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FREEDOM WRITERS FOUNDATION
FREEDOM WRITERS - HIGH SCHOOL YEARS (1994-1998)
FREEDOM WRITERS - POST GRADUATION (1998-PRESENT)
FREEDOM WRITERS, THE MOVIE
ERIN GRUWELL
FREEDOM WRITERS FOUNDATION
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What is the Mission of the Freedom Writers Foundation?
The mission of the Freedom Writers Foundation is to be an advocate for at-risk students by providing tools that facilitate student-centered learning, increased overall academic performance, and increased teacher retention. The vision of the Freedom Writers Foundation is to close the education gap by creating schools where every student is engaged and every teacher is supported.
Who does the Freedom Writers Foundation serve?
Across the nation and in any community where students have had access to the Freedom Writers story, through the book, presentations, workshops and scholarships, thousands of people have been touched by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers.
One out of 3 students who start a public education do not complete high school. Every nine seconds, a student drops out of school in the United States. These alarming facts have long-lasting effects on our families, classrooms, schools, and communities.
Due to the efforts of Erin Gruwell, the Freedom Writers and the Freedom Writers Foundation, thousands of teachers and community members are empowered to inspire and reach those students who might otherwise be left behind.
Where do the proceeds of the book and the movie go?
Author’s proceeds from the sale of The Freedom Writers Diary and any associated products, as well as payment for the rights to use The Freedom Writers Diary in Paramount Pictures’ Freedom Writers, support the work of the Freedom Writers Foundation.
The Freedom Writers Foundation received a modest initial payment for the rights to tell the Freedom Writers' story but do not receive proceeds from the movie revenues. A portion of initial payment has been used to provide Freedom Writers with college scholarships and fulfilling other educational needs.
Can you review my book and give me your feedback/advice on publishing?
Our mission is to train teachers to empower their students, so our time and resources go to making that happen. While we would love to help everyone who asks, unfortunately, that’s not our field of expertise. We were really lucky to have our books published.
Can I get a scholarship?
The program is currently only available to Woodrow Wilson High School graduates who are the first in their families to graduate. One day, we hope to offer scholarships to students across the United States.
How is the Freedom Writers Foundation supported financially?
As a non-profit organization, the Freedom Writers Foundation relies on a variety of funding sources, including the support of generous donors, revenue generated from the sale of The Freedom Writers Diary and other products and services, and grants from charitable foundations and organizations.
Currently, the Freedom Writers Foundation is seeking financial partners, including individuals, corporations and foundations throughout North America to support our programs. The Freedom Writers Foundation, along with its Board of Directors, with the help of community and corporate leaders, is spearheading the effort to raise funds and awareness.
Why should I contribute to the Freedom Writers Foundation?
Friends and supporters of the Freedom Writers Foundation share a common mission: improve education for our youth, while reducing high school drop-out rates. Your support of the Freedom Writers Foundation and our programs will ensure that we meet our current and future needs as means to accomplish this mission.
You have the opportunity to be part of this exciting educational mission, and we look forward to working together to support Freedom Writer Teachers and the untapped potential of our future - our students!
How can I show my support and make a donation?
Gifts can be made in several ways:
- Cash
- Check
- Pledge
- Credit card
- Stocks and bonds
- Real estate
- Planned giving opportunities
- Matching gifts
Click here to securely donate online
FREEDOM WRITERS – HIGH SCHOOL YEARS (1994-1998)
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How did writing help Freedom Writers succeed in education?
Writing allowed the Freedom Writers to concentrate on school. Since they wrote and talked so much about their feelings and struggles, they were not bogged down with the heavy burdens associated with growing up in an urban environment. Also, because of the "Toast for Change," they were no longer involved in the activities that had once interfered with school, and they focused on academics and dispelling stereotypes and labels that had been placed on them.
How can this story help students who have had similar experiences?
When reading Anne Frank's and Zlata Filipovic's diaries, the Freedom Writers were struck by the similarities between these teenagers' lives and their own. They recognized the emotions, thoughts, and experiences Anne and Zlata described as teenagers growing up amidst violence. They hope students who have struggled with violence, abuse, the loss of a family member, or learning disabilities will read this book and see that they are not alone.
Are the diary entries original or edited versions of several diary entries?
The diary entries are all original entries and were edited by fellow Freedom Writers for grammar and not content. The publisher of The Freedom Writers Diary, Doubleday-Broadway Books, also provided guidance for the book.
What role did Erin play in the writing of the diaries?
Erin encouraged her students while providing them with the opportunity to express their feelings on paper. Erin played no part in formulating the content of her students’ entries. In The Freedom Writers Diary, Erin contributed her own writings throughout the students’ entries.
Was it difficult for the Freedom Writers to write such personal stories in their diaries?
Revealing painful episodes in one’s life is a difficult process. Writing about the adversities the Freedom Writers faced was definitely upsetting, but it was also a cathartic process that none of the Freedom Writers would give back. They were able to finally validate their pain, share it with their peers, and realize that they were not alone in their struggles.
FREEDOM WRITERS – POST GRADUATION (1998-PRESENT)
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What are the Freedom Writers doing today?
Many of the other Freedom Writers have graduated from colleges and graduate schools and are still in touch with Ms. Gruwell and the other Freedom Writers. Some are currently part of the staff at the Freedom Writers Foundation, and some currently teach in the Long Beach Unified School District. One student, whose sole mission as a freshman was to “make Ms. Gruwell cry,” is now a teacher at one of Long Beach’s toughest high schools.
Where did the Freedom Writers go on their "Ambassadors of Tolerance Tour?"
