Support Maria’s Fundraising Page

If you know me, you know how much writing has impacted every aspect of my life. Storytelling connects us with the world, and gives us empathy for people we may have never met. 916 Ink works with at-risk and low-income youth through writing workshops that amplify their voices and build the confidence they need to take ownership of their life’s narrative. These kids all have stories that deserve to be told.

This year for Big Day of Giving, I’m asking you to help me provide our program to even more students in the Sacramento area. Each child who comes through our program gets:

• Over 18 hours of workshop experience with two experienced teaching artists.

• One-on-one attention from professional writers and teaching artists to guide them through the revision process.

• A safe space to express themselves and connect with their peers.

• Publication in an anthology which is registered with the Library of Congress.

• The pride that comes with being a published author

For every $13.00 donated, we are able to provide supplies for one child to attend our program and become an author in one of our publications. It is an opportunity not all children get, but one that each and every child deserves.

This year my goal is to raise $916 or more in order to inspire creativity and positive self expression in thousands of Sacramento youth. Will you join me?

More About 916 Ink

Since 2011 916 Ink has transformed over 3,000 young people into confident communicators and more engaged students who have learned to believe in themselves and the value of their unique voice. How, you ask? Through an innovative workshop method that elicits honest self expression by the student and builds a culture of genuine positive feedback among peers. The culmination of our workshops is the publication of each student's pieces in a beautiful, professionally published book that cements impact and celebrates the achievement of these young authors. 

Why do we do this? Over half of the students in our region are reading behind grade level. Among underserved and historically disadvantaged groups of children the problem is significantly worse. Again and again, low literacy levels have been shown as a leading contributor to increased rates of high school drop out, adult poverty, and involvement in the criminal justice system. 916 Ink tackles this problem head on while simultaneously generating proven increases in other areas such as academic confidence, empathy, and creativity. We serve some of Sacramento's most vulnerable children and youth, whether they are experiencing poverty, at risk of dropping out of school,  an adolescent parent, in the foster care system, experiencing homelessness, or involved in the juvenile justice system. 

Despite all of this impact, we are still an incredibly small organization with a small staff and small budget. Support from people like you is what makes it possible for us to reach these children. Join the Ink community today by donating what you can and help us fill the world with more smiling, confident, published youth authors.