Writing Workshop
Editor's Desk
Every week for the last five months I've been leading a writing group at the local public library.
It was first advertised with posters in the library: “Stories from the Streets—writing workshop for people facing homelessness.”
More than than a dozen people now attend weekly. Most are currently homeless, some in transition, some are ex-homeless, and others have never been homeless.
Coffee, donuts, pens, notebooks are all provided.
It's good coffee.
Our rhythm of the morning goes like this. Everyone writes in response to the same prompt or topic. Those who want read aloud. Everyone applauds. Then we select new prompts, write, and read again. Many of the writing topics are suggested in realtime by the group.
The 90 minutes flies by. Afterward we linger to talk, connect, and explore ideas.
A comment from one of the regulars who lives in a shelter:
— “This writing groups allows me and others to voice our true opinions."
From a non-homeless attendee:
— “It was so good. It was so refreshing. It was so authentic. I felt like I could relate!”
Writing Prompts from the most recent workshop:
Write about shopping, buying, or owning things.
Gratitude. What are you thankful for recently? Or — where do you want to be grateful but find it is a struggle?
Imagine and write about the best version of your life five years from now.
Think about some negative words someone has said about you. Write a letter to yourself to tell yourself that you do not (or will not) give those words power over you any longer.
The time with this group has become one of the most inspiring and real spaces of my week. Wisdom is shared, encouragement freely given, and friendships are formed and strengthened.
Here are several pieces from the workshop, the first two read aloud by their authors:
In this space, dynamic writings and stories and essays are drafted and shared. But it is about more than the writing. Relationships, partnerships, and projects are being birthed.
After just a few months, here are some of the things organically forming:
Several people in the group (currently facing homelessness) are organizing a public-facing spoken word open mic night at a local venue to stir conversation and advocacy.
Two regulars, both working to transition out of homelessness, are launching their own independent writing and podcasting projects.
The workshop is now an onramp for people in need to build genuine friendships with those who have access to resources and social capital. Their relationship begins as equals who are sharing their stories.
A few non-homeless attendees are connected to social services or media organizations and are able to bring the voices of homeless people into those spaces.
This group is now a launchpad for duplication into other areas and communities.
Are you inspired? I am!
Below are some ways that you can join this story:
Visit the Workshop
If you are local to Charlotte or Rock Hill, SC, you are welcome to join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Reply to this email for more details.
Donate
Expand and support voice-giving, community-building gatherings like this by making a tax-deductible gift to Speak Up.
Start a Speak Up Writing Group
Anywhere in the USA!
Can you see yourself facilitating or organizing a regular writing session for people facing homelessness?
Fill out this short form and we’ll meet on a video chat or phone call to explore next steps.
Thanks for sharing this and for the great writing prompts!
This is such a simple and beautiful idea. People. Place. Pens and pencils. Prose. Poetry. Participation. Parity. Partnership. Possibly. Profound!