Susan Troccolo

Write Around Portland–Stacey’s story

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Hi again dear Readers,

The day after I sent out the post on Write Around Portland and freewriting, I received this short video that tells the story of a young woman who changed her life after being part of a Write Around Portland workshop. You can view the video here: this link

I thought hard about putting out another post the following day, but I wanted you to see this. Of all the volunteer experiences I’ve been part of–and I’ve been part of many–my time as a board member, secretary on the board, and facilitator was a highlight. The reason is made pretty clear in this video.

The authenticity of the program just jumps off the screen doesn’t it?

I used to imagine the amount of time that many folks spent with various counselors and social workers, and then look at how much time we spent with people in our writing workshop. Often, the time writing with people was longer and maybe more significant in effecting real change. Ten weeks of writing time, followed by a public reading and a publication of the work created. For many, this was the first time anything they have said or thought has been valued.

What I’ve come to believe in any kind of volunteering is that it has to relate to our passion in some way. After that, it is worthwhile to study the organization for awhile, see how money is spent, how resources are utilized, whether you will fit in–before making a commitment. In our society today, lots of social safety nets are weakening. Programs like Write Around Portland really make a difference. They help make people responsible for one another, as well as responsible for themselves.

Hope you enjoy the video! Please share….

I’d also love your thoughts…on writing, workshops, programs like this….whatever hits home.

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. It’s a touching story and the kind that needs to be shared, Susan! After seeing the video, I wanted to be present to feel the energy of the group. Brava.

    • Thank you Ginnie! I do hope a lot of people can see the video. I had some of the same experience as you–wishing I could have been a fly on the wall, or much better yet, writing along with everybody else. I’ve met the gal who facilitated the workshop….she is very funny and real herself. Bet she was perfect for this group.

      • Forgot to ask Ginnie–have you heard of a program like this where you are in The Netherlands? I’m hoping to ask all my European friends and associates if they know of something like this, because other cities in the U.S. have asked about forming the same kind of organization: Write Around L.A., Write Around Memphis….(hey that sounds like a country song begging to be written!)

  3. Writing is so much more powerful than people realize, especially when they are non-writers. I love that the community was so non-judgmental. That’s hard to find. I used to volunteer for a no-kill animal shelter but left active work when it just became too political and emotional. The cathartic aspect of writing can be transformative and is a wonderful coping skill. I hope the young woman continues writing.

    • You are spot-on that the program cultivates the ability to be non-judgmental and yes, that is really hard….in many situations, and maybe especially in the writing world. I hope Stacey continues writing too. It’s one of those things where you offer a coping skill and then people have to use it. Volunteer work can be tough. There is scope-creep. Before you know it, you are there hours and hours each week. The tremendous amount of need out there makes it challenging to choose the right organization to give your time to. This was right for me.

      • I just wanted to add, Tammy, that I really appreciate your comment. I am writing about something different than gardening obviously and I thank you for coming along with me on this post.