❤️ Honor. Curiosity. Presence.

Speak Up Writing Communities are public gatherings where people from all walks of life gather in person, write together, and listen to one another read their work aloud.

These are rare spaces where we press beyond the normal divisions—housing status, politics, race, class, belief—and are present with one another simply as people.

The gatherings are simple. We write to shared prompts. We read our work aloud to one another. We applaud each reader. Instead of giving feedback, we just applaud—withholding feedback lets us listen deeply, with great curiosity.

"This workshop was my anchor through it all," says one man as he describes his successful journey out of homelessness.

Learn more about Speak Up and the mission to inspire and multiply writing communities that sow hope, build community, and lead to true friendship.

✅ This Fundraiser Supports the Speak Up Writing Community @ The Mercantile

There's a cost to each weekly writing community. Basics like pens and notebooks are purchased and given freely to everyone. Coffee and donuts create a hospitable welcome. Nothing fancy.

This fundraiser covers both those costs as well as the operational general funding needed to develop and support the community for the next twelve months.

✏️ What People Say

“I want to say thanks for helping me to find my voice.”

"I've made actual friends."

“I’ve found friends. I’ve found community.”

“You know me better than some people in my family.”

“I don’t want to imagine what things would be like without this writing community.”

"This workshop gives me something to look forward to."

🌐 Connect

Check out From the Workshops to see delightful work from workshop writers.

Learn about the mission, values, practices, and distinctives of Speak Up Writing Communities.

Want to start a writing community? Here's what partnership looks like to us.

Send an email directly to Executive Director Matt Shaw with any questions.

❤️ Mercantile Speak Up Writing Community

Let there be coffee! And people. Writing, sharing, growing.

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