Freedom Writers Foundation

Erin Gruwell is honored to bring the Freedom Writers' message of hope and empowerment to the Create Your Family Legacy Summit. Learn how to harness the power of education and storytelling to build a strong family foundation for generations. Join us for this free, transformative event. Register here: https://createyourfamilylegacy.com/optin-eringruwell

I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude for all the birthday wishes! I also want to extend an extra special THANK YOU to those who donated to my book request for new teachers! I can't think of a better gift than knowing we're empowering new teachers with THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY to inspire the next generation of students. You've made this birthday truly unique, and I'm grateful for each and every one of you. Here's to another year of making a difference together!

Heartfelt hugs & hope!
Erin Gruwell

From silence to strength: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Freedom Writer Madaline Hentz on our latest podcast episode! Maddy shares her incredible journey from a teen who didn't feel she had a voice to a powerful advocate for youth and mental health. Discover how writing became her lifeline and how she's now changing lives. Listen now and be moved by her story of resilience and hope! https://bit.ly/3X0lD73

Kicking off the school year with inspiration in South Carolina! Erin Gruwell had the honor of speaking at District Five Schools of Spartanburg County's Back-to-School Convocation this week. She shared the Freedom Writers' story, encouraging teachers and staff to bring our empowering methodology into their classrooms. Here's to a year of transformation and growth!

A toast to culture and connection! Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writer Tony had an incredible time presenting at Martinelli's Gold Medal Culture Day. They shared our inspiring story, played the Line Game, and witnessed firsthand how the Martinelli's team embodies values of empathy and understanding. Here's to partnerships that sparkle with purpose! Thank you, Martinelli's, for a golden day!

Welcome to the family! We're thrilled to introduce our newest Freedom Writer Teachers from our summer institutes. A huge thank you to Riverside County Office of Education, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and Muskegon Public Schools for sponsoring these incredible educators. With educators in all fifty states and over a dozen countries around the world, we are proud to keep our network of nearly 1,000 talented teachers growing. Together, we're changing lives one classroom at a time!

Lights, camera, inspiration! Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writer Tony joined the amazing team from Martinelli's last night for a “Freedom Writers” film screening in Watsonville, CA. We're bubbling with excitement about our partnership with them, and honored to use Martinelli's Sparkling Cider for our 'Toast for Change' in classrooms around the world. Together, we're creating a recipe for success that's sweet, refreshing, and transformative!

"Our deepest pain can become our greatest strength." - Tye Leggins shares this powerful truth in the newest Freedom Writers Podcast episode. Join Erin Gruwell as she explores Tye's remarkable transformation from a vulnerable youth to a compassionate catalyst for change. Get ready for a story of resilience, forgiveness, and hope that will touch your heart! Listen here: https://bit.ly/3YklhJF

Erin Gruwell brought the Freedom Writers' message of hope and empowerment to the FACTS Elevate '24 conference in Atlanta this week! As a featured keynote speaker, Erin inspired educators with strategies for creating inclusive, engaging classrooms. Thank you, FACTS Education Solutions, for your commitment to connecting schools with resources, teachers, and technology to enhance the educational experience.

The Freedom Writers Foundation had an unforgettable day at A Sense of Home in LA with 25 incredible Riverside County educators! These teachers, who work directly with foster youth, put their skills to work designing rooms and building furniture for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. It was incredible to see their dedication extend beyond the classroom to create welcoming spaces for these deserving youth. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing team from A Sense of Home for helping to facilitate this amazing opportunity to give back.

Last week, Erin Gruwell had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the Access to Justice Awards in Toledo, OH! This inspiring event, sponsored by ABLE, LAWO, and Toledo Bar Association, celebrated incredible advocates for justice in the community. Congratulations to Judge Michelle Wagner, Judge Ian B. English, and Mom's House for their well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to creating a more equitable society is truly inspiring.

Last week, Erin Gruwell had a fantastic time at seven and one books in downtown Abilene, Texas! This charming independent bookstore hosted a book signing and meet and greet, where Erin had the opportunity to connect with readers and fans of the Freedom Writers in person. It was a joy to support a local business while sharing stories and spreading the message of hope and resilience. Thank you, Seven and One Books, for being such gracious hosts!

Erin Gruwell brought the spirit of the Freedom Writers to Abilene, TX this week! As part of the Region 14 and McKinney Vento Homeless Education Program, Erin delivered an impactful presentation and workshop, inspiring educators to make a difference. The event concluded with a moving “Toast for Change,” a tradition started by Erin and her Freedom Writer students, symbolizing the power of education and the belief that every student deserves a chance to succeed. R14 Curriculum and Federal Programs

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, original Freedom Writer Trayvon Carter shares his inspiring journey from facing adversity to becoming a successful realtor and mentor. Trayvon's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of being a positive role model. Listen as he discusses his experiences with racism, the impact of having a supportive coach, and his mission to help others achieve their dreams. Don't miss this incredible conversation! Listen now: https://bit.ly/3xbxTYf

Last month, the Freedom Writers Foundation proved that distance is no barrier to inspiration! We had the honor of hosting three powerful video chats, organized by our amazing Freedom Writer Teachers: Cathy Conley, Meghan Abruzzo, and Michelle Carroll. The connections made were truly unforgettable. Ready to bring the Freedom Writers experience to your school? Book a virtual event with Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers for the upcoming academic year and watch your students soar! Contact Sue Ellen [email protected] to book your next event!

