Help teachers and writers get to work.
This is precisely the time when artists go to work…I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that leads to knowledge – even wisdom. Like art.
— TONI MORRISON
Dear Simpsonistas,
When you give to the Simpson Literary Project you change the lives of readers and writers of all ages. In our Simpson workshops, we work with underserved teenagers, primarily in an after-school setting. During this pandemic, we have been able to reach them and make a difference. We figured out early on in the pandemic how to remotely lead our creative writing workshops. These workshops are a lifeline, giving young people a safe place to try out their voices, and explore fears and dreams for themselves, their families, and their worlds.
UC Berkeley creative writers lead our workshops at venues that include Girls Inc of Alameda County and Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. One of our newest locations is Cal Prep, a charter school in Richmond co-founded by Cal that enrolls 100% young people of color.
Your generosity will help us serve these youth, hungry to express themselves. We have just received a commitment for a $50,000 match. If you can help us meet this match we will be able to grow our workshops and serve more and more underserved young people. Please support the Simpson Literary Project now.
Your generosity enables us to publish Simpsonistas: Tales from the Simpson Literary Project, our annual, nationally distributed anthology in which appear first-time authors from our workshops alongside distinguished writers such as Joyce Carol Oates, Daniel Mason, and a host of celebrated luminaries, like the recipients of our yearly Joyce Carol Oates Prize.
In the four years of our existence, we have given all we can to support teachers and students, writers and readers, every single dollar thanks to generous, inspiring donors like you. Please consider doing all you can in these unsettled times to improve lives touched by the Simpson Literary Project.
May your holidays be safe and sweet as can be. Thank you.
All very best wishes,
Diane & Joe