Published Works | O-blog-atory Ramblings

SpeakOut! Writing Workshop

The SpeakOut! Writing Workshop Center for Community Literacy 346A Eddy, CSU Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-7251 http://literacy.colostate.edu

I have been involved in the SpeakOut! Writing Program since January of 2009. Recently, I have created and implemented SpeakOut! 2.0, a web-based publication that offers support and recognition via the world wide web. Please visit the SpeakOut! 2.0 website here:

 

WHAT IS SPEAKOUT?

The SpeakOut! Writing Workshops take place at the Larimer County Detention Center and Turning Point. In 1.5 hour weekly workshop sessions, we seek to present a range of approaches and techniques for engaging writing. Each session involves a blend of lecture and discussion to examine literary texts, historical artifacts, and contemporary writing techniques and tools. In addition, each session gives participants opportunities to apply the concepts discussed to their own lives through guided writing exercises. Writers respond to prompts on issues central to their lives, including confinement, freedom, family, pain, anger, beauty, love, life, place, and home. Participants are then invited to read their work aloud and give/receive feedback.

The writing that results from the workshop is compiled in a bi-annual journal, which is circulated at no charge. The SpeakOut! Journal gives voice to issues prisoners and at-risk youth face, works to counter negative stereotypes regarding incarcerated people and individuals in treatment programs, and creates a society less hostile to prisoner re-entry.

The journal is celebrated each semester at a coffee-house style celebratory reading hosted on-site by the participants. Outside guests are invited to attend. These are held at the end of each semester.