Overview
What is Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop?
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop is a nonprofit organization situated in Washington, D.C., offering support to 1,260 incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through various programs. These include weekly book club discussions and writing workshops in jails, a long-distance book club for adults in prisons across the U.S., a job readiness program for the formerly incarcerated, and community education sessions. The organization emphasizes racial equity and employs several of its members as full-time and part-time staff. Its initiatives aim to help participants achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals while empowering them to be advocates for change. The nonprofit's publications have received notable accolades, and it received a grant to support its peer support training program.
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop has received a 97% rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a strong commitment to accountability and finance. The organization has achieved perfect scores in various categories, including independent board composition and financial oversight, showcasing a high level of transparency and responsible management of funds. With a significant program expense ratio of 85.35%, it demonstrates that the majority of its resources are directed towards fulfilling its mission.
User reviews highlight the profound impact of Free Minds on both its members and the broader community. Many individuals express appreciation for the organization's ability to foster connections and provide a platform for incarcerated youth to share their voices through poetry and writing. Participants in events like Write Night note that these interactions not only help to humanize those affected by the criminal justice system but also create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and understanding of shared human experiences.
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, it emphasizes the importance of continued support and advocacy for those involved in the criminal justice system. The testimonials reflect a sense of hope and community that Free Minds cultivates, reinforcing its mission to empower marginalized voices and promote social change through literature and personal expression.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop legitimate?
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $110,000
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $786,558
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
What is the mission statement of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop?
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop utilizes the power of literature, writing, and peacebuilding to establish a supportive network for incarcerated and previously incarcerated youths and adults. Their mission is to aid these individuals in attaining their educational, professional, and personal objectives. By doing so, they empower them to become influential advocates for change. Through various programs such as jail book clubs, prison book clubs, reentry book clubs, and community education sessions, the organization helps its members achieve their goals and raise awareness about mass incarceration. In 2022, Free Minds launched an organizational strategic plan with a focus on racial equity, employed former members as staff, and received recognition for their award-winning publication.
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
Who is the CEO of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop?
Tara Libert is the Executive Director of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop.
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
What is the revenue of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop?
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop's revenue in 2022 was $2,698,415.
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
Who are the executives of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop during 2022 was $44,828. There are 20 employees and 1210 volunteers at Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop.
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Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop?
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.freemindsbookclub.org
Learn more at the official website: www.freemindsbookclub.org
Mission Statement of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop is an organization that employs the transformative power of literature, writing, and peacebuilding to establish a supportive community for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youths and adults. Their primary mission is to empower these individuals to achieve their educational, professional, and personal objectives, ultimately transforming them into influential advocates for change. By utilizing books, writing workshops, and peacebuilding initiatives, Free Minds aims to foster a sense of unity and resilience among its members, enabling them to overcome the challenges associated with their past experiences.
The organization's mission is accomplished through various programs, including the Jail Book Club, Prison Book Club, Reentry Book Club, and On the Same Page. These initiatives provide a platform for members to engage in thoughtful discussions, write expressively, and develop essential life skills, such as job readiness and vocational training. By offering comprehensive support services and opportunities for employment, Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop empowers its members to rebuild their lives and become influential voices advocating for change in their communities.
Free Minds members are actively involved in various capacities, such as serving as full-time staff, part-time employees, and peer support trainers. They also contribute to community education programs, sharing their personal experiences and poetry to raise awareness about mass incarceration and its systemic causes. Through these initiatives, Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop not only empowers its members but also fosters a multi-racial movement dedicated to addressing the impact of mass incarceration and repairing the harm it has inflicted.
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Impact
July, 2024
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop has had a profound impact on the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals it serves. Through its various programs, including the Jail Book Club, Prison Book Club, Reentry Book Club, and On the Same Page community education program, the organization has provided valuable resources and support to help individuals achieve their education, career, and life goals.
In 2022, Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop served 1,260 incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, with impressive participation rates and outcomes. For example, in the Reentry Book Club program, 97% of members were employed, in school, or in vocational training programs, and the recidivism rate was only 9%. This demonstrates the organization's commitment to successful reentry and empowerment of its members.
Moreover, the organization's emphasis on racial equity and leadership development is evident through initiatives such as the leadership incubator for Free Minds members and the employment of formerly incarcerated individuals as staff. This approach not only provides valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth but also helps break down systemic barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse community.
Additionally, Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop's award-winning publications and recognition, such as being a finalist for Best Anthology and winning in the Social/Political Poetry category, highlight the impact and quality of the work produced by its members.
Overall, the organization's dedication to education, empowerment, and social change is evident in the transformative impact it has had on individuals within the criminal justice system.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $38,208
- Program Service Revenue: $3,562
- Gross Receipts: $2,698,415
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $3,075,708
- Total Liabilities: $143,726
- Net Assets: $2,931,982
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
publication
Revenue
$3,562
Organization Details
Founding Year
2004
Principal Officer
Tara Libert
Main Address
1816 12th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009
Website
www.freemindsbookclub.orgNTEE Category
Code: B92 - Education
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