Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Rosin.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Founded in Rochester, Minnesota, MagiKids was created from a group of charitable people who all loved to play the card game, Magic: the Gathering at lunch time. They had a strong belief in youth and education and realized there was an area of opportunity to intertwine these passions together. MagiKids was formed into an official nonprofit organization as a way to support the intellectual health of youth utilizing Magic: the Gathering. We believe that teaching Magic builds skills such as critical thinking, math, and reading while encouraging socialization and engagement. The organization gives kids access to the card game, by giving teachers and mentors the cards and resources they need to teach the game for free. We do this by taking in donations of unused cards and related accessories and packaging them into kits alongside our curriculum on how to teach the game. Over the years, MagiKids gained more recognition and positive reputation through relationships with large industry partners such as Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. We now currently provide resource kits to around 5,000 schools and libraries all across the United States and Territories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a nonprofit organization can be daunting, especially when you’re starting on a national scale. We are a group of big dreamers and so we have this philosophy of “if there is a vision and a need, we will do what we can to make that vision come true”. Moments of struggle will happen, but we always work together to find solutions.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are most proud of how much we have grown (and how much we continue to grow) as an organization. The number of kits we distribute, and the number of youths impacted has continued to grow every month, with the majority of applications for kits being from new programs. Our kits reach all 50 states as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. We have even been able to expand our support to some non-youth groups such as veterans. When we aren’t packing and shipping out kits, we are traveling around the country at events teaching people how to play Magic: the Gathering. We pride ourselves as being the educational lead when it comes to Magic: the Gathering.
What makes you happy?
We love seeing kids learning and having fun (while secretly learning). We want them to be able to express themselves and create lasting memories. One of the fantastic things about Magic: the Gathering is that it isn’t an obvious learning tool. However, youth are able to learn valuable skills like math, reading comprehension, critical thinking, decision-making, and sportsmanship. When you’re teaching someone to play, and you see them using their brain with a smile on their face, it’s a great feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magikids.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magikids_org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magikidsMTG
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/magikidsMTG
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magikids
