TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
5
DEAR FRIENDS
6-7
Y E A R AT A G L A N C E
8-9
VOLUNTEERS
10-11
Q & A W I T H J O C E LY N R A M I R E Z
16-17
TUTORING
18-19
WORKSHOPS
20-21
FIELD TRIPS
22-23
IN-SCHOOLS PROJECTS
24-25
Q&A WITH NIMA GHOMESHI
26-27
W R I T E R S ’ R O O M AT MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL
28-29
COLLEGE ACCESS
30-31
YOUNG AUTHORS’ BOOK PROJECT
34-35
E V E N T S AT 8 2 6 L A
36-37
Q&A WITH BENJAMIN BOOKER
38-39
T I M E T R AV E L M A R T
40-41
TREASURER’S REPORT
42-43
ROADMAP TO THE FUTURE
44-45
PA R T N E R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S
46-47
C O R P O R AT E V O L U N T E E R I N G
48-51
SUPPORTERS
51 52-53
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS S TA F F & B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S 1
OUR MISSION
826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 826LA’s services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.
L E A R N M O R E AT 8 2 6 L A . O R G
2
3
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends, The ability to think critically about one’s environment, and to express it boldly, is the first vital step toward making change. At 826LA, we give students the tools they need to write the future. In 2017-2018, our programs helped students examine their communities and tell stories of their Los Angeles, from the chapbook LA Isn’t Just THAT to our annual Young Authors’ Book Project, Through the Same Halls, in which Manual Arts High School students interviewed elders from South Los Angeles. Educational statistics about the population we serve are sobering: The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has one of the highest concentrations of low-income students in the state of California, with 80% of enrolled students living at or below the poverty line.[1] In the state’s low-income communities, only 29% of Latinx and 23% of Black third grade students are performing at grade level in English Language Arts.[2] More than 90% of students served by 826LA attend Title I schools, where at least 41% of students qualify for federal free or reduced price meals. But at 826LA, we are committed to seeing the full story, one that begins with students’ strength. 4
Their reality includes genuine challenges, but also resilience, imagination, supportive families, and caring educators. Our programs help them leverage these strengths. The 1,086 volunteers who donated their time and worked with students one-on-one set the stage by communicating: We’re here to listen to your story. 826LA’s writing projects helped 9,955 students celebrate their voices and communities, while developing skills that will help them thrive personally and academically. Every day, 826LA students, volunteers, and staff make me proud to call myself an Angeleno, and excited about what we can accomplish together. Sincerely,
Joel Arquillos Executive Director 826LA
[1] The Los Angeles Unified School District (2015). “Shortchanging L.A. Unified Students—$200 Million At Stake.” Retrieved from lausd.net. [2] California Department of Education (2017). California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress 2016-17 Results. Retrieved on November 20, 2017, from https://caaspp.cde.ca.gov/ sb2017/default
5
2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 AT A G L A N C E
I M PA C T T H R O U G H O U T L A
GLENDALE
20,039 hours volunteered
EAGLE ROCK
LOS FELIZ HOLLYWOOD
WESTWOOD
9,955 students served
ECHO PARK
CENTRAL LA
BEVERLY HILLS
KOREATOWN
DOWNTOWN
SANTA MONICA MAR VISTA
258 LAUSD teachers supported
CHINATOWN
EAST LOS ANGELES
CULVER CITY
SOUTH LOS ANGELES LADERA HEIGHTS
HUNTINGTON PARK
MARINA DEL REY LAX INGLEWOOD
SOUTH GATE
263 books & newspapers published
6
L O C AT I O N W H E R E 8 2 6 L A W O R K WA S D O N E AT OUR CENTERS AND IN LOS ANGELES SCHOOLS
7
“The look of accomplishment on their faces is everything.�
826LA VOLUNTEERS
XOCHITL RUIZ 826LA VOLUNTEER
TV writers on hiatus. Retirees. Former students. Corporate groups in matching T-shirts. Actors who love playing the curmudgeonly Professor Barnacle for field trips of unsuspecting elementary school students. 826LA volunteers are an eclectic bunch, and they are all dedicated to helping students tell their stories.
1,086
volunteers
20,039
hours volunteered
L E A R N M O R E AT 826LA.ORG/VOLUNTEER
In 2017-2018, we studied trends and surveyed volunteers to get a better understanding of what inspires volunteers to join and stay with 826LA. This analysis resulted in new trainings, such as one focused on behavior management; appreciation events; and mobile background check services at all our locations, which made it much easier for new volunteers to complete both steps of the onboarding process.
336
new volunteers who contributed at least five hours
16
supplemental trainings 8
LEARN MORE A B O U T C O R P O R AT E VOLUNTEERING ON PA G E 4 6 9
“The great thing about 826 is that it’s not school, but it’s a learning space.”
Q & A W I T H J O C E LY N R A M I R E Z
F O R M E R 8 2 6 L A S T U D E N T, A M E R I C O R P S V I S TA S U M M E R A S S O C I AT E , A N D T I M E T R AV E L M A R T S TA F F M E M B E R
J O C E LY N R A M I R E Z
H O W D I D Y O U G E T I N V O LV E D WITH 826LA?
I started as a middle school student in AST [After-School Tutoring] back when 826LA was still in Venice. After that, I branched out into the Summer Writers Workshop and Journalism. I attended a Spoken Word workshop, too—those were some of my favorites. I think I took every workshop available! W H AT M A D E Y O U WA N T TO WORK HERE, TOO?
