Write Around Portland

“It’s very therapeutic to share openly with others and know you are safe. Trust is tough, and I really felt everyone was in this together,” shared Valerie, a participant living in affordable housing, about her experience in one of Write Around Portland’s community writing circles.

Feedback like this is why we continue to show up, day after day, to write with our neighbors in Portland. It’s not always easy, and when someone is focused on meeting basic needs, writing may not feel like a priority.

But writing in community can be a powerful pathway to healing. It helps people build connection, find their voice, and grow roots in new communities as they navigate major life changes.

Our spring campaign is in full swing, and we’re inviting our supporters to help continue this work. Visit writearound.org/springcampaign to learn more about our programs and how your support strengthens communities across greater Portland.

🖊️ REMINDER: We're hosting a FREE celebration for our BIPOC writing community! Join us this Thursday at the Albina Library to meet BIPOC writers and learn about our Resonate: BIPOC Writing Circles that we host online and in-person. All BIPOC writers are welcome to our first ever BIPOC Writing Circle Mixer!

What to expect?
🍽️ Snacks and drinks!
📝 Casual writing activities.
😊 Meet with new and returning Resonate writers and facilitators.
🧐 Discover BIPOC Writing opportunities, like leading a BIPOC Writing Group!
⭐️ Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the full two hours.

Resonate BIPOC Writing Circle Mixer!
Thursday, May 21, 4-6 p.m. PDT
Albina Library, Community Room A
205 NE Russell Street
Portland, OR 97212

Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/gbG3zT9g.

* Please note that this program is an affinity space exclusively for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. However, all writers are invited to join us at Freewrite or Prompt!

Need a “beach reads” kind of night? Join us for a Silent Reading (or Writing!) Party: Beach Reads Edition Steeplejack Brewing on Broadway!

Bring a book or notebook, grab a drink or snack, and settle in for a few timed rounds of cozy, quiet reading/writing, with space in between to say hi and connect. Anthologies from Write Around Portland will be available to read and purchase.

📆 Thursday, June 4 from 7–8:30 p.m.
📍 Steeplejack Brewing on Broadway
🎟️ $25 donation to reserve your spot (space is limited).
💻️ RSVP: events.humanitix.com/silent-reading-or-writing-party-beach-reads-edition

Proceeds from this event will go toward supporting Write Around Portland's programming. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Happy National Teachers' Day to the educators across Oregon! We want to thank you for showing up for students every day with patience, creativity, and steady care.

Recently, Gov. Tina Kotek ordered schools to maintain instructional hours, which is highlighting how much learning time matters, and how unevenly budget pressures can land across districts. As Oregon works through what happens next, let’s make sure teachers have what they need to protect students’ time to learn: ample funding, clear guidance, and the respect that matches the responsibility.

The education of children impacts the future of all of us. We hope that you will continue to support teachers and the importance of public education.