FILM. EDUCATION. CONVERSATION. HEALING. CIVIC PROGRAMS. DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE.
WE ARE 340.
This is OUR country.
And, We, The People, need to show up for it.
Our non profit, 340, aims to carry out our highest principles as a nation.
Our Vision: A Nonprofit for Truth, Healing, and Aspiration
Our nonprofit exists to strengthen American democracy by supporting civic engagement, transformative education, and truthful storytelling that honors the full American story - including underrepresented voices, our ancestors, and our nation’s hardest chapters. We believe reckoning with history is essential to fulfilling the promise of the American Dream and becoming the nation we were meant to be. REVEAL. DEAL. HEAL. It’s the only way forward.
Our work is grounded in one principle: no one stays home. Democracy requires participation from all of us. Through civic education, anti-propaganda efforts, leadership development, and real on-the-ground opportunities - from voting and community service to advocacy and running for office - we equip citizens with the knowledge, resources, and courage to engage.
We support veterans, advance social justice rooted in true patriotism, and bring our mission to life through education that integrates history, film, fine art, theater, and storytelling. Our programs challenge students and adults alike to examine pivotal moments in history, imagine better outcomes, and help America, in Dr. King’s words, “be what is written on paper.”
Beyond education, we inspire action - empowering individuals to lead, serve, and protect election integrity through servant leadership. In addition, we offer courses for lobbyists, activists, organizers, and rising political leaders through Legacy Leadership Academy (https://legacyleadershipacademy.org/). Together, through education, creativity, and civic responsibility, we work to build a country we can all be genuinely proud of.
Latest News
Collaboration
We are thrilled about our latest artistic partnership at 340!
Where to watch: https://sinsofourfathersfilm.com/
We are proud to partner with The Sins of Our Fathers - a powerful feature documentary that explores the deep intersections of race, religion, and America’s moral journey - as part of the mission-driven work of Somewhere I Read’s nonprofit initiative. Through intentional community screenings, we offer a space for a heartfelt exploration of the American Conversation and our National Identity.
This collaboration brings together compelling storytelling and civic engagement to inspire deeper understanding, honest conversation, and collective healing across diverse communities. By amplifying this film alongside our educational programs, we aim to foster awareness of America’s complex history, uplift underrepresented voices, and encourage active citizenship grounded in truth, empathy, and unity.
Together, Somewhere I Read and The Sins of Our Fathers are committed to bridging divides, sparking meaningful dialogue, and empowering individuals to engage in thoughtful reflection, compassionate action, and long-lasting change.
Program Highlight
The American Conversation - “Healing & Leading A Divided Nation”
Our non-profit films are followed by thoughtful civic conversations that aim to help heal the heart of America, at a time when we need it most.
Led by world-class leaders and filmmakers, The American Conversation 340 initiative brings truth, healing, and aspiration to life through the power of film and human connection. Designed to dovetail directly with our documentary storytelling, this traveling initiative moves city to city - using film as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and renewal - while placing a strong and intentional focus on the mental health of our nation.
Each gathering unites Americans in intimate, restorative experiences that address collective trauma, moral injury, and civic exhaustion. Through curated film screenings, live coaching, storytelling, music, and guided civic dialogue, these small nationwide conversations create space for processing grief, rebuilding trust, and rediscovering shared purpose.
Together, film and conversation work hand-in-hand to help Americans reawaken the spirit of service, resilience, and unity that defines our nation - supporting not only civic renewal, but the emotional and psychological well-being essential to a healthy democracy.
Up Next…
Up Next…
Poverty, Inc. is our next documentary project in active development, examining poverty as a systemic failure rather than an individual one. The film explores historical, economic, and moral frameworks to ask a simple but urgent question: why does poverty persist in the wealthiest nation on earth—and what would it take to end it?
We at Somewhere I Read are excited to share our next documentary project now in active development, Poverty, Inc.
In the wealthiest nation on earth, more than 10% of Americans still live in poverty. Poverty, Inc. examines how this reality emerged - not as an individual failure, but as the outcome of systems, policies, and moral frameworks that have shaped American economic life for generations.
Drawing from history, economics, social science, and ancient models of justice, the film explores whether solutions to poverty already exist - and why modern systems have repeatedly failed to implement them. Through interdisciplinary voices and a real-world case study demonstrating measurable impact, the project reframes poverty as a solvable design problem rather than an inevitable condition.