The great thing about 826 is that it’s not school, but it’s a learning space. The summer after I graduated high school, I was a Summer Associate [for 826LA’s writing camp for English language learners]. I learned a lot. It was fun figuring out what we’d be covering each week and how to make it creative. It was challenging coming up with lesson plans—I have huge respect for the creativity that teachers need to have to keep students engaged. If not for 826LA, I don’t think I’d be in a creative field. They were supportive enough that I thought, I could do this as a career. School was more like, It’s cool that you do that [artistic thing], but what do you really want to do?
10
I went to NYU, but it didn’t work out financially, so I came back. That’s when I applied to the Time Travel Mart. My favorite part of working there was interacting with parents, because you see how
much they appreciate their kids getting to go to 826LA. I was a liaison between the store, parents, and the 826 staff. 826LA families come from the same community I do. They’re primarily Hispanic, and if they had questions or needed advice, I could help them. They were sometimes worried when their kids wanted to pursue a creative field, and I could reassure them that that was okay. I understood where they were at, and where their kids were at.
TA L K A B O U T Y O U R C U R R E N T INTERNSHIP AND FUTURE CAREER PLANS.
I’m studying film at Cal State Long Beach. I transferred here last year, and now I’m in my senior year. I started interning at DreamWorks in the fall, on an animated Netflix show from Guillermo del Toro, called Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. I like the ideas on the show. Now I’m interested in working in post-production, and being an editor for animation. I think I have the drive and energy it takes to work in this field. Being part of 826 contributed to that. When I interviewed with DreamWorks, they asked about 826. They are kids at heart and appreciated that I was involved with a youth community. It’s fun for me to talk to kids and tell them about the show I’m working on and encourage them. I tell them that your experience can be validated as an artist at any point.
11
“I grew up with people telling me Disneyland is LA or Santa Monica is LA, and then I decided to tell people what I think LA is.” K AT H E R I N E L . M A R V I S TA T N T S T U D E N T
“Not to break your heart, but [Hollywood is] not all beautiful and not every time you stop you’ll see huge celebrities. Most of the people you want to see try to stay out of LA. When you come here you would want to go to a fancy restaurant or somewhere well known, but as someone who lives in LA, you should go to food trucks or local places for food. It’s just as good or even better. You know it’s gonna be fresh.” M I L A N K A P. M A R V I S TA T N T S T U D E N T
“Once upon a time a hero was born in South Central Los Angeles at 5:20 AM on March 2, 2003. His name was Ralphy, and he had super strength and loved to play soccer. When he played soccer, he turned off his powers. His weakness was love.” RAPHAEL M. 826LA STUDENT
“The drive-in theatre The scent of the cinnamon churros Smell of buttery popcorn fills the air Aroma of the car’s gas permeates my nose Smells all around me” B R I A N A P. 826LA STUDENT
12
13
OUR PROGRAMS
TUTORING
826LA’s method is simple: pairing students with trained volunteers who provide oneon-one support with reading, writing, and homework in all subjects. IN-SCHOOLS
Because not all students can come to an 826LA center, the organization brings trained volunteers into public schools to support teachers and help students with their writing. WORKSHOPS
Local artists, writers, and professionals teach workshops (open to all students) ranging from songwriting to STEM. FIELD TRIPS
To get students excited about writing, 826LA invites entire classes into its centers to collaboratively publish a book— in three hours! COLLEGE ACCESS
Throughout the year, 826LA provides Workshops, Field Trips, and one-on-one sessions for high school juniors and seniors to help them prepare to apply for college. L E A R N M O R E AT 826LA.ORG/PROGRAMS
14
15
TUTORING
94% of parents
The 162 elementary school students and 91 middle and high school students who participated in 826LA’s tutoring programs said the program helped their grades improve. But like Los Angeles itself, our tutoring program is not just one thing. Students also worked on creative projects, published chapbooks, and enjoyed a space where they could be themselves. Last year we collaborated with Cartoon Network to create inclusion-themed writing prompts for elementary and middle school students to inspire stories of compassion and understanding. The students’ fiction and nonfiction stories were compiled into two illustrated publications: A Friend That Will Never Be Called Enemy and Sorry! Can We Be Friends?, which were celebrated at standing-room-only release parties.
reported that their child is getting better grades in school with the help of 826LA.
83% of students
reported that they are proud of their writing. At the end of the year,
94% of students
reported that they keep working on a homework assignment, even when it’s hard, compared with 88% at the beginning of the school year.
16
17
WORKSHOPS
97%
of students who attended a workshop reported that they enjoyed working with 826LA volunteers.
826LA’s workshops offer an opportunity for students to engage all their skills and senses while learning from community artists. Serving 1,624 students (27% more than the previous year!), 826LA’s 96 workshops brought writing into journalism, fashion, STEM-based experiments, and even Dungeons & Dragons. The latter was made possible by 826LA supporter Mark Koro and the web series Critical Role, whose stars led students in creating fantastical characters and inspired viewers—or “Critters” as they call themselves— to raise a total of $100,000 for 826LA.
18
88%
of students who attended a workshop reported that they learned new things about how to be a good writer.
19
FIELD TRIPS
When students take a field trip to 826LA, they enter a space where anything can happen. Maybe they’ll answer the booming voice of exacting publisher Professor Barnacle. Maybe they’ll write stories about sentient food items. Or maybe—as was the case in January—they’ll meet two reallife Dodgers baseball players. With support from the Dodgers Foundation, players Alex Wood and Ross Stripling and their wives joined students to write and publish Elizabeth the Magical Unicorn and The Zombie Apocalypse. Many 826LA Field Trip books are also on display at Echo Park’s Edendale Library. The Field Trip Program also revamped its Poetry and Choose Your Own Adventure lesson plans in 2017-2018, while serving more students than any other 826LA program.