Last week, the Greenberg Traurig, LLP Los Angeles DEI team hosted Erin Gruwell, who shared the moving stories of the Freedom Writers with their colleagues and associates. Erin’s talk showcased the transformative power of writing, using clips from the “Freedom Writers” film and documentary. Special thanks to Josh Ludmir, Adam Siegler, and the entire Los Angeles team for their unwavering support and for supporting our mission!

Erin Gruwell and original Freedom Writers Tony, Tye, Shanita, and Trayvon spent an unforgettable week in Moreno Valley, working directly with students at Ramona Elementary, Mountain View Middle School, and Edgemont Elementary! Through workshops, "Toast for Change" ceremonies at Ramona and Mountain View, and the impactful "House Activity" at Edgemont, they encouraged students to embrace their unique stories and become catalysts for positive change in their lives and communities. We're so proud of these young changemakers and can't wait to see the impact they'll make!

Today, Erin Gruwell brought the magic of the Freedom Writers to Edgemont Elementary in Moreno Valley! Students were inspired by Erin's powerful presentation and participated in a heartwarming "Toast for Change" ceremony with Martinelli's sparkling cider. It was a day filled with laughter, tears, and a renewed commitment to creating positive change in the world. Thank you, Edgemont Elementary, for welcoming us with open hearts!

Last week, the power of technology brought together Freedom Writer Teacher Meghan Abruzzo from Nassau BOCES and Freedom Writers Sue Ellen and Shanita for an unforgettable virtual event! Meghan’s students in New York had the incredible opportunity to hear Sue Ellen and Shanita’s inspiring stories and learn about the transformative impact of the Freedom Writers methodology. Thank you, Meghan, for creating this fantastic learning experience for your students!

In this must-listen episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with Shanita Jones, an original Freedom Writer and passionate advocate for change. Shanita opens up about her experiences with racial injustice, the unbreakable bond with her twin sister, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her educational pursuits. Get ready to be motivated by her story of strength and determination! Listen now: https://bit.ly/4bsNFNt

United in the pursuit of change! Yesterday, Erin Gruwell had the privilege of speaking at an event for the United Way of Ventura County in Thousand Oaks, CA. Erin shared the transformative journey of the Freedom Writers, emphasizing the power of storytelling, empathy, and the importance of investing in our communities. We stand with the United Way of Ventura County in their mission to improve lives and create lasting change!

Freedom Writers Foundation events are the perfect way to kick off the new school year with powerful messages of compassion, resilience, and empowerment!
Our experienced speakers have shared their incredible journeys in all 50 states and around the globe, leaving a lasting impact on audiences everywhere. Whether you're looking for a summer workshop, back-to-school convocation, staff development session, or graduation speech, Freedom Writers are ready to deliver!

Don't miss this opportunity to bring a Freedom Writer to your institution and witness the transformative power of their stories firsthand. Book your event now, and let's work together to create a brighter future for all! Contact Sue Ellen Alpizar ([email protected]) to book your event today!

Earlier this week, the Freedom Writers Foundation had the privilege of visiting Moreland Notre Dame School in Watsonville, CA, thanks to an invitation from Sylvia & Adelyn Amezcua and Martinelli’s CEO Gun Ruder. Erin Gruwell inspired students from 5th to 8th grade with her powerful message of resilience and the importance of writing your own story. The assembly featured a recreation of the "Toast for Change" ceremony, a tradition Erin started with her students in Long Beach, symbolizing the commitment to personal growth and positive change. We are so grateful to Martinelli's for providing the sparkling cider and to the wonderful students and staff at Moreland Notre Dame for their warm welcome and enthusiasm!

Last week was filled with inspiration and connection at Badger Springs Middle School in Moreno Valley! Erin Gruwell and original Freedom Writers Tony, Melvin, and Trayvon had the opportunity to share their stories and wisdom with the seventh-grade students through a powerful presentation and the powerful Line Game, demonstrating that our stories are more alike than different. We're honored to inspire these young minds to embrace their unique voices and create positive change in the world.

Last night, Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writers Tony and Sue Ellen attended the second annual Anne Frank Day in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Auditorium. At the event, student winners of the "Your Story Matters" contest were honored, and renowned tapestry artist and Holocaust survivor Trudie Strobel was given the Anne Frank LA Humanitarian Award. We were moved by the students' heartfelt essays, each connecting Anne Frank's timeless words to their own lives. As we commemorate Anne Frank's legacy and honor survivors like Trudie, we remain committed to sharing their messages of hope, courage, and the power of telling your story with future generations.

Happy Teacher's Day and Teacher Appreciation Week! At the Freedom Writers Foundation, we know that teachers are the unsung heroes who shape the future every single day. To all the educators out there who pour their hearts into their classrooms and inspire their students to reach for the stars - thank you! Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of your students is truly remarkable. Today and every day, we celebrate YOU!