Writing Communities

that build bridges, connect the disconnected, and bring people together across divisions of culture, demographics, housing status.

A Simple Model.

It began as a project for people facing homelessness.

Then grew into something better: a space for everyone.

1. Gather

Get together weekly in public spaces. Free to all. Everyone welcome. Good coffee!

2. Write

Write together from shared prompts. Pens, notebooks and prompts provided.

3. Share

Optionally read aloud to the group. We respond with applause. No feedback.

This simple model stirs human creativity, builds community, and changes lives one line at a time.

About Speak Up
Writing Groups
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  • Week of February 2, 2026

    Writing 1

    • Write about games. Do you like playing games? Don’t like playing games?
    • What’s your favorite—or most essential—piece of clothing?
    • Write about finding lost things.

    Writing 2

    • Think about something you were sad to have lost, but now you are grateful that lost thing is gone.
    • Have you ever been burned? (By the sun or a flame or a person.) Write about it.
    • If you could have any superpower, what would it be? How would you use it?

    Writing 3

    • Respond to this quote by George Bernard Shaw: “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.“
    • Are you intensely passionate about something? Is there something you could talk about for hours? Bring us into that world. 
    • Do you think it would be valuable for others to experience homelessness? Or generally life in your shoes? Why or why not? Do you have anyone in mind that it would especially benefit?

  • Week of January 19th, 2026

    Writing 1

    • Write about one of the five senses in your life: taste, touch, sight, sound, smell.
    • Do you have a hobby or something you find yourself drawn toward? Is there a hobby you’ve wanted to have? Write about it.
    • Write about a pet peeve or something that annoys you. Consider writing a letter directly to that annoyance. 

    Writing 2

    • Write about breaking things. Or about fixing things.
    • Who do you love? Who loves you?

    Writing 3

    • Write about hope: finding it, losing it, giving it.
    • Write about something in your city or region that is unjust or needs to be corrected. Describe the problem. Suggest how to fix it. What part might you play?