Poverty, Inc. represents the next chapter in Somewhere I Read’s commitment to rigorous, non-ideological storytelling that challenges assumptions, informs public dialogue, and opens the door to practical reform.
Our Next Film
The Redemption Table is a reality docu-series in development that brings people on opposite sides of racial and cultural divides together for one purpose: reconciliation. Through shared meals and unscripted conversation, the series models what honest, human connection can look like in a deeply divided time.
Follow-Up Project in Development
We at Somewhere I Read are excited to share our next project in active development, The Redemption Table.
The Redemption Table is a reality docu-series centered on one simple but radical idea: reconciliation requires proximity. Each episode brings together individuals or groups divided by racial, cultural, or social conflict and invites them to share a meal at “the table” - a symbolic and literal space for honesty, humility, and human connection.
This is not performative dialogue or sanitized conversation. The series is raw, unscripted, and emotionally real. Participants confront history, pain, belief, and misunderstanding face-to-face, allowing viewers to witness what reconciliation actually looks like - not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived, imperfect process.
In a time when division is amplified and conflict is monetized, The Redemption Table offers a different model: slow conversation, shared humanity, and the courage to stay present. It reflects our belief that healing doesn’t begin with policy or rhetoric - but with people willing to sit down together and tell the truth.
Our Filmmakers
Joey Papa
After his success with The Sins of Our Fathers, Joey Papa is only getting started changing the world… owner and founder of Joey Papa Media, a full-service media creation firm, and having worked with global brands, small businesses and everything in between, his more than 10 years in the industry has positioned him as an expert in innovative approaches to media development and execution - and his heart, well that speaks for itself. Rarely does film meet a man with such courage, bravery and honesty who is as committed as Joey to kindness, healing and restoration for all. We are also grateful for his previous extensive work with non-profits across the country and his passion is amplifying stories that matter. Somewhere I Read could not be in better hands.
MATTHEW PRIDGEN
Matthew Pridgen is the visionary behind the film Sins of Our Fathers and has committed himself to helping to heal and educate people, world-wide, through the power of filmmaking. He is an author and social activist with a heart for racial justice and reconciliation - and is seriously concerned about America. As an Evangelical Christian and a former lifelong Republican who originally voted for Trump in 2016, he has a deeply rooted interest in making sure truth and honesty rule the day, rather than propaganda. HIs own personal revelation came soon after starting a mentorship group in a local project neighborhood, where he began to see the modern impact of our historic oppression against the Black community and how politicians like Trump have for centuries weaponized both race and religion to manipulate the vote and divide us along racial and political lines. He wants to make sure this doesn’t ever happen again…
CENTRAL CIVIC PROGRAMS
Honoring Those Who Have Served
A key initiative of our nonprofit is supporting veterans, - not just in words, but in action. From housing and legal guidance to honoring their stories of bravery, loss, and wisdom through media projects, to health and longevity programs to age with dignity, pride and grace, we are committed to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the highest recognition, and best care, and opportunities they deserve. Their experiences are a vital part of the American story, and we are dedicated to uplifting them in genuinely meaningful ways.
Healing Indigenous Communities
We also recognize the urgent need to support and heal Indigenous communities. Our nonprofit will focus on increasing access to essential resources, celebrating Indigenous culture and arts, expanding education, and most importantly - healing. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, we are committed to undoing some of the generational trauma that Indigenous peoples have endured at the hands of our nation.
Building Bridges Through Partnership
We also acknowledge the deep impact of racism and generational enslavement in shaping American society. As this is a vast and critical area of work, and many outstanding nonprofits are already leading this charge, we aim to partner with and amplify organizations already dedicated to racial justice and healing in order to tackle this massive effort most effectively. Through collaboration, we can extend the reach of these efforts and ensure that our collective mission stays true to the vision of a more just and united America.
America is a long story.
We might be living in the most important chapter.
- Jen Appel
THINK TANK
In addition to our civic programs, we are also developing a think tank of top tier professionals and retired government officials to work on some of the nation’s toughest problems including healthcare reform, how to improve the immigration process and support our foundational American invitation, and national security. We will also be exploring the dangers of how money intersects with power in the American Democratic system and what we can all do to ensure our democracy continues.