4,922
students served
233
volunteers
“Sometimes [my students] have trouble getting to know each other because of their different life experiences. Today I saw them all talking and bonding and having conversations. It was unreal and a true privilege. I felt like I really connected with a lot of my toughest kids today.” SASHA KREMENETSKY DANA MIDDLE SCHOOL STEAM MAGNET TEACHER
195
Field Trips
58
schools served
234
publications
20
21
IN-SCHOOLS
“826LA has always provided that most valuable resource of all—caring, invested, and well-prepared adults who represent the diversity of Los Angeles.”
826LA meets students where they’re at—literally, in the case of our In-Schools program, which supports educators and students in classrooms throughout Los Angeles. 826LA staff members and teachers combine their expertise to develop writing prompts, and 826LA brings trained volunteers into classrooms to provide one-onone support. In the fall, the In-Schools program works with high school seniors on their personal statements for college applications or senior portfolios. 826LA gives every college-eligible student at least one class period of support to brainstorm about their successes and challenges, beyond grades and extracurricular activities. The In-Schools team produced four publications, including We Are What They Envisioned, the third anthology of work by students in Roosevelt High School’s Ethnic Studies program. Inspired by Octavia Butler, Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar’s song “DNA,” and the concept of becoming their ancestors’ wildest dreams, 74 student authors reflected on colonization, family struggles and successes, and the legacies they hope to leave for future generations. Across town at University High School, Ms. Liaw asked her ninth graders to reflect on formative events in their lives. The resulting chapbook, Snapshots: Stories from the Wildcat Class of 2021, was shared with the entire school community online. 22
BRENDAN SCHALLERT R O O S E V E LT H I G H S C H O O L T E A C H E R
2,081
students served
102
volunteers
17
schools served
4
publications
23
Q&A WITH NIMA GHOMESHI IN-SCHOOLS VOLUNTEER
HOW DID YOU GET I N V O LV E D W I T H 8 2 6 L A ?
W H AT P R O J E C T S O R I N T E R A C T I O N S S TA N D O U T T O Y O U , A N D W H Y ?
I read about 826LA in an article about great volunteer opportunities in LA. I had tutored youth in the past and enjoyed it, so I was drawn to 826LA’s work. I first started with the after-school program for grade school kids in Echo Park. The kids clearly loved being there and had so much great positive energy, which made it so much fun.
The creative writing ones where students were given flexibility to choose whether to do a poem, story, essay, etc. and on the topic of their choice. It was amazing to see different students’ unique creativity expressed. So much talent and brilliance! My #1 favorite thing about 826LA was that I got to read their amazing creative work. Such a treat.
W H AT D O Y O U F I N D I N T E R E S T I N G OR MEANINGFUL ABOUT VISITING STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASSROOMS?
In-Schools projects are indeed very meaningful because the needs of high school students are so great. They are growing into their intellects and creative potential and many can see different possibilities before them, but they need help to seize them and grow. They need encouragement, proper training/education, and compassionate discipline. I met a lot of great, passionate, devoted teachers in the schools, but they can’t meet the challenge on their own. I think 826LA is a great vehicle for students to get valuable individual attention that they wouldn’t otherwise.
24
W H O WA S S O M E O N E W H O MENTORED OR ENCOURAGED YOU AS A CHILD?
My football coach, Bob Hopkins, when I was a young teenager. He made me feel welcome, part of the team. He would pick me and other players up from home to take us to practice and then bring us back home. He was passionate, loving, and real. I recently got a chance to meet up with him again after many years and thank him. Y O U R E C E N T LY M O V E D B A C K T O CANADA. IS THERE ANYTHING ( B E S I D E S 8 2 6 L A , O F C O U R S E ! ) T H AT YOU MISS ABOUT LOS ANGELES?
Lots of things, but especially 826LA students, the bikram yoga studio I went to in Atwater Village, and my acting community. Of course, the weather as well, although the snow we’re having here right now is beautiful, too. If anyone is reading this and considering volunteering for 826LA, I strongly encourage it. There is a great need, and I promise that what you’ll get in return from the students will be infinitely worth more.
25
8 2 6 L A W R I T E R S ’ R O O M AT M A N U A L A R T S
Since 2012, 826LA has welcomed teachers, students, and volunteers to the Writers’ Room at Manual Arts High School—a classroom dedicated to celebrating students’ skills in writing and literacy. From the moment students enter the Writers’ Room, they know that they are in a creative space—with couches for reading and conversation, bookshelves brimming with student-written books, and quotes from student authors displayed on the walls like art. Most importantly, in every single Writers’ Room session, Manual Arts students sit alongside trained volunteers, receiving one-on-one attention, feedback, and encouragement. In the 2017-2018 school year: 95% of the senior class worked on their personal statements in the Writers’ Room.
760
students
82
“Once the students are in the door, they find out that they have a voice. They find out that people want to hear this voice...and it completely changes them from a timid individual to into an excited, energetic, hopeful student.” C R I S AV I Ñ A MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
volunteers
41
projects
14
teachers
77% of students who worked in the Writers’ Room were college-bound. Writers’ Room students accepted into fouryear colleges increased by 33% from the previous year. But there was plenty of time for fun in the Writers’ Room, too. Creative projects included ‘zine making, memoir writing, and writing about food justice. Not to mention the Young Authors’ Book Project—more on that on page 30!
