ST. PAUL, Minn. – Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), a nationally recognized nonprofit advancing literacy, leadership, and social justice, today announced its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, Empowering Voices Through Books—an ambitious roadmap to address disparities in literacy, expand access to diverse children’s books, and strengthen communities through the arts and humanities.
Rooted in the belief that books have the power to transform lives, the strategic plan builds upon PPGJLI’s mission to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach. By cultivating creativity, culture, and connection, thzze organization aims to transform how communities engage with reading and storytelling.
The plan aligns with PPGJLI’s longstanding mission to leverage literacy, storytelling, and leadership development to inspire the next generation of differencemakers.
“Our vision is simple but bold: every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read and to have the opportunity to develop the literacy skills needed to thrive,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, Founder and Executive Director of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. “Through this strategic plan, we are investing in the power of stories to build leaders, strengthen communities, preserve culture, and advance justice.”
A Vision for Greater Impact
Over the next three years, PPGJLI will expand its reach by providing more children and families with access to high-quality literacy programs, diverse books, and leadership opportunities. A central goal is to donate 40,000 diverse children’s books, helping build home, school, and community libraries where every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
The organization will expand its signature Leaders are Readers initiative to additional schools and community sites while increasing author visits, storytelling experiences, and literacy enrichment activities that inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Recognizing that literacy is the foundation of leadership, PPGJLI will also create more opportunities for youth to develop confidence, strengthen communication skills, and share their stories through writing, publishing, mentorship, and public speaking. By connecting young people with authors, educators, and community leaders, the organization is helping prepare the next generation to lead with purpose and make a positive difference.
The strategic plan also reinforces PPGJLI’s commitment to advancing equity through literature, preserving cultural heritage, and amplifying voices that have historically been underrepresented. Through initiatives such as Read Rondo and Rondo Renaissance, the organization will continue celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of communities of color while fostering dialogue, learning, and belonging.
To sustain this growth, PPGJLI will strengthen partnerships with schools, libraries, corporations, foundations, and community organizations while expanding fundraising, publishing, and operational capacity to ensure long-term impact.
Transforming Communities Through Literacy
Research consistently shows that literacy is a powerful predictor of educational achievement, economic mobility, and civic participation. Yet many children continue to have limited access to books that reflect their identities and lived experiences. PPGJLI’s strategic plan addresses these disparities by increasing access to diverse literature while empowering children and families to become lifelong readers.
By leveraging the arts and humanities, PPGJLI envisions communities where reading is celebrated, cultural stories are preserved, and every child has the opportunity to discover the joy and power of books. Through literacy, leadership, and storytelling, the organization is helping cultivate the next generation of differencemakers.
About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing literacy, cultivating leadership, and strengthening communities through the arts and humanities. Through innovative literacy programs, author development, publishing initiatives, and culturally responsive educational experiences, PPGJLI promotes diverse books, nurtures emerging voices, and inspires individuals to become leaders and differencemakers.
For more information, visit www.ppgjli.org.
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Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
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www.ppgjli.org
Media ContactCompany Name: Planting People Growing Justice InstituteContact Person: Media ManagerEmail: Send EmailAddress:PO Box 131894 City: Saint PaulState: MinnesotaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.ppgjli.org/
