826 National is a nonprofit organization that provides strategic leadership, administration, and other resources to ensure the success of its network of eight writing and tutoring centers.
826 centers offer a variety of inventive programs that provide under-resourced students, ages 6-18, with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. We also aim to help teachers get their classes excited about writing.
Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. Last year our centers—which are located in Ann Arbor, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC— served over 29,000 students.
Did you make a New Year's resolution to give back to the world, become a coffee connoisseur, and start using sustainable bags at the supermarket? Fulfill all those resolutions and support our student writing programs in one shot by buying an 826 National mug or tote bag. Just read how the mug and tote have changed people's lives:
"Before my 826 tote, I was carrying all my books in my hands. Despite the diminished upper arm workouts, I'm so much more productive now. Thanks, 826!" - Craig, guy we witnessed on the street with way too many books in his hands
"I've noticed that coffee tastes approximately 826 times better when I drink it out of this mug!" - Amanda, 826 National Intern
Featuring our stylish, brand-new logo, mugs are only $8 and totes are only $12, plus shipping and handling. Or perhaps you also resolved to save money, in which case you can get both for the discounted price of $18 - just look for the offer at the bottom of each page. Resolutions, done! And it's not even February.
We are thrilled to announce that Terry Wit, a partner in the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, is the newest member of our Board of Directors. In 2011, Super Lawyers Magazine named Terry as a "Northern California Rising Star" in business litigation, and he has also consulted for a number of notable nonprofits. Over the past several months he's worked tirelessly to help improve 826 materials.
"As the father of a five-year old who has recently started 'writing' books about superheroes, evil chefs, and robots, I want to do whatever I can to help out an organization that brings that same love of books and writing to kids everywhere," Terry said in a recent Q&A in our newsletter. You can read the full interview here. We are so excited to have him on our board!
January 16 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. 826 National is honored to join this call-to-action by inviting you to volunteer time in your community this week. You can use the MLK Day website's "Find a Project" page to find opportunities.
Of course, if you live near an 826 chapter, this would be a perfect time to consider volunteering with 826. If you are already one of our valued volunteers, please drop in to help during after-school tutoring or sign up to volunteer with a field trip or in-schools project. We'd love to hear about your adventures in 826 volunteering, so share them with us on Facebook or Twitter.
We at 826 National would like to extend an enormous thank you to the generous individuals who donated, picked up something from our store, volunteered, or told a friend about our work in 2011. You can read about our busy year in 826 National's 2010-2011 Annual Report. Beautifully designed by Oliver Munday, the report features a number of 826 milestones, including:
Students from 826CHI and 826DC attending a poetry reading at the White House
CEO Gerald Richards and co-founder Dave Eggers meeting U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
826 National being named an honorary member of the Clinton Global Initiative
On top of all that, 826 centers served nearly 30,000 students in 2010-2011, a 21% increase from last year
We're humbled, thankful, and excited for what the coming year will bring.
Are you curious about what it takes to start a nonprofit? Interested in an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at 826's business model? Looking for insight into operations, fundraising ideas, and volunteer recruitment and retention? Registration is open for our expanded, two-day 826 National 101 nonprofit management and programming seminar on January 20th and 21st from 10am-5pm on Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturday. Join us at 826 Valencia in San Francisco, or if you've already attended a 101, tell a friend about it. Spots fill up fast, so sign up today!
One of our favorite parts about reading our students’ work is getting to share it. That's why we have a Student Writing Gallery, where we display the ingenious work of our young authors. For your reading pleasure, we've recently added five new pieces from the spies-to-be at 826CHI.
These submissions include a broom named Kid who wants to be a penguin, dreams of Mexico, and a flock of innocent people transforming into ducks (and no, they are not Animagi). You'll also find two poems, one inspired by the work of Edward Gorey and the other about a tragic car ride. These works do a great job of displaying the prowess and range of our young writers. Click here to enjoy their work, and remember: The Writing Gallery is open for submissions from students ages 6-18! Send yours to submissions [at] 826national.org for consideration.