26
27
COLLEGE ACCESS
“My tutor was amazing! She got me to talk about things that I probably wouldn’t have if I had done this on my own. She helped me be more vulnerable and say what I want to say.” S T U D E N T PA R T I C I PA N T 8 T H A N N U A L G R E AT L O S A N G E L E S P E R S O N A L S TAT E M E N T W E E K E N D
Many students in under-resourced communities take care of younger siblings or work after school to help pay rent. 826LA makes the college application process more equitable by helping them express the determination, maturity, and responsibility that such feats reveal. In addition to providing personal statement support at the Writers’ Room, via In-Schools programming, and on Field Trips to our centers in Echo Park and Mar Vista, 826LA hosted the 8th annual Great Los Angeles Personal Statement Weekend in November. During this two-day event, 250 students worked one-on-one with 174 volunteers to draft the essays that will get them into college. In the spring, many of these same students returned to work again with volunteers during Scholarship Day.
28
260
students served
174
volunteers
29
YOUNG AUTHORS’ BOOK PROJECT
It began with a pile of yearbooks in the archives of Manual Arts High School. Behind the changing hairstyles, the decades’ worth of photos revealed a changing community. 826LA helped students interview and write about elders in South Los Angeles, from their own relatives to prominent community members. The result was the 2018 Young Authors’ Book Project, Through the Same Halls: Journeys of Elders Born and Raised in South Central and Beyond. Like all YABP editions, it engaged students in every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing. Students interviewed Manual Arts alumni from 1948-1973, including Donald Bakeer, a former educator at Manual Arts and author of South Central L.A. CRIPS and the screenplay for the film version. Star Montana, a photo-based artist who lives and works in LA, came in as a teaching artist and took author photos. Las Fotos Project shot portraits of Manual Arts alumni all over the city, from Downtown LA to Exposition Park.
65
students
43
volunteers
“By writing about the experiences of their elders, these students have captured, anecdotally, a history of Mexico, Central America, and, indeed, South Central LA that is undervalued and mostly overlooked. After seeing their writing published, these students will never feel disempowered vis a vis the English language again.” DONALD BAKEER, AUTHOR AND FORMER MANUAL A R T S E D U C AT O R , F R O M T H E F O R E W O R D T O THROUGH THE SAME HALLS
1
school served
Themes that emerged: hard work, history, pride, immigration, legacy, new generations, generations that have lived in LA for years, tenacity, and advice. Students shared their work to a packed house at the spring release party, and YABP author Ada F. took the stage with author and 826 co-founder Dave Eggers at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
30
31
“Los Angelés, I mean for this E to have an accent. This is important, it’s the emphasis of our familias. This is for the familias that come here to start over on life, for the parents who want better for their kids. Los Angelés para todos, for everyone!”
“From street murals on the walls, to Instagram-worthy museum pics shot on Polaroids. Yes, they complete my feed. The light posts do align with swaying palm trees in a sweet, sweet way.... Even the utility boxes at every street corner bring a sense of creativity to our city, as each one tells its own story.” M I C H E L L E G . & YA R E L I J . M A R V I S TA T N T S T U D E N T S
N ATA L I E S . E C H O PA R K T N T S T U D E N T
“I am Californian and an unknown species. From Culver City, with apartments crouching away from tall intimidating palm trees listening to the sounds of tweets everyday outside the small bustling home I stay. I am the bike lanes near the ravine, home to the determined living ducks.” NASIM Z. 826LA STUDENT 32
33
E V E N T S AT 8 2 6 L A
P E E R - T O - P E E R M A R AT H O N
826LA’s annual peer-to-peer fundraiser gave traditional marathons a run for their money. Volunteers and supporters who participated in our tiny race (half half half half half of 26 miles is roughly .826 miles) raised over $42,000! Emcee Jonah Ray and KCRW DJ Marion Hodges kept the crowd entertained as participants scurried through a course that included giant Scrabble, a three-legged race, and impromptu poetry writing. A team called The Mispellings (it’s misspelled— get it?) took first place, while The Running Jokes raised the most money for 826LA’s free programming. T E L L M E A S T O RY
The theme of 2018’s Tell Me A Story event was “Untold Stories of Los Angeles.” More than 350 supporters, students, volunteers, and LA luminaries gathered on June 5 at the Vibiana to celebrate 826LA’s work and raise funds to open a new Writers’ Room. The event brought in a record $600,000 and confirmed that there are countless LA stories worth hearing, if we create the means to listen. Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Robin Coste Lewis reminded the crowd that “There is no such thing as an at-risk child. There is such a thing as an atrisk world.” Actor, restaurateur, and Echo Park native Danny Trejo lightened the mood with stories from his high school days, when grades were not a priority because, as he put it, “I live for the right now!” Actress Xosha Roquemore talked about being a native Angeleno in a city of transplants, and 34
Reggie Watts wowed the crowd with his unique blend of comedy, beatboxing, and musical artistry. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel closed the evening with tales from his early days in LA—like that one time he snuck into the Oscars’ Governors Ball. But it was student stories that took center stage. Valeria R. described how a family crisis solidified her need to write: “My grandmother’s near death triggered a feverish desire to become a finely skilled writer that can capture the shades of the rebosos my great-grandmother once made and the taste of the labor generations before me bore.” After reading from their personal essays, Valeria, Jose, and Kevin announced the colleges they would be attending in the fall, earning standing ovations from the audience.
35
Q&A WITH BENJAMIN BOOKER MUSICIAN AND PROGRAMS VOLUNTEER
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET I N V O LV E D W I T H 8 2 6 L A ?
