About Us

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A fun, safe, creative space

We are a woman of color-led nonprofit, rooted in the Iron Triangle of Richmond, CA, serving the Bay Area and beyond. We help youth and adults figure out what they want to say and speak in a clear, engaging manner that represents who they are. We develop communication skills and facilitate safe, fun environments where people feel a sense of belonging. We engage youth and community leaders in all levels of our organization. We take a positive, fun approach to serious work.

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Our mission and vision

Our mission is to build confidence and community through communication skill development to advance inclusion, develop empathy, and elevate underrepresented voices. We envision a world where diverse communities of youth and adults feel cared for, free from stereotypes, and capable of using their voices to foster meaningful, human connection.

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Our history

The Practice Space was started in 2017 by our founder, AnnMarie Baines. Since then, we have served more than 2000 people through coaching and curriculum on oral communication, including storytelling, debate, presentation, and spontaneous speaking. Our work has received local and national recognition for activating equity in local communities. We encourage the participation of people of all ages and backgrounds and promote inclusion and diversity.

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Our logo

It takes time to develop your voice. Our logo represents how we start with outlining our thoughts and figuring out what we want to say, then sketching and practicing out loud, and finishing our final product. The dotted lines of our speech bubble represent how our voices are a work in progress, no matter your age and experience.

2,000

Total students served

60%

Percentage youth

40%

Percentage adult

Mission-and-Vision
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Counties served to date

Contra Costa, Alameda, Yolo, Solano, & San Mateo Counties

Current partners

  • El Cerrito High School
  • West Contra Costa Unified
  • GO Public Schools
  • The Academy
  • Richmond Promise
  • Albany Library
  • UC Berkeley
  • Pogo Park
  • Hewlett Foundation
  • Latina Center
  • Men & Women of Purpose
  • Safe Return Project
  • CoBiz

Supporters

We would like to express our gratitude for our many individual donors and grant funders:

William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
G.E. Foundation
The William & Alice Hinckley Fund
Society for Community Work
City of Richmond
Individual community donors
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