826 National
“826 National is a national network of youth writing and publishing centers, celebrating the words of young authors. 826 chapters serve as an international proof point for writing as a tool for young people to ignite and channel their creativity, explore identity, advocate for themselves and their community, and achieve academic and professional success.”
My work with 826 National began in 2012 when they reached out for help creating their first annual report, since that time I have designed six annual reports, and two strategic plans, created a brand refresh of their logo and web presence, along with a handful of other projects to help them raise awareness and funding.
The 2017 annual report was released just after the 2016 election when the collective anxiety of people coming from historically marginalized backgrounds was extremely high. We wanted to re-affirm for students, parents, volunteers, and donors the commitment that 826 National and its eight writing centers had to maintain spaces that provide safety and community to all who need it. The theme for the report was “You Are Welcome Here” and the goal was to showcase and celebrate the diverse range of identities that are held by the staff, volunteers, and families that make up the 826 community. The cover concept uses a group of hands, all raised in solidarity, expressing aspects of identity through skin tone, expressions and accessories, and action. Aspects of age, race, and mixed-race identity are present, along with semiotics that celebrates queerness and broader gender identity, as well as the parts of our identity that we get to construct and express through how we present our bodies.