I read A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius years ago in college and have followed Dave Eggers since, including his non-profit work. I loved the idea of 826. When I was looking for somewhere to volunteer, I wanted to lean towards creative and educational non-profits, since my education and the arts really helped to save me from a low-income neighborhood. W H AT A R E O N E O R T W O R E A L LY MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM AN 826LA FIELD TRIP?
There are too many to choose from! My favorite moment from every Choose Your Own Adventure field trip is the end when the students find out they got a stamp of approval for their books and we all just jump up and down and cheer for a good minute. That usually happens around 12:30 pm, and I spend the rest of the day smiling. W H AT ’ S Y O U R FAV O R I T E F I E L D T R I P TO LEAD AND WHY?
Choose Your Own Adventure! Octopus wizards, talking pencils, and lonely walruses. As someone who writes, the kids have taught me to break out of the box. The possibilities are endless at their age, and that’s something that has helped me a lot in my own work.
36
YOU’VE PERFORMED AS A MUSICIAN AT M U LT I P L E 8 2 6 L A B E N E F I T S N O W — AT L E T T E R S L I V E A N D T E L L M E A S T O RY . W H AT I N S P I R E S Y O U A S A PERFORMER AND SONGWRITER?
Every bit of life. My favorite artists make their art an extension of themselves, which is what I try to do. W H AT D O Y O U L I K E M O S T A B O U T LIVING IN LOS ANGELES?
I suppose a lot of people would say we live in a progressive bubble, but man, I love it. It’s a place where everyone is free to be themselves, however unusual or out-there they are. I moved here a few years ago from New Orleans, which has that same free, be-yourself spirit. WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHO MENTORED OR ENCOURAGED YOU TO BECOME THE PERSON AND A R T I S T Y O U A R E T O D AY ?
So many people. So many. I know that even a few hours of encouragement can make a huge impact on a kid. People can go a long time before someone says, “Hey, you know you can do anything in this world you want, right?” Yes, the stories are important, but that is personally the feeling I want the kids to leave with after a field trip.
37
T H E T I M E T R AV E L M A RT I N E C H O PA R K A N D M A R V I S TA
Whenever you are, we’re already then.
L E A R N M O R E AT T I M E T R AV E L M A R T. C O M
38
826LA’s Time Travel Mart remains the number one shopping destination for time travelers from all eras, owing in part to the 2018 renovation of our Mar Vista store. Our friends at ANIMI Design gave it a grand makeover and a warmly whimsical feel. The store is modeled after an 1880s curiosity shop to bookend Echo Park’s 1980s convenience store look. With growing sales and new products like collectible pins from Mokoyubi and These Are Things, the Time Travel Mart serves multiple purposes: raising funds for 826LA, introducing our centers to potential volunteers and families, and being the only place in time where you can buy dinosaur eggs and Robot Milk. All proceeds from the Time Travel Mart support the free programming at 826LA.
39
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total Expenses $1,808,158
Total Income $1,835,908 1 % I N T E R E S T, D I V I D E N D S , & O T H E R
7% ADMIN + GENERAL
6% STORE SALES 19% DEVELOPMENT 2 9 % I N D I V I D U A L S , C O R P O R AT I O N S & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
2 7 % F O U N D AT I O N & C O R P O R AT E G R A N T S 74% PROGRAM SERVICES
37% EVENTS & CONTRACTS
40
GROWTH IN STUDENTS SERVED
9,087 2015-2016
9,263 2016-2017
9,955 2017-2018
*Please note that data is preliminary and may change slightly upon the completion of our annual audit.
41
ROADMAP TO THE FUTURE
Since opening our doors in a tiny section of the SPARC building in Venice in 2005, 826LA has grown to serve nearly 10,000 students a year at three sites. Given the immense need for 826LA’s services, the question we face is: How do we reach as many students as possible without compromising the depth and quality of our writing projects?
In 2018, 826LA 1. Expanding students served with a focus on deepening impact. This includes opening began creating our two new Writers’ Rooms, one at Roosevelt School, and one at a school to be 2019-2021 strategic High determined. Writers’ Rooms allow 826LA to in the heart of the communities we serve plan, which addresses work and transform school cultures, with relatively low overhead. We will also develop new ways this question by to measure the impact of 826LA’s writing outlining resourceprograms, and expand our services to partner organizations like the Broad and the Hammer efficient modes Museum, amongs others. of expansion and 2. Strengthening our volunteer base. strengthening what Recognizing that volunteers are the backbone of makes 826LA unique. 826LA, we will be growing our volunteer team, recruiting volunteers who represent a wide range The plan focuses on of ages and ethnicities, and providing resources that will inspire them to keep coming back. four key areas: 3. Growing our fundraising to support a $2.5 million budget. Ambitious program goals require an ambitious fundraising strategy. Ours focuses on growing our popular Tell Me A Story event, building relationships with generous donors, increasing foundation support, and strengthening the 826LA and Time Travel Mart brands.
4. Building a thriving team. We want to
create a brave, inclusive space for our students, and the same goes for staff. By prioritizing our organizational culture, we’ll ensure that everyone has the resources—from computers to training to a supportive board—that they need to do their best work. 42
43
PA R T N E R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S Help write the future for Los Angeles students when you support 826LA! Our staff will work with you to customize a volunteer and/or giving opportunity that works for your company, but here are a few ideas to get you started. UNDERWRITE A PROGRAM O R P U B L I C AT I O N
Never underestimate the power of seeing your name in print. That goes for the students who break socioeconomic barriers and improve literacy skills by writing, editing and publishing their work‚ and for the underwriters who get to see their logo on an 826LA anthology or chapbook! VOLUNTEER
826LA needs volunteers in all subject areas, for ongoing commitments and one-time events. Corporate volunteering is a perfect way for coworkers to bond while giving back. See page 46 for more information. One of our biggest slots to fill is weekday afternoons during After-School Tutoring—a great opportunity to get to know the families who rely on our programs. Giving employees the chance to volunteer during business hours, without using their PTO, makes a big impact on the community.
