WRITERS THE S c HOOLS

What year was your organization launched? Writers in the Schools (WITS) was founded in 1983.

What is your mission? WITS’ mission is to connect children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists to unlock the joy and power of storytelling and creative expression.

Why did you launch the organization? Forty years ago, a group of creative writers wanted to share the joy of stories with children. They grabbed their pencils and paired up with public school teachers. Together, they changed the way children experience reading and writing. WITS makes learning an exciting adventure while improving the academic, social, and creative abilities of children.

How does reading and writing transform children’s lives? We believe that creativity prepares children for the future. Each year, 65,000 students and educators in more than 400 Houston classrooms plant their own stories and discover the magic of WITS. Every child – regardless of socioeconomic status – deserves a holistic education that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and personal responsibility. Expression through reading and writing provides children with an outlet like no other- one that allows them to soar and experience their full potential.

How have you impacted the community?

For four decades, Writers in the Schools (WITS) has transformed the lives of Houston-area youth, connecting them to the joy and power inherent in storytelling and creative expression. Through the nonprofit’s transformative work, children across the Houston area have gained the skills and confidence to share their stories, experiences, and ideas with the world.

Today, WITS partners with numerous private and public schools, community centers, hospitals, and more, providing students with opportunities for personal growth and increased self-confidence. In addition, it offers a variety of creative writing workshops and camps and is the leader of Houston’s poetry movement, sponsoring the City’s youth and adult poet laureates.

Tell us about your big event. Writers in the Schools (WITS) will celebrate 40 years of engaging children in the joy of reading and writing. Chaired by Liz and Steven Bender, the 40th-anniversary gala, Chapter 40: An Odyssey of Impact, will honor the founder of WITS, Phillipe Lopate, and other heroes of the WITS 40-year journey. The event will also commemorate the long-standing partnerships fostered with Houston-area schools in addition to students and alums from WITS programs.

How many employees and volunteers work with your organization? We have 11 employees and 50+ writers on the roster.

How can the public learn more about WITS? To learn more about WITS and its programs, visit www. witshouston.org.