Write Around Portland

Mission

Write Around Portland changes lives through the power of writing.

Bottom Line for Portland

Write Around Portland provides free literary programming in local hospitals, schools, prisons, shelters, senior centers, low-income housing, and treatment facilities. We’ve organized more than 250 community readings for participants to share their writing with the public; and published over 60 anthologies of their work. 

Our work improves mental health, builds community, and amplifies under-heard voices with powerful results: after participating in our creative writing program, 96% of our writers have reported an increase in their quality-of-life. 

Quote

“I love this workshop and what it brought to my life. It opened up my views and feelings about my past and future. I have grown a lot in understanding ways of thinking, and learning to use words to express myself better.” –Danielle, Write Around Portland workshop participant, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Write Around Portland believes the arts are enriched by diverse voices and works to build a more open, inclusive literary tradition.   

We have prioritized DEIA since 2017, including a Racial Equity Framework, paid antiracist learning time for staff, and dedicated BIPOC workshops, as well as partnering with culturally specific organizations and publishing our writers’ work widely across print and digital platforms, to expand and diversify the makeup of our city’s literary landscape. 

To achieve equity for participants, we provide all writing supplies, nutritious snacks, and necessary accommodations. On average, 75% of our writers live below the poverty line, 52% have a disability, 45% identify as a person of color, and 30% live with mental illness.  

Incentives

The first 50 people to give $25 or more will receive a locally-made, Color-In Portland Postcard from Oblation Papers and Press. 

The first 100 people to give $75 or more will receive a gorgeous full-grain leather Wrap Journal from Portland Leather Goods.  

*All incentives require local pickup

**Journal size and color may vary

Partner(s)

Oblation Papers and Press in the Pearl District has a mesmerizing selection of papers, pens, and more, with letterpress print shop and hand-papermaking studio on view. 

Portland Leather Goods makes stylish, high-quality leather totes, purses, wallets, and other small goods at ridiculously affordable prices.