C O R P O R AT E & I N D I V I D U A L G I V I N G
$10,000
$5,000
$2,500
Funds one 170 students Writers’ Room receive one-onfor one semester one support for writing projects and college admission essays
Printing, design, and supplies for the Young Authors’ Book Project
Volunteer support for all 826LA Field Trips for one year
Training for approximately 50 volunteers
826LA Website
Name & Logo
Name & Logo
Name & Logo
Name
Name
Monthly Newsletter
Feature in 1 edition
Logo in 2 editions
Logo in 1 edition
Name in 1 edition
Name in 1 edition
Social Media
8 posts
5 posts
2 posts
1 post
n/a
Blog
Feature & Logo Feature & Logo Feature & Logo n/a
n/a
Time Travel Mart
Name & Logo
Tell Me a Story
1 Premiere table n/a
Y O U R I M PA C T
$50,000
$25,000
RECOGNITION
M AT C H E M P L O Y E E G I V I N G
Inspire your team to support the community by matching all employee donations to qualified non-profit organizations. If education is a priority for your company, consider making payroll deductions to benefit 826LA. SPONSOR AN EVENT
826LA events are known for being unique and fun. Join us in telling the inspiring stories of our young writers when you co-brand an event! SPREAD THE WORD
Follow us on Facebook.com/826LA or on Twitter and Instagram @826LA. We love sharing stories about our partners on social media, and we hope you will, too. IN-KIND SERVICES
Do you do something unique that you can donate? 826LA can always use printing/ reproduction services, workshop organizers, video and audio services, event support, and more.
Name & Logo
When you donate to 826LA, you are helping students from under-resourced communities write their own futures. Your support goes directly to four focus areas: THE PRESENT
44
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
F I V E WAY S T O S U P P O R T 8 2 6 L A
1. Volunteer as a tutor, workshop leader, designer, or event helper. If you have a skill, we can put you to work!
Core programs for approximately 10,000 students
2. Make a tax-deductible donation at 826LA.org/Donate.
THE FUTURE
3. Become a Partner in Time at 826LA.org.
The longevity of 826LA and the expansion of Writers’ Rooms in Los Angeles High Schools
4. Connect 826LA with your network: friends, family, and family foundations.
T R AV E L C O M PA N I O N S
5. Introduce 826LA to the person in charge of corporate responsibility at your place of employment.
Volunteer recruitment and training C O N TA C T C H E RY L @ 8 2 6 L A . O R G F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
n/a
NEW DIMENSIONS
Student publications and performances 45
C O R P O R AT E V O L U N T E E R I N G
W H AT D O E S T H E P R O C E S S LOOK LIKE?
You determine roughly how many volunteers will be participating, and how often. 826LA staff will help you with the next steps, including: a one-hour volunteer training at 826LA or your organization, a fingerprint-based background check, and the completion of an online application. We’ll track hours and sign-ups, and reserve specific days or projects for your group.
It costs nothing to get involved, but we would love to talk about other ways your organization or company can support 826LA. You could sponsor a program or event, host a book drive, or match employee donations, just to name a few possibilities. Please contact Development & Communications Manager, Cheryl Klein, to discuss: Cheryl@826LA.org.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU A C C O M M O D AT E ?
D O W E N E E D T O H AV E E X P E R I E N C E ?
That depends on the project! Regular programs need no more than 5-10 volunteers at one time. Most annual events can use dozens (and sometimes dozens and dozens) of people. W H AT I F A B I G G R O U P O F U S WA N T S T O C O M E F O R J U S T O N E D AY ?
Most of our programs require small groups of volunteers to work one-on-one with students. Check our monthly newsletter for larger, one-day volunteer opportunities. We’ll always do our best to find a fit based on your criteria and goals.
46
I S A F I N A N C I A L D O N AT I O N REQUIRED?