Across the country, 826 chapters are preparing for the holiday season with events galore, all of which benefit their free writing and tutoring programs. Here's a tour of upcoming 826 happenings across the land:
826DC is celebrating the winter weather with Baby It’s Cold Outside, a night of music and fun on December 7th. Dean Martin would agree: It's an evening that's certain to be so very nice.
If you’re close to the Big Apple on December 8th, join 826NYC for Latkes and Hams. While not a delicious dinner evening, it's actually even better. You'll be treated to performance by musical acts They Might be Giants and John Wesley Harding and by comedians Mike Birbiglia and Fred Armisen. The whole shebang is hosted by Sarah Vowell and Eugene Mirman. You'll forget you even wanted that ham!
826michigan is celebrating the holidays in style with a December 14th showing of the documentary American Teacher, produced by 826’s co-founders Ninivé Calegari and Dave Eggers. Star Jonathan Dearman will be on hand to dicuss the film.
Finally, if you're in Los Angeles, spread the word about Spread the Word, 826LA's benefit art auction on December 17th. There'll be live entertainment and work by artists including Gary Baseman, Dave Eggers, and Aaron Kraton.
These events fill up fast, so don't delay if you're interested. Get involved with your local chapter to learn more about the fun times to be had at the 826 in your area!
#1. Donate
When you donate to 826 National, whether it's one dollar or a hundred, you’re helping to keep our innovative tutoring, writing, and publishing programs free. Last year more than 29,000 students, ages 6- 18, from under-resourced public schools in Washington state to Washington, D.C., participated in 826 programs. Our centers and programs provide young people with the freedom and space to explore their creativity and build their self-confidence. Please join our work and help inspire the next generation of readers and writers!
2. Buy your gifts from the 826 National store
Our chapter storefronts help raise money to underwrite our free student writing programs. Our 826 National store is no different - except that it's built out of ones and zeroes, not bricks and mortar. We've got all kinds of great holiday gifts: books, shirts, and our famous Emergency Novel-Finishing Kit. Support the next generation of writers (we've even got a shirt to help you spot them) today! As a special treat, we're giving away a free 826 button with every purchase, while supplies last!
3. Attend our next 826 101 Seminar Are you curious about what it takes to start a nonprofit? Interested in an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at 826's business model? Looking for insight into operations, fundraising ideas, and volunteer recruitment and retention? Registration is open for our expanded, two-day 826 National 101 nonprofit management and programming seminar on January 20th and 21st from 10am-5pm on Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturday. Join us at 826 Valencia in San Francisco, or if you've already attended a 101, tell a friend about it. Spots fill up fast, so sign up today!
4. Join our work as an 826 intern or volunteer Do you have a passion for the arts and education or a hunger to learn about nonprofit administration? If so, then an internship at 826 National is for you.
As an 826 National intern, you volunteer at least 20 hours a week for at least 16 weeks assisting with the day-to-day operations of 826 National in many of the following areas: fundraising, publishing, administration, design, web/tech projects, research and evaluation, or public relations. If you’re interested in starting your own nonprofit, want event planning and development experience, or are looking for a fruitful college internship, then this is the job for you. Apply today!
You can also give your time by volunteering at your local 826 chapter. Last year, nearly 6,000 dedicated volunteers helped 826 centers with tutoring, workshops, and in-school projects. Find out more here.
5. Share our work If your New Year's resolution is to keep up with all latest from 826 (and whose isn't?), may we suggest signing up for our newsletter? It's the best way to learn about our brilliant students, find out what our chapters are up to, and meet the outstanding members of the 826 community. If e-mails aren't your thing, we'd love for you to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
If you already do one or all of those things, thank you! Consider telling your friends, social networks, or favorite barista/librarian/haberdasher about us. By the simple act of sharing our work, you're growing our community. That will help us widen our impact as we move into 2012.
