For three decades, the Baltimore Book Festival has brought the city together around literature, storytelling, creativity, and community.
30 LOOKS GOOD ON A CITY THAT READS.
On Saturday and Sunday, Reading Is Freedom comes to life from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
We’ll hear from the people shaping Baltimore, share the books that stay with us, and make space for the next generation to create stories of their own. We’ll also learn more about reading coaches, the role they play in helping children become strong readers, and how each of us can play a part in supporting them.
RSVP to reserve your spot! Space is limited and entry is not guaranteed.
Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Doors open at 10AM
Charm City Cultural Cultivation HQ
3100 Greenmount Ave, Suite A
Baltimore, MD 21218
STOOP READS: Meet us at the stoop for storytelling with some of Maryland’s favorite hometown heroes. Authors, artists, community leaders, educators, and legislators will share their favorite children’s books and remind us just how special Baltimore is. Each reading will be followed by a book giveaway.
TEEN ZINE-MAKING WORKSHOPS: Teens, grab a seat at the art table and tap into your inner artist. Led by authors and artists, these hands-on zine-making workshops invite you to explore storytelling, get creative, and turn your ideas into a zine of your own.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:30am-11:15am | Stoop Reading with Special Guest
A 45-minute reading of our Special Guest's favorite book.
11:30am-12:15pm | Stoop Reading with Joshua Michael
A 45-minute reading of Joshua’s favorite book: After The Fall by Dan Santat
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Wanda Durant
A 45-minute reading of Wanda’s favorite book: A Million Fish...More or Less by Patricia Mckissack
`1:30pm-2:15pm | Stoop Reading with Dwight Watkins
A 45-minute reading of Dwight's very own book:
3:00pm-4:00pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10:00am-10:45am | Stoop Reading with Ms. Maze
A 45-minute reading of our Ms. Maze's favorite book.
11:00am-11:45am | Stoop Reading with First Lady Dawn Moore
A 45-minute reading of First Lady Dawn Moore's favorite book:
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Mychal Threets
A 45-minute reading of Mychal's very own book: I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Hampton Boyer
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
Questions? rsvp@emersoncollective.com
For three decades, the Baltimore Book Festival has brought the city together around literature, storytelling, creativity, and community.
30 LOOKS GOOD ON A CITY THAT READS.
On Saturday and Sunday, Reading Is Freedom comes to life from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
We’ll hear from the people shaping Baltimore, share the books that stay with us, and make space for the next generation to create stories of their own. We’ll also learn more about reading coaches, the role they play in helping children become strong readers, and how each of us can play a part in supporting them.
RSVP to reserve your spot! Space is limited and entry is not guaranteed.
Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Doors open at 10AM
Charm City Cultural Cultivation HQ
3100 Greenmount Ave, Suite A
Baltimore, MD 21218
STOOP READS: Meet us at the stoop for storytelling with some of Maryland’s favorite hometown heroes. Authors, artists, community leaders, educators, and legislators will share their favorite children’s books and remind us just how special Baltimore is. Each reading will be followed by a book giveaway.
TEEN ZINE-MAKING WORKSHOPS: Teens, grab a seat at the art table and tap into your inner artist. Led by authors and artists, these hands-on zine-making workshops invite you to explore storytelling, get creative, and turn your ideas into a zine of your own.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:30am-11:15am | Stoop Reading with Special Guest
A 45-minute reading of our Special Guest's favorite book.
11:30am-12:15pm | Stoop Reading with Joshua Michael
A 45-minute reading of Joshua’s favorite book: After The Fall by Dan Santat
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Wanda Durant
A 45-minute reading of Wanda’s favorite book: A Million Fish...More or Less by Patricia Mckissack
`1:30pm-2:15pm | Stoop Reading with Dwight Watkins
A 45-minute reading of Dwight's very own book:
3:00pm-4:00pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10:00am-10:45am | Stoop Reading with Ms. Maze
A 45-minute reading of our Ms. Maze's favorite book.
11:00am-11:45am | Stoop Reading with First Lady Dawn Moore
A 45-minute reading of First Lady Dawn Moore's favorite book:
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Mychal Threets
A 45-minute reading of Mychal's very own book: I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Hampton Boyer
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
Questions? rsvp@emersoncollective.com
You're invited to the Summit to celebrate our 2020 class of Dial Fellows, a group of remarkable breakthrough leaders working in education, immigration, the environment, health, and social justice.
