We recently wrapped up our spring fundraising campaign and thanks to the support of our community, we surpassed our goal of $21,000! Those dollars are already funding the behind-the-scenes work that make our programs possible. In addition to planning writing groups, coordinating agency partners, and preparing materials, donations also fund the training our of volunteer facilitators.
Our program is simple. Creative writing doesn’t require many materials aside from journals, pens, accessibility aids, and some fun snacks. So, donations to Write Around Portland mainly support training for volunteers to ensure our programming maximizes healing.
Our high-quality facilitator training occurs three times a year, hosted by our knowledgeable, experienced staff members. Donations pay living wages and health insurance benefits that help retain experienced staff.
After finishing training, certified facilitators check-in with a staff member weekly for the duration of their community writing group. These weekly conversations help volunteers to better meet the needs of their participants, talk over curriculum and activities, and process the secondary trauma that can occur from listening to others’ stories.
And the effect of a donation does not end when a writing group concludes. Facilitators carry their training into future groups, staff members strengthen our programs, and participants gain a new level of confidence and connection. Participants also get the joy of seeing their work in print in a published book, provided for free thanks to donations.