What’s better than giving a gift? Giving a gift that gives. This holiday season, a purchase from the 826 National store makes a great gift, and you'll be helping to support our eight nonprofit writing centers nationwide, which served 29,000 students last year! (And, what’s even better than giving a gift that gives? Getting a gift with it: A free826 button is included with each purchase, while supplies last.)
Our store is packed with goodies like signed books, shirts, and rockin’ tunes. Our handy gift guide will help you sort through the wares.
For a Person Who Likes To Cuddle: Cozy up this winter with good books (may we suggest one with our students writing to First Lady Michelle Obama or a signed book by Michael Chabon or Judd Apatow?) and our ultra warm (and stylish) 826 Snuggie. Quantities are limited, so place your order soon! Reading light included, warm tea is not.
For the Creative Kiddo: Awesomely fun writing and drawing ideas await kids (or anyone) with a creative spirit in our 826 Pocket Activity Book with 32 pages of pocket-sized prompts!
For Your Favorite Teacher: Two books. 100 fantastic writing activities. Countless hours of time saved on lesson plans. Grab Don’t Forget to Write for the elementary and secondary grades, our new two-volume set of writing curriculum books features. They feature lessons from 826 volunteers, staff members, and notable names like essayist Sarah Vowell and author Jon Scieszka.
For Anyone Who Hates to Do Laundry: Get ‘em an 826 t-shirt! We’ve got our classic seal logo tees for guys and gals, as well as the adorable 826 Jungle Tee and 826 Flower Tee for little ones. Less laundry is a gift that keeps on giving.
Before we head out of the office to gorge ourselves on turkey (or tofurkey!) and mashed potatoes, we wanted to reflect on the many things we're thankful for. The dedicated staff at the 826 centers, the creative students, the thousands of volunteers who give countless hours to a variety of projects, and the donors who support everything. We could not do any of our work without you.
Here's some personal notes from all of us at 826 National:
Gerald Richards, CEO: "I am thankful to work with such an interesting, creative and talented group of people. Its not everyday that you can come to work excited to spend the day working next to, or across the country from, such awesomeness!"
Jen Benka, Development Director: "I am thankful for the many generous individuals, foundations, and corporations that support 826. It's only with the help of a giving community that 826 can provide close to 30,000 young people from under-resourced schools with free, skill-building and creativity-inducing programs each year."
Erin Archuleta, Director of Field Operations and Strategy: "I'm thankful for the 826 teams who helped our students produce 850 amazing publications last year."
Ryan Lewis, Director of Research and Evaluation:
"I'm thankful for our wildly creative and hard-working 826 teams across the country, who make it fun for our students to learn important and challenging skills each day by invoking the powers of whimsy, wonder, spontaneity, variety, and, of course, robot emotions."
Mariama Lockington, Operations Manager: "I am thankful and continually awed by the enthusiasm and creativity 826 National interns share with our office each day."
Kent Green, Social Media Manager "I'm thankful for having way too much exciting 826 chapter news - from apps to awards, from events to essays - to share every day."
McKenna Stayer, Intern: "I'm thankful for an office environment where I can spend a morning volunteering each week at 826 Valencia's Storytelling and Bookwriting field trips, and my supervisors not only support me, but can't wait to hear how it went when I get back!"
Kyli Sessions, Intern: "I'm thankful for 826 Snuggies to climb into after devouring double portions of pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes."
Rooney, Director of Tennis Ball Retrieval and Senior Vice President, Morale-Boosting: "Woof woof woof, woof. Pant, woof. Snore."
High school seniors face a gauntlet of challenges: picking a prom outfit, responding to all the "what's next" questions, and writing college essays. Well, we at 826 have never looked great in formal wear, and we can't tell you what's next, but we CAN help with those essays. We know it's not easy to articulate why you are unique and worthy of being accepted into colleges or universities in 1,000 words or less, so 826 chapters across the country recruit and train hundreds of dedicated volunteers to provide one-on-one personal statement assistance to college applicants during day-long events.
