Amoya Ray Mankertz, pictured above, participated in our workshop at at Home Forward, Humboldt Gardens for adults living in affordable housing. Her piece below, “Rivers,” was published in our Spring 2018 anthology of community writing, A Wonder I Can Hold. Photo credit: Stuart Gaston Rivers Everything flows downstreemCrystal cleanWaters pristineRushing, bubbling, churningGet your seatCatch your opportunityLike […]
Write Around has helped me understand that my voice is in my pen, my pen is my voice. My page is the megaphone, and this is where I speak. —Shari Staten Shari Staten, pictured above, participated in our workshop at Innovative Housing, Kinnaman Townhomes in Aloha for residents and members of the broader community. Her piece […]
I write because I’m able to dispense any of my anxieties onto paper instead of keeping them buried. When I first dealt with my medical emergency in verse, I was relieved to get that experience on paper. —Norma Kilgore Norma Kilgore, pictured above, participated in our workshops at Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Medical […]
The experience is unforgettable, I can now write more creatively and longer. The sharing is very energizing and encouraging. —Judith Essien This past fall, Judith Essien, pictured above, participated in our workshop at Multnomah County HIV Health Services Center for people living with HIV. Judith’s poem, “In Spite of Everything,” was published in our 57th […]
Dear Friends, Even as writers, we are struggling to find the words to express what we are feeling right now: rage, despair, fear, ineffectiveness, hopelessness, exhaustion, concern, solidarity, resolve. While these feelings may be overwhelming, the trauma the Black community is experiencing is far greater. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, grief and anger about the recent […]
Write Around Portland helped me open my thoughts and connect with others. —Selena René This past fall, Selena René, pictured above, participated in our workshop at OHSU Richmond Clinic, which serves Southeast Portland residents regardless of their ability to pay, insurance, income or background. Selena René’s poem, “Without a Word,” was published in our 57th […]
I know the money I give to Write Around Portland is going to matter, on a really human basis, one by one. Write Around Portland helped me save my own life. And so, when I look at giving back, I want to give someone else a chance to do that. — Anne Scott Interview by Write […]
“Write Around gave me some purpose and connection outside myself and family, both as a volunteer and [Prompt] participant. Writing in community fed a deep longing for fellowship….” —Kellie Ernst At Write Around Portland, our volunteer program embodies one of our deepest held values of community. Since our founding, volunteers have provided invaluable support to […]
This spring, we have had the joy of revisiting writing published over our 20 years and reconnecting with past writers. We created a special anthology retrospective featuring a writer from every year since 1999. And last week, we had the privilege of hearing some of those writers read their pieces at our anniversary celebration. W. T. Smith, pictured above, […]
The [youth] said it was one of the most important workshops they did in helping to empower them and making them feel like they could achieve more. Write Around Portland just needs to exist in our facility. –Kathleen Fullerton, Hope Partnership Project Coordinator at MacLaren Interview by Write Around Portland Development Director, Allison Specter. Transcribed […]