They started their AOT Tour in England, where they visited London and Oxford, and then they were off to Poland. They spent some time in Warsaw, and later they visited the Chelmno Extermination and Auschwitz Concentration Camps. On their next stop, the Netherlands, they got a chance to see Anne Frank's attic, and visit the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. They also went to the World Court in The Hague, and sat in on a "crimes of war" trial. Their next stop was Sarajevo, Bosnia, where they caught up with their friend, Zlata. While in Sarajevo, they also joined a group of Muslim, Croatian, and Serbian students from the University of Sarajevo, and together, they had a Peace Planning Summit, where they discussed possible ways that they could help ensure peace in both their countries. From Bosnia, they drove to Zagreb, Croatia and caught a plane back to London, where they spent one last night before departing for New York to meet with their publisher.
Has Erin returned to visit Woodrow Wilson High School?
Yes, the Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell maintain an active relationship with the Long Beach Unified School District through the college aide system, mentoring programs, teacher training, and workshops. Several Wilson teachers now serve on the Educational Advisory Board of the Freedom Writers Foundation and assist with the Freedom Writers Scholarship for students from Wilson High School.
Do any of the Freedom Writers plan to become teachers?
Several Freedom Writers currently teach at the middle school and high school level in the Long Beach Unified School District, while others are currently enrolled in teaching credential programs at California State University at Long Beach and at other schools. Others are studying to become school administrators. Many of the Freedom Writers also are instructors at the Freedom Writers Institute teacher training workshops. Their hope is to help all students; especially those with backgrounds similar to the Freedom Writers reach their full academic potential.
Did the Freedom Writers really change? Did the lessons stick?
We’re in touch with as many Freedom Writers as possible, and from what we’ve heard, everyone is making positive strides. Change is a life-long process, and each Freedom Writer changed at their own pace. If you have questions about a specific Freedom Writer, check out our website or purchase Teach With Your Heart, where Erin talks about where are the Freedom Writers are now.
Did all the Freedom Writers go to college?
For the Freedom Writers, graduating from high school was an amazing accomplishment because many of them were the first to graduate in their families. Most of them went on to college, and many of them are pursuing Master’s, teaching credentials, and PhDs, and some joined the military.
Are the Freedom Writers coming out with a follow-up book soon?
We actually just came out with a 10th anniversary edition of The Freedom Writers Diary, with 10 new entries that update the story, written by Freedom Writers. It’s kind of like “where are they today?” To purchase the 10th anniversary edition of The Freedom Writers Diary or other books and products, visit our eStore.
How come The Freedom Writers Diary isn’t translated into (Spanish, French, Portuguese, etc.)?
We totally agree! We wish the book was translated into every language. We’re trying to collect information for our publishing house to show demand in new markets. For now, independent international houses have published German, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Greek, and Spanish versions, but we don’t have access to distribution. In the meantime, we are keeping track of all requests for various translations of our books. To vote for a translation, please feel free to contact us.
FREEDOM WRITERS, THE MOVIE
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How accurate is the movie?
It was really accurate. We were fortunate to be very included in the screenwriting process by the director, Richard La Gravenese. The Freedom Writers were asked to be extras and got to help out with set locations (taken from original photos). Our unprecedented access allowed us to weigh in on everything from costume and set design to location scouting, and even the actual writing.
Was Woodrow Wilson High School really that bad?
Woodrow Wilson High School was a reflection of a community in flux. Following the '92 Los Angeles riots, there were more than 120 murders in Long Beach. The majority of Erin’s students were bussed in from diverse, surrounding communities. The school experienced a little bit of forced integration of students from all backgrounds. It was certainly a challenging time…
Which movie character are you?
The Freedom Writers made a decision to request that all of the educators and students at Woodrow Wilson High School, with the exception of Erin Gruwell and Eva, to be composite characters. In other words, the movie characters were all based on more than one story or person, except for Erin Gruwell and Eva.
Where is Eva now?
Maria Reyes, portrayed in the film as Eva, successfully graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and continues to empower students and teachers with the speaker’s program through the Freedom Writers Foundation. For more information or to have Maria visit your school, click here.
If Maria is Eva, then which Freedom Writer is Marcus?
Marcus was an amalgam of several students, but most of his likeness was based on Freedom Writer Darrius Garrett’s life. The relationship with his mother and the storyline reflecting homelessness and redemption was based on Darrius.
Where is Marcus now?
While Marcus was a composite character, Darrius Garrett has started a family and continues to speak to students from around the world with the speaker's program through the Freedom Writers Foundation. Darrius shares his story with audiences across the country. He’s a successful writer and advocate for HIV prevention services. To have Darrius or one of the Freedom Writers visit your school, click here.
ERIN GRUWELL
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What does Erin Gruwell do now?
Erin dedicates her time and energy to the Freedom Writers Foundation and its Freedom Writers Institute teacher training workshops. Erin believes that by giving other teachers the opportunity, tools and inspiration to reach their students that they will in turn acquire the ability to make incredible changes in their own classrooms. By empowering teachers to empower their students, Erin has been able to touch more teenagers’ lives than if she remained a single voice in a classroom. She also shares her story with audiences across the globe.
What happened at Woodrow Wilson High School after she left?
We have several faculty members from Woodrow Wilson High School on our Educational Advisory Board. Also, we offer a scholarship to students from Woodrow Wilson High School who are the first in their families to graduate. One of our Freedom Writer Teachers is at Woodrow Wilson High School and some of the teachers there use The Freedom Writers Diary.The focus of the Freedom Writers Foundation is to positively impact schools, students and teachers, nationwide. Though Room 203 was our home, our vision has expanded beyond Woodrow Wilson High School to address a more universal problem.
For more information about Erin Gruwell, you can check out her biography, An Interview With Erin Gruwell, or read her memoir, Teach With Your Heart.
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