Spirit Series

01/19/2026

“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King believed that education was not only about knowledge, but about shaping moral responsibility, empathy, and courage. His vision challenged generations to think deeply, act justly, and care for one another — especially in moments when doing so is not easy.

Today, we honor his life, his words, and his enduring commitment to justice through learning.

12/01/2025

Dear Supporters and Friends,

On the 250th anniversary of American independence, what could be more important than educating the coming generation to the gifts of democracy? With your help, by the end of this decade 10,000 students from coast to coast will study, stage and perform the SERIES’ newest one-act play, “The Founding,” and awaken to the core values that established our nation.

This coming year is also our 25th anniversary. And, like the American republic, our more modest history, with its own trials and triumphs, has also been sustained by certain ideals. Chief among them, civic virtue—what we once called citizenship—the responsibilities that come with community. That’s why we often sign these letters to you: “Together We Grow!’ It’s a call to join with one another in common cause, and a reminder that our personal fortunes actually depend upon the wellbeing of all. Just as Ben Franklin, with his wit and wisdom, quipped to fellow patriots on the eve of Revolution: “We must all hang together…or most assuredly we shall all hang separately!”

“The Founding” focuses on the framers struggle to create a bold, new form of government that put the common good of the People above self-interest or personal gain. What emerged—the American Constitution—while less than perfect, stands as a miracle of vision and compromise. We hope this third American History title in the SERIES will benefit from the 40,000+ hours of classroom instruction we have delivered over the years. We could not have done so without you! And as we prepare our young people to become engaged citizens, we want to thank you, in advance, for helping to revitalize civic education, civic trust and civic virtue with your generous support.

Together We Grow!

Leslie & Richard Strauss
Co-Directors, SPIRIT SERIES INC.

P.S. “The Founding” will become available to educators everywhere on July 4, 2026.

06/19/2025

Today we celebrate Juneteenth by remembering history and honoring all those who risked their lives in the struggle against slavery. Their courage reminds us how much is possible when we tap the indomitable power of the human spirit. Pictured are Quilt squares created by 4th grade students at Garden Grove Elementary for their performance of “Freedom Train” on June 5, 2025.

06/19/2025

Today we celebrate Juneteenth by remembering history and honoring all those who risked their lives in the struggle against slavery. Their courage reminds us how much is possible when we tap the indomitable power of the human spirit. For an interesting read, that’s inspiring us today, we invite you to check out this article from NPR.

Edith Edmunds, who is 99 years old, the art of quilt making is inextricably linked to the Black struggle for freedom. That's why she plans to be sewing Thursday on Juneteenth.

02/20/2025

SPIRIT SERIES is honored to be featured on this week’s “Blue Sky Podcast,” where Co-Directors Richard & Leslie Strauss speak about our programs and how we utilize the transformative power of story to make a positive difference in the lives of students and school communities. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gLZVVwYSea3rc4oM1Vmi6?si=x1XcuxGASQC4yPuY-7v0zw&nd=1&dlsi=75671675549d40b3

Blue Sky · Episode

01/20/2025

“Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?”
-Dr. Martin Luther King

Honoring the extraordinary legacy of Dr. King. As ever, we find inspiration in his powerful words, as well as his lifetime of leadership and service.

12/10/2024

We’re thrilled to be featured in Backstage Magazine, where our founders, Richard and Leslie Strauss, share the heart and soul behind SPIRIT SERIES. Dive into the interview to discover how we utilize the power of story to engage young people and address their need for meaning, challenge, and inspiration.

Behind the innovative, theater-based initiative that’s changing the lives of students from coast to coast.

11/28/2024

“No amount of regret changes the past. No amount of anxiety changes the future. But any amount of gratitude changes the present.” — Glennon Doyle

At this time of thankfulness especially, but truly everyday, we at SPIRIT SERIES are grateful to the many program friends, donors, partner teachers, and school communities, who help make our work possible. And we owe a deep debt of gratitude to the wisdom heroes featured in the SERIES, for the inspiring lessons their lives teach us.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

11/21/2024

We’re honored to be featured in “Reasons to Be Cheerful” for our work that celebrates the human spirit and makes a positive difference in the lives of young people through the transformative power of story.

Check it out here: (https://reasonstobecheerful.world/can-school-plays-change-kids-lives/) or visit link in bio

10/01/2024

Dear Supporters and Friends,

Our annual 707 Charity Poker Tournament will be held on the evening of October 16th at the historic Beverly Hills home of Board Chair Bill Fay.

We’d love for you to join us—in person...or for our Online Auction. It promises to be our best 707 ever, with great prizes for our winners and some amazing Auction items on offer.

You can register and buy your ticket online by clicking the link below. Or, if you can’t make it, join us anytime between now and then with your bid! All proceeds help bring SPIRIT SERIES to students across Los Angeles and beyond.

Many thanks for your support!
Leslie & Richard

ClickBid Mobile Bidding Silent Auction for 707 Poker Tournament '24. Smartphone bidding web application.

09/09/2024

Our founder, Richard Strauss, shares his moving story of loss, resilience, and how the passing of his first wife led to the creation of SPIRIT SERIES. From navigating single fatherhood to helping over 65,000 students nationwide, Richard's journey highlights the importance of storytelling and community in transforming lives. Read his inspiring Newsweek article on how personal tragedy became a mission to empower and guide young people through a safe passage into adulthood.

I felt Molly yearning for answers: Why did this happen to Mom? What did I do to deserve it? Does anything make sense in the world?

08/28/2024

We’re excited to be back in the studio with SpiritCorps leaders David and Aisha, filming new Courage, Conscience, and Compassion digital curriculum for the 24-25 school year! Contact us at [email protected] to learn how you can bring SPIRITCORPS to your 7th-10th grade students and empower them with our Personal Narrative Writing & Video Storytelling Program!