“Partnering with 826LA has been seamless and widely well-received in our agency! By offering in-house training, being open to our suggestions, and maintaining close and responsive communication, [we] have felt like true partners throughout the process. This has been a great opportunity to get involved in the community while giving employees a creative outlet.” RACHEL KING A S S O C I AT E P R O J E C T M A N A G E R , T E A M O N E
Nope! We will train you and give you all the information you’ll need. T O G E T S TA R T E D O R F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TA C T
Mariesa Arrañaga Kubasek Volunteer Manager Mariesa@826LA.org 213-413-3388 Jennie Najarro Volunteer Coordinator Jennie@826LA.org 310-915-0200
47
826LA SUPPORTERS Starred names denote 826LA volunteers $50,000+
The Ahmanson Foundation The Broad Eisner Foundation Goldhirsh Foundation Karisma Foundation LA County Arts Commission Carolyn & Louis Lucido Melissa Mathison Rose Hills Foundation Lekha Singh Vera R. Campbell Foundation Youth Policy Institute
$25,000+
All Ways Up Foundation Baskin Family Foundation Byrne Family Foundation The Green Foundation Kimberly & Mark Koro Los Angeles Unified School District Weingart Foundation
$10,000+
AT&T Bad Robot Productions Boulevard Partners Blake & AmyAnn Cadwell Carol and James Collins Foundation Inell & Henry Chase Christy & Matt Cherniss City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs 48
Stacy & Chad DePue Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Eastdil Secured Jodie Evans GEAR UP 4 LA Gravillis, Inc. Alexandra Glickman & Gayle Whittemore The Joan Leidy Foundation Tai Lopez Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Los Angeles Times Family Fund Molly McNearney & Jimmy Kimmel Middle Road Foundation Mindel Family Foundation National Endowment for the Arts PwC Deborah & William Ryan Eileen* & Kevin Shields Skylight Foundation Kira Snyder & Allen Blue USC Good Neighbors Initiative Heather Waters & Glasgow Phillips Jamie Wolf
$5,000+
Leti Acosta Filipe Almeida Angelo Family Charitable Foundation Baker Marquart California Community Foundation Carrie Clifford & Paul Boese Cartoon Network College Track D&D Beyond
Disney VoluntEARS Community Fund Rose and David Dortort Foundation Lesley Hunter & Vince Fiorillo Flanny Productions, LTD. Flourish Foundation Ellen Goldsmith-Vein & Jon Vein The Gotham Group, Inc. HBO Winston Howes John. F. Welch, Jr. Foundation Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Region Christine Ko Susan Ko* Lear Family Foundation Suzanne Lerner Maren Levinson/Redeye Reps Shalini & Kamini Malhotra Marie Keese Lelash Foundation Microsoft NBC Universal Media, LLC Nickelodeon Louise Nutt* Paramount Pictures Georgina & Thomas Russo Stephen Silk Sony Pictures Entertainment Patrick & Jaime Townzen UCLA Armand Hammer Museum of Art Mike Van Konynenburg Wells Fargo
$2,500+
Willa Bachman Daniele & Philip Barach Nancy E. Barton Foundation Sinclair Bushell Cornerstone OnDemand Karen Bedrosian & Ted Coyne Anand Devarajan Edelman Community Investment Kristin Gannon Jamie & Scott A. Ginsburg Rebecca & Mattis Goldman Kaiser Family Foundation LA Promise Fund Lark Ellen Foundation Robert Levitt Krystyn & Al Madrigal MEP Foundation Ed Nahamias Stephen P. Rader Redeye Represents Megan Spanjian Sarah L. & Patrick F. Spears Susan Nichols Steinbach Team One Union Bank Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Nora & Peter Wendel
$1,000+
Anonymous Jane Anderson & Tess Ayers Geoffrey Antos Steven Babst Jonathan Barach Matthew Best Brookfield Property Partners Matt Carney Anne Carroll
Castruccio Family Foundation Adriana Centeno Stephanie Cha & Matthew Barbabella Ben Christen Harry Chung Matt Conway* Alison & Sean Cotter Credit Karma Emily Davidson Emily Davis Lynne & James Dewitt Elaina Duran Michael Escalante Edward Freeman Holly & Ryan Gaglio Beverly Ginsburg Evan Goldberg Mark Goldberg Nancy Graham & Greg Bloomfield Geoff Hackett Jocelyn Hayes-Simpson & Brad Simpson Timothy Hedrick Matthew Hsu Katherine & Britt Joyce David Kanuth Kathleen Katims Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors Foundation Christopher Kaynor John Keaney Heidi & Damon Lindelof Jeffrey Lindsey Stephen Martinis Mary K. and Daniel M. Kelly Family Foundation Ruth McKee & Brian Vaughan
Cheryl Nakao-Miller & James Miller Mohawk Bend Andy Molnar William Morgan James Muhlfeld Tomoko Nagashima The Nature Conservancy Diane* & Michael Neimand Nick Kroll Charitable Fund Jennifer & Benjamin Novak Naomi & Robert Odenkirk Chris Perkins Tara Perry & Robert Scott Zimmer Thea Petchler & William Jones Cheryl Petersen & Frank Pine Allyson Pfeifer Poets & Writers Kerith & Marvin Putnam Sylvie & Steve Rabineau Kevin Riley Riot Games, Inc. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Marc Rozman Meredith Westgate Russo Tamara & Roy Sekoff Kashif Shaikh Kieran Shamash Shapiro Family Foundation Trish Sie The Siewood Charitable Fund Silva/Weiss Family Foundation Jennifer Simchowitz Nicole Small Debra Vilinsky & Michael Sopher Deborah & Bart Thomsen Lauren Turner 49
Unique Inc. United Talent Agency, Inc. Michael Varet Vein Family Charitable Fund Yaspan Unterberg Foundation
$500+
