A Letter from our

Executive Director

Dear 826 MSP community,

Happy 2020! As our organization embarks on this new decade, it is more clear to us than ever that the core of our work is to equip young people with the tools they need to create a better world. We believe that writing—a powerful tool for processing experiences, building community, and speaking powerful truths—is key to this transformational work.

In 2020, our writing and publishing projects center on the idea of writing as civic engagement—using your voice to advocate for your community and make change. In our After-School Writing Lab program, students have already started by writing about what leadership means to them and diving into a writing activity that asks them to imagine what issue they would focus on if they had magic beans that could change the world.

In our field trip program, we are piloting Zines for Social Change, a workshop for middle-school students focused on advocacy and social justice. And finally, we are thrilled to be forming a Young Authors’ Council, a leadership program for teenagers that will expose students to literary and publishing opportunities and involve them in decision-making for our organization.

Looking ahead, we know that 2020 will be a year filled with youth leadership and empowerment through writing at 826 MSP. We send gratitude to all of our supporters who have been with us for the last decade, and here’s to writing the next one,
Samantha

Student Spotlight

The young authors in After School Writing Lab are ringing in 2020 with tons of writing about their goals and plans. Thanks to Warby Parker for sharing the 2020 glasses which make envisioning the year ahead even more fun!

MOI Product Spotlight

The Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute is proud to introduce our latest product... Octo-Mittens! Whether you have two hands or eight—we've got you covered! Stop by our store or buy online.

Upcoming Events

826 MSP will be closed February 17 for Presidents Day
The last day for youth to apply for the Young Authors' Council is February 21
Trivia for Cheaters will be at La Doña Cervecería on March 12. Visit the website today to create your trivia team!

Supporter Spotlight

From the bottom of our hearts and the Lost Ocean of Minnesota, thank you to everyone who donated to 826 MSP this month! Your support helps us start 2020 off strong!

Additional thanks to all volunteers for giving of your time and hearts—we truly could not do this work without you!

Donate Today!

Our programs are made possible by community members like you. Give a gift today!

January Newsletter