We’re excited to invite you to Spark Sessions, our third annual A Thousand Forests gathering, where meaningful connections catalyze change. This new, day-long program aims to unlock new pathways to capital and resources beyond the traditional models of philanthropy.
In a series of rapid, intentional meetups, you will have the opportunity to connect directly with corporate leaders who have the potential to be future funders, board members, marketing partners, and in-kind supporters—creating the sparks that ignite lasting impact. You’ll also have the chance to share stories and foster connections through small group sessions, working with peers and partnership experts to craft a successful close.
DATES
Partners should choose the event that is closest to their organizational headquarters.
Thursday, June 12 – New York | 9:00am - 3:00pm
Apollo Theater (details available upon RSVP)
OR
Thursday, June 26 – Los Angeles | 10:00am - 3:00pm
ARRAY Campus (details available upon RSVP)
PROGRAM
Ignite: Angela Manuel-Davis
Angela Manuel-Davis ignites our convening with a soul-stirring word that will set the tone for a day of bold possibilities and connections.
Session I: The Link-Up
Quick intros. High energy. Big potential.
This is your chance to meet the right people—face-to-face and fast. In a series of four rapid-fire one-on-ones, you’ll connect with potential corporate partners ready to help bring your vision to life.
Session II: Catalyst Circles
Where real talk makes real impact.
Join our partnership experts who will share proven strategies for crafting a successful close—transforming promising discussions into successful collaborations.
Session III: I Got, You Got
Partners each share one valuable offering they bring to our community alongside one genuine need they hope others might fulfill – creating a web of reciprocal support and connection.
Presentation PREP
In the lead-up to the event, we’ll be offering resources to help you make the most of your Link Up sessions. This includes a presentation deck template to guide the development of your materials, as well as an optional 30-minute 1:1 coaching session with communications expert Laurin Sydney (available on a first come, first served basis). Laurin is an award-winning former CNN anchor and a highly sought-after communications coach, known as the “pitch whisperer.” Details to follow upon RSVP.
PARTICIPATION
This invitation is for the Founder and/or Executive Director of the organization. If your organization has a Co-Leadership model, we welcome two leaders to attend. We kindly request that all participants commit to attending the entire day-long program. Full participation is key to building community among participants and ensuring a consistent and rich experience for everyone.
MEALS
Breakfast and lunch.
Snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Please note any dietary concerns in the sign-up form.
ATTIRE
Business casual.
TRANSPORTATION / FLIGHTS
Emerson Collective offers travel grants for participants residing outside of NYC or LA to support the cost of participation such as flights, ride-shares and taxis based on the following parameters. Emerson Collective will provide $750 per person for flights and transportation to the event closest to your organizational headquarters. If you are flying internationally please email liz@emersoncollective.com to determine a travel grant amount.
New York
The nearest airports to the NY event are Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Los Angeles
The nearest airports to the LA event are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR).
HOTEL / ACCOMMODATION
Emerson Collective will offset hotel costs for non-local participants if you book within our room blocks (linked below). This amount will be bundled with any applicable transportation funding.
For participants with travel time to NYC/LA under 3 hours: One night stay underwritten with check-in on Wednesday and check-out on Thursday.
For participants with travel time to NYC/LA over 3 hours: Two nights stay underwritten with check-in on Wednesday and check-out on Friday.
New York Hotel
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
233 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027
Reservation will be booked based on your RSVP
Los Angeles Hotel
Conrad Los Angeles
100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
If additional accommodations are needed please email vfrederick@emersoncollective.com.
Please book your flights and hotel rooms as soon as possible and before May 23, 2025. If you are having trouble booking a room through the block or if travel would still be cost prohibitive after receiving a travel grant, please reach out to vfrederick@emersoncollective.com. Event locations are ADA accessible with a pumping / nursing room available.
If you have accessibility, support, or dietary requirements in order to participate fully in this event, please note in the RSVP form or reach out to vfrederick@emersoncollective.com.
For three decades, the Baltimore Book Festival has brought the city together around literature, storytelling, creativity, and community.
30 LOOKS GOOD ON A CITY THAT READS.
On Saturday and Sunday, Reading Is Freedom comes to life from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
We’ll hear from the people shaping Baltimore, share the books that stay with us, and make space for the next generation to create stories of their own. We’ll also learn more about reading coaches, the role they play in helping children become strong readers, and how each of us can play a part in supporting them.
RSVP to reserve your spot! Space is limited and entry is not guaranteed.
Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Doors open at 10AM
Charm City Cultural Cultivation HQ
3100 Greenmount Ave, Suite A
Baltimore, MD 21218
STOOP READS: Meet us at the stoop for storytelling with some of Maryland’s favorite hometown heroes. Authors, artists, community leaders, educators, and legislators will share their favorite children’s books and remind us just how special Baltimore is. Each reading will be followed by a book giveaway.
TEEN ZINE-MAKING WORKSHOPS: Teens, grab a seat at the art table and tap into your inner artist. Led by authors and artists, these hands-on zine-making workshops invite you to explore storytelling, get creative, and turn your ideas into a zine of your own.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:30am-11:15am | Stoop Reading with Special Guest
A 45-minute reading of our Special Guest's favorite book.
11:30am-12:15pm | Stoop Reading with Joshua Michael
A 45-minute reading of Joshua’s favorite book: After The Fall by Dan Santat
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Wanda Durant
A 45-minute reading of Wanda’s favorite book: A Million Fish...More or Less by Patricia Mckissack
`1:30pm-2:15pm | Stoop Reading with Dwight Watkins
A 45-minute reading of Dwight's very own book:
3:00pm-4:00pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Lawrence Burney
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10:00am-10:45am | Stoop Reading with Ms. Maze
A 45-minute reading of our Ms. Maze's favorite book.
11:00am-11:45am | Stoop Reading with First Lady Dawn Moore
A 45-minute reading of First Lady Dawn Moore's favorite book:
12:30pm-1:15pm | Stoop Reading with Mychal Threets
A 45-minute reading of Mychal's very own book: I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
4:30pm-5:30pm | Teen Zine-Making Workshop with Hampton Boyer
Tap into your inner artist and grab a seat at the art table
Questions? rsvp@emersoncollective.com
“The creation of a thousand forests,” declared Ralph Waldo Emerson, “is in one acorn.” It’s a powerful and penetrating idea: That the smallest of seeds can yield lasting, compounding, and collective change.
It’s in that spirit that we invite you to the inaugural Culture Council Forum. This two-day capacity building event focuses on visionary but practical pathways to sustainable growth. It invites us to imagine the possibilities that emerge when we gather as a cultural community. Together, we’ll learn from creative entrepreneurs and visionary founders with deep expertise in retail, communications, marketing, and people management.
We hope you will join us, and that together we will emerge with new relationships, valuable insights and actionable ideas.
DATES
A Thousand Forests will take place across two days:
Welcome Dinner
Thursday, September 21st | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Forum
Friday, September 22nd | 8:00am - 5:00pm
Following the forum, we invite you to attend an optional happy hour offsite. Details to follow.
LOCATION
Emerson Collective
130 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
PARTICIPATION
We kindly request your complete attendance, both for the Thursday dinner and Friday program in its entirety. Full participation is a key way that we build community among participants and ensure a consistent and rich experience for everyone.
MEALS
Thursday -- Dinner
Friday -- Breakfast and Lunch. Snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Please note any dietary concerns in the sign-up form.
ATTIRE
Casual
TRANSPORTATION / FLIGHTS
Emerson Collective is glad to offer travel grants to support the cost of participation such as flights, ride-shares and taxis based on the following parameters.
For participants within NYC:
Emerson Collective will include $250 per person in your travel grant for transportation.
For participants residing within the US but outside of NYC:
Emerson Collective will include $1,000 per person in your travel grant for flights and transportation.
The nearest airports to the Emerson Collective office are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
HOTEL / ACCOMMODATION
Emerson Collective will additionally offset hotel costs for non-local participants if you book within our block at ModernHaus SoHo (linked below). This amount will be bundled with any applicable transportation funding.
For participants 30+ miles outside of SoHo:
In an effort to ease your commute, Emerson Collective will provide funding for your room costs for 1 night, with a check-in beginning Thursday, September 21st, and check out on Friday, September 22nd.
For participants flying to NYC:
Emerson Collective will provide funding for your room costs for 2 nights, with a check-in beginning Thursday, September 21st, and check out on Saturday, September 23rd.
Please book your flights and hotel rooms as soon as possible and before July 31, 2023. If you are having trouble booking a room through the block or if travel would still be cost prohibitive after receiving a travel grant, please reach out to liz@emersoncollective.com.
COVID PROTOCOLS
Members of Emerson Collective are fully vaccinated, and updated boosters are recommended. We ask that all visitors affirm they are fully vaccinated, and recommend updated boosters as well. Testing and masks are not required, though we are happy to provide rapid tests and/or masks upon request, and guests are welcome to mask if they wish.
