The Main Character Project

Through collecting books with diverse protagonists and donating them to local libraries, schools, and after-school programs for kids, The Main Character Project aims to increase representation of historically underrepresented populations in literature. It is so difficult to become what you cannot imagine-- and it is difficult to imagine yourself as a surgeon, politician, famous actor, or anything else without ever seeing someone in those roles that looks like you. 
My name is Ava Mandoli, I am a high school senior from St. Louis, MO, and representation in media is one of my biggest passions. I believe it is extremely powerful to see someone that looks like oneself up on the big screen, or as the three-dimensional protagonist in a novel, because it opens one’s eyes to the infinite possibilities of what one could do or become. However, many groups such as women, BIPOC, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are too often completely left out of media narratives or are only portrayed in stale, stereotypical ways. In order to foster confidence and leadership skills in all kids, we must ensure that everyone has access to this experience of feeling seen, understood, and represented. This summer, I participated in a Young Women's Leadership Conference, run by the Pangea Network, where I developed The Main Character Project in response to this massive issue of underrepresentation.  

By donating to The Main Character Project, you will be helping me purchase a Kindergarten Book Bundle with 60 books that promote diversity and inclusion from EyeSeeMe, the largest African-American owned bookstore in St. Louis. These books will then be donated to the Wesley House Association, one of St. Louis metropolitan area’s longest standing social service agencies serving youth, adults and seniors in neighborhoods primarily populated by low income, at risk residents.
Your donation will also help me create programming for kids, such as book readings, discussions, and writing workshops. These programs will currently be held over Zoom, but may transition into in-person events in the future.
I also plan to use these books create physical spaces at local libraries, schools, and after-school programs for kids that are dedicated to highlighting diversity and increasing representation in literature and art, and to use such spaces to facilitate discussions on the importance of representation in media. 
Your donation will go a long way in helping me make a positive impact and increase visibility and representation in the eyes of the most impressionable: kids. 
Thank you!!