The
WHy
WHy
We believe that words,
well written and well-spoken, can create opportunity, invite possibility and empower young people to be the authors of their own futures. When we share our stories and listen to others with genuine interest, we gain understanding, build empathy, and the world becomes a better place.
Learn About
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
Our Story
Our Story
"We want students to own their learning;
You don't learn anything unless you decide to learn it."
–Teri Hein, Founder
The
WHere
Where
FEARLESS IDEAS HAS PLURAL BUREAUX
(try saying that three times fast). That "X" on the end of the word "Bureau" means we have more than one of them!
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The
WHaT
WHaT
Fearless Ideas
The Bureau of
is a non-profit learning organization where young people ages 6-18 are inspired by words and discover their creative voice.
Keep up-to-date with our programs and COVID policies!
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST!
GREENWOOD BUREAU
Our first and largest location with more than 1800 square feet of space solely for educational programs and community events. Visitors enter through our storefront, the Greenwood Space travel Supply Co. (offices are in the very back).
YESLER TERRACE BUREAU
Our newest location (since 2017) is on the ground floor of Hoa Mai Gardens Building (enter off S. Washington St.) It has 1300 square feet of learning space for youth from community households and nearby schools.
Wherever our doors open,
inside is a space that belongs first and foremost to the students who fill it; different from school, different from home, it's a place that's theirs.
While the mission remains the same wherever we go, each surrounding community has its own unique stories and style. By being attuned to and engaging with the surrounding community, we make a space where families and community leaders are welcome, and students can feel fully supported.
To the past
To the future
The
WHEN
WHEN
USE THE ARROWS TO SLIDe through time!
Use the arrows to slide through time!
The
Who
WHo
Families, Teachers,
Volunteers, & Donors
Each school year our tight-knit staff, dedicated board, and generous donors team up with over 200 talented volunteers, and teachers from over 120 schools to support more than 2,000 students across Greater Seattle.
As part of what makes Seattle one of the most literate and creative cities in the country, we are able to forge fantastic partnerships with the Greater Seattle's biggest thinkers, boldest artists, and most innovative educators.
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Who we are is shaped by the neighborhoods we serve. With two locations in neighborhoods with rich histories and character, we love listening to the stories that define those communities and are grateful to be contributing to new ones every day. As a result, a wonderful diversity of like-minded people come together to build our community because of the role we play in theirs.
(Plus, our potlucks and BBQs totally rock.)
Our
Staff
Staff
Our
BOARD
BOARD
of Directors
Matt Kingston
he/him
Interim Executive Director
Reader, writer, and Fearless Ideas enthusiast, Matt is a former BFI Board member and volunteer with a background in marketing, banking, and coffee. A University of Washington graduate in both Business and English, Matt also received his MA in English and MFA in Creative Writing in fiction. He enjoys spaceships and planetary exploration.
Bryan Wilson
he/him
Program Manager
Educator, illustrator, and writer, Bryan manages Fearless Ideas’ school-based programs (field trips and in-school projects) and youth writing workshops. He studied English and Geography at University of California at Berkeley and the University of Washington and enjoys frequent adventures into new books, recipes, and very tall forests.
Matt Gano
he/him
Program Manager
Matt is a poet, performer, lyricist, and teaching artist who manages Fearless Ideas' Greenwood After School programs. He has two decades of teaching and writing experience across multiple organizations in the Pacific Northwest, including the Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Seattle Arts & Lectures: Writers in the Schools program, Skagit River Poetry Foundation, Hugo House, and so many others. He also studied creative writing at Westering Washington University and co-founded the Seattle Youth Poet Laureate program.
Grace Robinson
she/her
Development Director
Grace manages fundraising, events, and giving programs to support the organization's mission. With a background in development consulting and leadership, she prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration, working alongside a network of creatives, thinkers, and change-makers. A UW alumni, Grace combines her passions for sustainable building and art, infusing her work with rituals and mindfulness practices. She enjoys exploring the world through collecting found art and interesting objects, and brings that curiosity and creativity to her work at BFI..
ROBERTO ASCALon
he/him
Program Manager
Roberto is a poet, writer, arts educator, spoken-word performance artist, and manager of Fearless Ideas' programs at Yesler Terrace. He previously taught at Nova High School, participated in the Seattle Arts and Lectures Writers in the Schools program, and worked as a teaching artist and mentor for Arts Corps, Youth Speaks Seattle, and the Service Board.