4Imprint One by One Dennis Anderson Benjamin Au Chris Aviña John Baker Lisbeth & Javier Bitar Cesar Blanco Frederick Brandt Broadway Elementary School Mei-Yin Brown Paul Castillo Emidio Checcone Mimi Choi Critical Role Productions Jess Cuffe Daniel and Mary Reeves Foundation Carly Dierkhising & Steve De Castro Brian Donahoe Anne Finestone Laura Geffen* Peter Georgianni IBM Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign Jessica Jackley & Reza Aslan Anita Jaskol* Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Erik Kaplan Keith Kirk Julie Kraut* Jordan Kurland Whitaker Lader Benjamin Ladnier 50
Linda Lichter & Norman Marck Kate Maruyama* Eva Mautino Barbara Meyer Kent Osborne Hannah Parkih Patch Perryman Seth Petersen Platine Jordan Ray Ann Reinhart* Daniel Ricker Renee Sarria Nina Savelle-Rocklin & David Rocklin Teresa Shyu Mayer Jeffrey Speight Alexis Spraic Michel Stern Jeff Szczepanski Belinda Tan Phillip Tate Alison Turner & Lou Mathews Tom Windish Sally Willcox* Chris Wojcieszyn Woodland Hills Management Club Jason Yau YourCause.com Tom Zoellner
$250+
Brock Atchison James Bloomingdale Maya Burkenroad Lindsey Burwell Nate Butler Robert Cawley Gary DeGregorio Eric Drachman* Whitney Ellwanger
Ryan Fischer-Harbage Sophia Foroudastan* James French Margaret Gordon & John Peterson Nancy & William Gubin Gumbiner Savett Inc. Susan Hamilburg Jared Hanner Eleanor Hazard Laura Hertzfeld Jonathan Hibberd Claire Hoffman & Ben Goldhirsh Jennifer Hutchins Heather Ito Adrienne Ito Lirona Kadosh & Ethan Goldstine Kelly Kay Dan Kelly Brigid Kelly* Scott Kietzman Amanda King Kathy Kloves Sue-Min Koh Dylan Landis Wesley Lowery Amanda Miller David J. Morse Cory Muir Adam Muto OtterCares Foundation Kacey Peterson Beth Preminger Jeanetta Putman Daniel Quach Mauricio Ramos Jim Rishwain Sine Robilliard Joe Robinson Howard Rodman Luis Romero Gail Roque
Damon Ross The Rotberg Comens Booth Family Foundation Jordan Shappell Shawn Silver Daniell Spratt George Stafford Mark Tobin Vickie Vértiz Kenneth Viste Dana Cairns Watson Lincoln Wheeler Stephanie Younger
IN-KIND
Aesop ANIMI Design Bedrock LA Box Water Clif Dream & Destroy Printing Evans Family Barrels Evelyn Ellias Hippeas ITAL/C Studio KCRW Lassen’s Marion Hodges Gabriella Sanchez Jonah Ray ROK Drinks Studio Ella Suja Trader Joe’s Silverlake Three Weavers Brewing Co.
Thank You!
826LA EIN: 38-3722092
51
8 2 6 L A S TA F F Joel Arquillos Executive Director
T Sarmina Program Manager, Writers’ Room at Manual Arts
Marisa Urrutia Gedney Director of In-School Programs & College Access
LaTesha Adolphus Program Coordinator, In-Schools
Shawn Silver
Russel Altamirano
Director of Advancement & Events
Program Coordinator, Workshops in Mar Vista
Beatriz Garcia Senior Programs Manager, Mar Vista Miranda Tsang Senior Programs Manager, Echo Park (2017-2018) Lauren Humphrey Institutional Giving Manager Cheryl Klein Development & Communications Manager Mariesa Arrañaga Kubasek Volunteer Manager
Alejandra Castillo Program Coordinator, Tutoring in Mar Vista (2017-2018)
826LA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jennie Najarro Volunteer Coordinator, Mar Vista Kenny Ng Program Coordinator & Development Assistant, Field Trips in Echo Park (2017-2018) Emmanuel Portillo Program Coordinator, Tutoring in Echo Park (2017-2018) A M E R I C O R P S V I S TA & PUBLIC ALLIES MEMBERS
Angelica Butiu-Coronado Program Coordinator, Writers’ Room at Roosevelt High School
Nicolien Buholzer Tutoring Support Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA (2017-2018)
Mike Dunbar Senior Programs & Operations Coordinator, Field Trips in Mar Vista
Helen Lim Volunteer Training & Recruitment Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA (2017-2018)
Rebecca Escoto Program Coordinator, Tutoring in Mar Vista
Andrea Mendez Marketing & Communications Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jodie Evans, President Henry V. Chase, Treasurer Susan Ko, Secretary Benjamin Au Matthew Cherniss Dave Eggers, Emeritus Terena Thyne Eisner A D V I S O RY B O A R D
J.J. Abrams Judd Apatow Miguel Arteta Mac Barnett Steve Barr Joshuah Bearman Amy Brooks Father Greg Boyle, SJ Stefan G. Bucher Mark Flanagan Ben Goldhirsh Rebecca Goldman Ellen Goldsmith-Vein DeAnna Gravillis Spike Jonze Miranda July Catherine Keener Keith Knight
Scott A. Ginsburg Claire Hoffman Susan Ko Louis Lucido Frankie Quintero Eileen Shields Sarah Rosenwald Varet
Krystyn & Al Madrigal Tara Roth Katie McGrath R. Scott Mitchell Lani Monos B.J. Novak Miwa Okumura Jane Patterson Keri Putnam Sylvie Rabineau Sonja Rasula Luis J. Rodriguez Terri Hernandez Rosales Brad Simpson J. Ryan Stradal Natalie Tran Sarah Vowell Sally Willcox
YO UTH ADVISO RY BOARD
Carinne Mangold Store Manager Time Travel Marts Rachel Mendelsohn Design Manager
52
Pedro Estrada Program Coordinator, Tutoring & Workshops in Echo Park
Charissa Ng Marketing & Communications Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA (2017-2018)
Cathy Mayer Program Coordinator, Field Trips in Echo Park
Maricruz Pool-Chan Volunteer Coordinator, Echo Park, Public Allies
Echo Park Gabriela M. Andres M. Natalie S. Jose R. Genessi Vince Gaby R. Alejandro R.
Mar Vista Nadia V. Nasim Z. Michael R. Mirna R. Vanessa A. Katherine G.
53
LA POEM Like you made me love you Ohh Los Angeles I fell in love with you So wanna go on a date with me Los Angeles? And I want to see you No I will not kiss you Go and eat Eat, I say, eat Love you Eat c’mon just eat! So will you eat? Los Angeles, I love you EDWIN G. E C H O PA R K T U T O R I N G S T U D E N T
54