Writing Communities
that build bridges, connect the disconnected, and bring people together across divisions of culture, demographics, housing status.
Gather
Get together weekly in public spaces. Free. Everyone welcome.
Good coffee!
Write
Write together from shared prompts. Pens and notebooks provided.
Pause and breathe…
Share
Optionally read aloud to the group. We respond with applause.
No feedback.
Blog
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Publish your work from the writing groups
For summer 2026, here’s a sharpened approach to Speak Up writing groups publishing. Why the change? To be less of a gatekeeper! Speak Up’s publishing…
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The need was shared and then quickly met
On Thursday, Qiana called me. She was facing a financial crisis and was hours away from ending up on the streets with her kids. I…
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Community is Hard (and Possible)
Speak Up writing groups hit on multiple levels. They provide individual invitations. These spaces let people discover and uncover things within. Carving out time to…
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From the Group Writing Prompts
Here are some additional prompts from this week’s writing groups. These prompts were suggested in real time by group attendees. Write about hoarding and hoarders.…
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Here and Now Writing Prompts
Writing 1 “Today will be a great day if…” Write about flavors. Write about less versus more. Writing 2 Think of all the personal technology…
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Curiosity and Hope Writing Prompts
Writing 1 “I’m surprised by…” Write about education, teaching, school, or being a lifelong learner. Write about an invention or discovery that you appreciate. Writing…
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Three One Five Writing Prompts
Writing 1 A genie grants you three wishes. Write what happens next. “I can’t live without…” Write about five things you own. Writing 2 What’s…
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Mission, Values, Practices, and Distinctives of Speak Up Writing Communities
What is a Speak Up Writing Community? A group of people who gather in person, write together, and read their work to one another, honoring…
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Best Resources on the Creative Act?
“What books do you recommend on writing and creativity?” That’s a question that often comes my way. Speak Up writing groups connect people across divides…
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Timeless Treasure Trove
We are sitting on a gold mine. For a decade, Speak Up published a printed magazine that gave voice to people facing homelessness. That means…