzanne Cosgrove Winston Hoy 826LA Representative Tal Simon Zach Kirchberg 826 NATIONAL BOARD Co-Founder of CODEPINK Talia and Graham Brandt Zoe Harvan OF DIRECTORS Tamar McMahon ERIC ABRAMS, President SAMEER GADKAREE Tammy Oler and Ehren Gresehover 826 Valencia Representative 826CHI Representative Tanya White Chief Inclusion Officer, Stanford Senior Program Officer, Joyce Taylore Becker Graduate School of Education Foundation Ted Wolff and Anne Clarke-Wolff Teresa Mendoza HOWARD YOON, Vice President AMANDA GORMAN Teresa Reed Dippo & Secretary Inaugural National Youth Poet Terry Wit and Jennifer Heflin Literary Agent, Ross Yoon Agency Laureate and 2021 Inaugural Poet Tessie Topol Therese Ferguson ELIA HERRERA, Secretary RONICKA HARRISON-BRISCOE Thomas Viehe Attorney 826 New Orleans Representative Tida Violante President, Legacy Inventive Timothy Macaskill JOHN COUCH, Treasurer Solution for Schools Todd and Bella Bukowski Investment Management, Todd Norwood Goldman Sachs KEVIN JOHNSON Tom Racciatii 826CHI Representative Toni Morell KRISTEN CONRY Founder & Executive Coach, The Tracy Rathbun Senior Vice President Global Transformance Group Trevor Stewart Design, US & Canada, Marriott Valerie Sloane International

ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20 31 LOUIS LUCIDO LACIE SANDSTROM EMERITUS BOARD 826 NATIONAL STAFF 826LA Representative 826michigan Representative MEMBERS Tierra Alston-Johnson, Maggie DoubleLine, CASA of Los Angeles Account Executive, Google Ann Andrews, Laura Brief, Lauren Arbor NÍNIVE CALEGARI Broder, Skylar Burkhardt, Liz MICHAEL MASSERMAN 826 National Co-Founder Dwyer, Sarah Faude, Megan Senior Advisor at Albright MARY SCHAEFER CEO, Enterprise for Youth Faunce, Anna Griffin, Abbey Stonebridge Group and former Head Consultant President & Founder, Teacher Hayward, Lauren Humphrey, of Global Policy & Social Impact, Lyft Salary Project Cecilia Juan, Doug Keller, ALEXANDRA SUICH BASS Kona Lai, Caroline Moon, Arfi TONI MORELL Senior Correspondent for Politics, DAVE EGGERS Oktavianti, Gabi Oliveira, Maria Managing Partner, Zingerman’s Technology and Society, The 826 National Co-Founder Potratz, Kait Steele, Shida Zamani, Mail Order Economist Founder of McSweeney’s and Debbie Zambetti. Publishing & Award-Winning SANDRO OLIVIERI MORGAN W. TOVEY Author Founder & President, Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Productive, LLC & Sullivan, LLP

KATE O’SULLIVAN TOM VIEHE General Manager, Digital 826DC Representative Diplomacy, Microsoft Director of Business Development, Systems Engineering Group ERIKA PULLEY-HAYES President and Chief Executive ANNE WINTROUB Officer, WMFE|WMFV Director, Social Innovation, AT&T

TOM RACCIATTI KATHRYN YONTEF 826MSP Representative 826NYC Representative Director, West Monroe Partners, Director of Corporate Initiatives, Minneapolis Everytown for Gun Safety

32 ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-20

826 National ANNUAL REPORT 20192020

“Writing allows me to walk with millions of others in a march that may not end in this century, or the next—but each step counts, no matter how small.” Connect with us! Jeremy Hsiao, Grade 11, Poets in Revolt! 826NATIONAL.ORG