By RSVPing to this event, you will be affirming that you will follow this protocol and are fully vaccinated.
If you have access, support, or dietary requirements in order to participate fully in this event, please note in the RSVP form or reach out to liz@emersoncollective.com.
Emerson Collective's office is served by an elevator and is accessible for users of wheelchairs and other mobility aids. A pumping / nursing room is available.
OVERVIEW
“The creation of a thousand forests,” declared Ralph Waldo Emerson, “is in one acorn.” It’s a powerful and penetrating idea: That the smallest of seeds can yield lasting, compounding, and collective change.
It’s in that spirit that we invite you to the inaugural Culture Council Forum. This two-day capacity building event focuses on visionary but practical pathways to sustainable growth. It invites us to imagine the possibilities that emerge when we gather as a cultural community. Together, we’ll learn from creative entrepreneurs and visionary founders with deep expertise in retail, communications, marketing, and people management.
We hope you will join us, and that together we will emerge with new relationships, valuable insights and actionable ideas.
DATES
A Thousand Forests will take place across two days:
• Thursday, September 21st: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (Dinner)
• Friday, September 22nd: 8:00am - 5:00pm (Forum)
Following the Forum, we invite you to an optional happy hour offsite. Details to follow.
LOCATION
Emerson Collective
130 Prince Street
New York, NY
PARTICIPATION
We kindly request your complete attendance, both Thursday's dinner and Friday's entire program. Full participation is required as it is a key way that we build community among participants and ensure a consistent and rich experience for everyone.
MEALS
Thursday: Dinner
Friday: Breakfast and Lunch. Snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Please note any dietary concerns in the sign-up form.
ATTIRE
Casual.
COVID PROTOCOLS
Members of Emerson Collective are fully vaccinated, and updated boosters are recommended. We ask that all visitors affirm they are fully vaccinated, and recommend updated boosters as well. Testing and masks are not required, though we are happy to provide rapid tests and/or masks upon request, and guests are welcome to mask if they wish.
By RSVPing to this event, you will be affirming that you will follow this protocol and are fully vaccinated.
If you have access, support, or dietary requirements in order to participate fully in this event, please note in the RSVP form or reach out to liz@emersoncollective.com. Emerson Collective's office is served by an elevator and is accessible for users of wheelchairs and other mobility aids. A pumping / nursing room is available.
DELETE THIS SECTION
TRANSPORTATION / FLIGHTS
Emerson Collective is glad to offer travel grants to support the cost of participation such as flights, ride-shares and taxis based on the parameters below.
For participants within New York:
Emerson Collective will include $250 per person in your travel grant for transportation.
For participants residing within the United States but outside of New York:
Emerson Collective will include $1,000 per person in your travel grant for flights and transportation.
The nearest airports to the Emerson Collective office are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Please book your flight as soon as possible and before July 31, 2023 for best rates.
DELETE THIS SECTION
HOTEL / ACCOMMODATION
Emerson Collective will additionally offset hotel costs if you book within our block at ModernHaus SoHo, based on the parameters below.
This amount will be bundled with any applicable transportation funding.
For participants 30+ miles outside of SoHo (130 Prince Street):
In an effort to ease your commute, Emerson Collective will provide funding for your room costs for 1 night, with a check-in beginning Thursday, September 21st, and check out on Friday, September 22nd.
For participants flying in to New York:
Emerson will will provide funding for your room costs for 2 nights, with a check-in beginning Thursday, September 21st, and check out on Saturday, September 23rd.
As rooms are limited, please book hotel rooms as soon as possible and before July 31st. If you are having trouble booking a room through the block or if travel would still be cost prohibitive for you after receiving a travel grant, please reach out to liz@emersoncollective.com.
Any Questions? Please email liz@emersoncollective.com
Ai-Jen Poo (co-founder and executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance) joins Anne Marie Burgoyne for a conversation about how NDWA uses the best tools of communications – including media campaigns, strategic partnerships, and her own voice – to advance the rights of domestic workers in the U.S.
The Rodin Museum is an art museum located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that contains one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside Paris. Opened in 1929, the museum is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum houses a collection of nearly 150 objects containing bronzes, marbles, and plasters by Rodin.
Reading Is Freedom at the Baltimore Book Festival
September 19-20
10:00am - 5:30pm
Questions? Email rsvp@emersoncollective.com
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