Any nonprofit would be lucky to have a Board like ours. 826DC’s Board members are incredible advocates for our students, our work, and our city! Check out what inspires some of them:
Tell us about your first 826DC experience!
“My first in-person experience with 826DC was observing a session during the summer program, back when I was considering joining the Board,” says Washington REIT’s Susan Gerock, our current Board Chair. “The topic that day was the environment and sustainability, and what struck me most was how engaged the students were—curious, thoughtful, and eager to express themselves. In that moment, the mission of 826DC became more than just words on a page; it came to life. I remember walking back into work that afternoon thinking, the future feels bright. That feeling never really left me.”
Why did you join the Board?
“For many years,” says The Washington Post’s Ron Charles, “I’ve admired the bright and engaging publications that 826DC publishes with young writers. Helping students express their hopes, stories, and opinions is essential to fostering engaged and empowered citizens. I’m delighted to join the board and contribute to this important work in any way I can.”
Amazon’s Alli Flicker “comes from a family of great writers, married into a family of great writers, and spends a lot of her day writing at work. She wants to help more students experience the joy and power of writing, and help them understand where their writing skills might propel them beyond the classroom.”
What keeps you devoted to this work?
“I believe deeply that strong writing skills are a foundation for lifelong success,” says Susan Gerock, adding, “I use them every day in my own career. But what keeps me committed to 826DC is hearing and reading the words of our students. Their self-awareness, creativity, and power of expression are remarkable. Every poem, story, and sentence reminds me that this work matters. We’re not just teaching writing; we’re helping young people find their voice and that changes everything.”
What inspires you?
If 826DC’s mission—helping students develop a lasting, positive relationship with writing so that they can live into their fullest possibility—moves you, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved here.
- Donate. Small nonprofits like ours need your support now more than ever! Make a donation of any size to help us continue working with young people and sharing what they have to say.
- Volunteer. There are a ton of opportunities to volunteer here, both remotely and all around Washington, D.C.
- Join our Board. Here’s what we’re looking for! If you think you’d be interested in joining 826DC’s Board—either in the near future or sometime in the not-so-near future—please get in touch with 826DC Executive Director Robyn Lingo.