Seattle may be the Emerald City, but it's all gold stars for 826 Seattle: Thanks to the hard work of their dedicated staff, students, volunteers, parents, teachers, supporters and friends, 826 Seattle won a 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities! Executive Director Teri Hein and student Meron Kasahun, who is on the chapter's Youth Advisory Board, recently visited the White House to to accept the award from First Lady Michelle Obama.
The NAHYP Award is the nation's highest honor for after-school arts and humanities programs. The award recognizes and supports outstanding programs that lay new pathways to creativity, expression, and achievement outside of the regular school day. "We hope this award will draw attention to the fact that programs like 826 Seattle are essential investments in the lives of our young people, and our community," 826 Seattle founder Teri Hein said. "We're proud of this achievement and of the young people, volunteers, supporters, board and staff who made it possible."
Too true. Congratulations to 826 Seattle! We are so proud of the work this chapter has been doing in the Pacific Northwest.
From time to time, we like to spotlight the superstars throughout the 826-verse. Here, we're giving a shout-out to Yalie Kamara, who recently joined 826 Valencia's staff as Volunteer and Events Coordinator.
Yalie's new job is actually a return of sorts for her. She was involved in the center as a high school student and was awarded the Nathan Jillson Memorial Scholarship for creative writing in 2003. She studied creative writing and languages at the University of California, Riverside. From there, she went on earn a Masters in French culture and civilization from Middlebury College.
All that time, Yalie kept in touch with 826 Valencia staff members. "It meant a lot that they were always interested in my next steps in life and gave me great advice and support along the way," she said. "I want to share the spirit of generosity now."
She's doing so in a big way, helping to put on events like the 826 Day Write-a-Thon and coordinating the countless volunteers who help make everything happen. We're so glad Yalie has come back to 826, and we hope many 826 alumni will follow in her footsteps to return as staff members.
Every one of the submissions to the 826 National/Threadless T-shirt design challenge was brilliant in its own right, but only one could emerge victorious. After the 15,961 votes were tallied, this fantastic piece of work came out on top:
The designer titled it "Words Create Worlds" - a sentiment we fully agree with. It reminds us of the inspiring work our students create every day. Shirts are available now in girls' and guys' sizes, and 25 percent of each sale goes to support 826 National! Thanks to Threadless for the opportunity and to the many talented designers who submitted their work.
Here's the drill. Picture yourself on a desert island. We brought a coconut, a palm tree, and a parrot for props. Next, take 10 minutes, and write a short story based on what you might do with those things. Now, you're going to get up in front of the entire Internet, silently act out your story, and we'll guess what it's about!
And, as a special treat, check out this fantastic Don't Forget to Write-inspired video we made with publisher Jossey-Bass and lesson contributors Daniel Handler and Lisa Brown!
“826 helps young people learn that language can be play, that work can be joyful, and that they themselves can be the inventors and caretakers of their world. I have seen it with my own eyes. 826 is a good thing in a world of bad things, and a good place in a world of hard ones.”
»Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author
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“Thank you for teaching me how to be a REAL AUTHOR!”
»Gabby, student, PS 230, Brooklyn
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“What I like the most is that people at 826 treat me right and I can trust the tutors to help me.”
»Fifth grader in after-school tutoring, 826CHI
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“Every person from 826—from tutors who volunteered a few times in my classroom to staff with whom I've worked daily—shares a delight in young people and a rare respect for teachers' real work.”
»Lisa Morehouse, teacher, Balboa High School, San Francisco
Did you make a New Year's resolution to give back to the world, become a coffee connoisseur, and start using sustainable bags at the supermarket? Fulfill all those resolutions and support our student writing programs in one shot by buying an 826 National mug or tote bag. Just read how the mug and tote have changed people's lives:
We are thrilled to announce that Terry Wit, a partner in the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, is the newest member of our 
#1. 
Here's some personal notes from all of us at 826 National:
Seattle may be the Emerald City, but it's all gold stars for 
From time to time, we like to spotlight the superstars throughout the 826-verse. Here, we're giving a shout-out to Yalie Kamara, who recently joined 
