We are a Systems Synthesis team of nine graduate students from the Heinz College of Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Systems Synthesis is the equivalent of a Master’s thesis or capstone project -- it provides us an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge
and skills we’ve developed throughout our degree programs. In addition to our immediate group members, a number of community partners will contribute their ideas, expertise, and feedback to this project. We expect to develop and grow relationships throughout the fall of
2011.
Project Description:
A group of 9 Heinz College students will spend the fall semester researching and writing a business plan to create an 826-inspired, nonprofit creative writing organization. During this time, the team will develop a network of partnerships and stakeholder support for the project within the Pittsburgh community, and create a continuity plan to ensure that the initiative continues beyond the semester.
Project Justification:
A number of community leaders in Pittsburgh have expressed interest in establishing a creative writing organization, inspired by 826 Valencia, that offers a variety of tutoring programs for youth and enlivens and involves community members with its street-level, themed store. There are currently 8 independent, non-profit chapters of 826 across the country, and our proposed 826-inspired organization may apply to join this network by submitting a chapter application to 826 National in the future. We believe that Pittsburgh is the perfect place for an 826-inspired creative writing organization because:
1. There is currently a need for additional tutoring opportunities for Pittsburgh youth, particularly in the literary arts;
2. The city has transformed itself into an economy of knowledge, providing the proposed organization a wealth of volunteers to draw upon;
3. We believe that local youth need meaningful connections to the largely untapped resource of knowledge economy mentors within Pittsburgh;
4. A number of local thought leaders in the fields of education and creativity already support this concept; and
5. The storefront model will become a part of larger economic development efforts in the city, as Pittsburgh has an abundance of empty storefronts waiting for innovative and creative repurposing.
Project Deliverables:
The overall goal of this project is to create a business plan, which will include a proposal narrative, a community assessment rubric, a community engagement plan, a programming plan, a fundraising plan, an estimated budget and a continuity plan.
Known Exclusions:
This Systems project is only the first phase of forming an 826-inspired creative writing organization in Pittsburgh. During the course of this semester, we will not: acquire property; design, build or launch the storefront/organization; develop curriculum; nor apply for or secure necessary funds for the creation of the organization.
Goals:
1. Provide evidence-based (qualitative and quantitative) support for this initiative and its physical placement
2. Compile an articulate business plan that comprehensively addresses each required
component
3. Generate realistic financial forecasts based upon historical data from similar Pittsburgh
organizations, 826 chapters and professional guidance
4. Engage a variety of committed partners eager to share resources, promote the idea, offer
expertise and provide ongoing support through the various development phases
Schedule Objectives:
August 29, 2011 - Begin project
October 5, 2011 - First presentation to Advisory Board
November 21, 2011 - Final presentation to Advisory Board
December 9, 2011 - Completion of all written deliverables
Other information:
It is possible for members of the project team to work on the next phase of this initiative after fall semester.
