2025 Literary Marathon for DC Youth

About the Campaign

Writing is a tool that saves lives. It gives voice to those who feel like they have none and opens doors that would remain closed. Day Eight works to provide that lifeline to the people of Washington, D.C. and beyond. We empower youth, journalists, and poets to pursue their ambitions. We offer opportunities for publication for those who have never seen print, and we shine a light on the artwork of our community. And we need your help to continue that work.

The overarching goal of the campaign is to provide Day Eight the financial muscle we need to serve DC youth in 2026. Read below about benefits for donors, detailed campaign goals, and more. To support the campaign, make a donation using the red Click to Donate button.

Campaign Countdown

 
 
Donate to the Campaign

Interested to be a Runner in Day Eight’s Literary Marathon? 

Email Programs@DayEight.org for more information and to sign up!

Runner Campaign pages

Literary Marathon Campaign targets

We have identified intermediate and full marathon goals.

5k – $4,000 to operate the spring 2026 Women and Girls Writing Program. Donations received up to $4,000 may be made in sponsorship of the 2026 Women and Girls Writing program. 

10k – $7,000 to also provide 10 free poets-in-the schools workshops free of charge to DC schools in 2026, serving more than 200 youth.

20k – $10,000 to support stipends for Writers in Residence at our summer Writing Camp summer 2026. 

Full Marathon – $13,000 to promote youth and adult poets at the March, 2026 AWP conference in Baltimore. Donations received between $10,000 and $13,000 may be made in support of promoting youth and adults poet on a national stage.

Women and Girls program workshop leader Rebecca Bishophall and participants.

“The programs Day Eight provides are among the most inspiring I’ve witnessed in our community each of the past three years. The ways that Day Eight encourages our kids to find their own words with creativity and joy is spectacular.”

Niya White, principal, Center City PCS

“This was such an amazing camp and amazing experience! They both want to come back for more weeks next summer. The programming was just terrific and the staff who led the camp, along with the writers in residence, worked so hard and made it so special for these kids. I am eternally grateful to you all for giving them this opportunity. How wonderful it is to explore poetry over the summer and build your muscles and confidence as a writer. Thank you so much!!!”

AS, Writing Camp parent

“I find myself holding onto many of the lessons I learned while participating in Day Eight’s book review workshop, which was what spurred my excitement and interest in this beat in the first place. I am the writer I am today because of Day Eight.”

Clare Mulroy, 2020 Day Eight Arts Writing Fellow, books reporter, USA Today

Donor Benefits

$25 donors are invited to contribute a line to a Community Poem.

$50 donors may choose to receive Day Eight’s new “I Heart DC Authors” t-shirt featuring the “I Heart DC Authors” logo on the front and the titles of Day Eight books on the back.

$150 donors may choose to receive two tickets to a private party with Day Eight board members and special guests Saturday evening December 6, 7-9pm in Washington, D.C.

$250 donors may choose to be listed as a Host of the December 6th party.

$500 donors are provided the benefits above and may choose to be listed as a Supporter in 2026 Day Eight youth program materials.

$1000 donors are provided the same benefits above and may choose to be recognized as a Benefactor in 2026 Day Eight youth program materials.

$2,500 donors are provided the same benefits above and may choose to be recognized as a Major Benefactor in 2026 Day Eight youth program materials.

“I’ve been a professional poet, open mic host, and arts educator in DC for nearly two decades. In that time, I have not experienced an arts and humanities non-profit that serves DC poets and engages the public with such pride for their talents. Day Eight was the first press I turned to when it came time to submit my book for publication.”

Regie Cabico

Youth and faculty contributors at the youth book launch, Shepherd Park Library, September 2024