Slow but steady wins the race

As we close the chapter on 2023, Stories of Color reflects on a year marked by consistent growth and increasing impact. Our journey, now concluding its second full calendar year, has been one of purposeful strides, embracing the adage that slow but steady wins the race. This philosophy has not only shaped our approach but has also been mirrored in our metrics. With a registered membership that has swelled to 4,830 over the last 12 months alone, plus a vibrant, engaged community of 12,065 followers, we are building a foundation for lasting influence. Our reach has extended into the lives of 147,226 students indirectly and directly impacted 20,920, thanks to the generous contributions that have fueled our mission.

Our commitment to fostering an informed and connected world has yielded reach that includes 24,764 families and 3,691 educators, all of whom have engaged with our content and utilized our platform to enrich their educational environments. This engagement is underscored by a 173% increase in page views and a 131% increase in visits year over year, indicative of a growing interest and trust in the stories we share. We are proud to note that our digital footprint reached across 101 countries, too, bringing diverse narratives to a global audience and fostering a truly international community.

Financially, the support of our donors has marked a valuable beginning, with $1,808 donated after we made our first public ask for donations on Giving Tuesday. Every dollar given has been a testament to the community’s belief in our cause, contributing to 11.7 students being impacted by every dollar we’ve received. While we still face a modest net income deficit against our operating costs, the average donation of just over $30 from our 59 donors has demonstrated the collective power of small, meaningful contributions.

Content-wise, our library has grown robustly with the addition of 880 new living books, bringing our catalog’s total to 3,125, accompanied by 215 curated book lists. These resources are at the heart of our mission, each addition a building block in the architecture of understanding and respect through storytelling. The launch of 7 major new features also signifies our commitment to innovation and responsiveness to the needs of our audience. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our dedication to excellence, driven by the knowledge that each story shared is a step toward a more equitable and respectful world.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has joined us in this journey, and we recommit to our mission with renewed vigor for the year ahead—with many exciting features and resources in the queue. 2024, here we come.