Matthews Public Library Writing Workshop
First Event — November 18, 2025
What is a Speak Up writing workshop?
Speak Up writing workshops are simple gatherings where people from all walks of life gather in person, write together, and listen to one another read.
Each gathering has a narrow focus: writing from shared prompts and then—optionally—reading that work aloud, followed by applause for each reader.
We make a point to lean into the values of honor, curiosity, and presence.
Matthews Public Library Writing Workshop
We’re exploring what it looks like to launch a weekly workshop in Matthews. This first gathering will be at the Matthews Public Library.
Date and Time
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
1:30 - 3:00 PM
Location
Matthews Public Library — 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC
Questions & Answers
Who is this for?
Everyone!
Speak Up got its start as an outreach to people facing homelessness. The existing workshops were born out of that mission—and first aimed at folks on the streets, voiceless, and lacking community. We make a particular effort to invite and honor those who are marginalize.
However, these gatherings are for everyone. And that’s were the true power is: instead of coming together with labels that marginalize and divide, we simply gather as humans. Not as helped and helper. Or us versus them.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing.
Everything you need is provided. Pens, notebooks, writing prompts. Good coffee. Probably donuts or some of that nature.
What if I’m not a writer?
This is for everyone. Writers. Former writers. Future writers. Never writers.
You’ll never have to share your work with others. This isn’t a feedback group or critique group. The invitation to read aloud will always be offered, but you won’t be put on the spot.
What will we write about?
Whatever you want.
The writing prompts change every week and are often written by active attendees. Here are the prompts from a recent gathering.
We’ll write three times, ten minutes at a time. You’ll have a choice of several prompts each time we write. Follow them or don’t follow them.
How can I get involved?
Definitely attend the first workshop. Let us know you are coming so we can get a headcount.
Reach out with questions, ideas, or to start a conversation.
Spread the word by sharing this post:
Why writing workshops?
These are rare spaces where people can gather and dwell with one another. Unhoused and housed, demographically diverse, hailing from different corners of society.
In the weekly writing workshop we put down our devices and echo chambers and algorithmic outrage and lean into purposeful writing, sharing, hearing.
For people facing homelessness, it is an exhale, an opportunity to feel human and heard and seen.
For people not facing homelessness, it is an exhale, an opportunity to feel human and heard and seen.
It is a launchpad for creativity, relationships, voice-giving projects, and collaborations. Social capital is shared. Even better than that, friendships form.
Existing Weekly Workshops
The Mercantile — Tuesday mornings (Rock Hill, SC)
Rock Hill Prayer Room — Thursday afternoons (Rock Hill, SC)
Awesome!