Conference on Community Writing

Philadelphia

Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia™

Keynote Speakers:
Michelle Angela Ortiz (Artist, Muralist, Educator)
Carmen Kynard (Texas Christian University)
Paula Mathieu (Boston College)

Co-Chairs: Rachel Wenrick, Valerie Ross, and Veronica House
Drexel University, The University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University are the proud hosts of the 2019 Conference

DeepThink Tanks are participatory, action-oriented working sessions focused on critical social and environmental issues. Attendees actively engage with how to address these issues in our teaching, research, community activism, and organizing.

Facilitated by scholars and community leaders, CCW 2019 DeepThink Tank themes will include immigration, gentrification, environmental and food justice, youth activism, and racial justice.

The Spring Gardens-Photo credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia™

A community garden located in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood, the aptly named Spring Gardens was built and is maintained exclusively by residents. The former vacant lot now serves as an outdoor classroom, offering seasonal cooking workshops, gardening classes and tours. And the skyline view provides the perfect backdrop for the urban oasis.

Why attend this conference?

LEARN

about writing as a tool for social change.

CREATE

projects, pedagogies, research, and partnerships.

NETWORK

with colleagues in your own and related fields and from community contexts — writers, activists, teachers, organizers, and community members. All are welcome!

EXPLORE

how to help catalyze and facilitate social change through various types of research, teaching, and writing about, with, for, and by local and global communities.

the number of scholars, activists, teachers, and community members who attended the 2017 conference in Boulder, CO

the number of states from which our attendees came

the number of colleges, universities, and community organizations represented at the conference.

Writers Room TRIPOD Reading and Showcase at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Attendee Testimonials

I am a scientist/policy maker with NOAA and affiliate faculty at the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center. I was invited by a colleague, whose field this is. It was without a doubt one of the best conferences I have been to.

How wonderful it was to see colleagues committing themselves to vulnerability, meaningful community work, and the risk it takes to make art out of pain. I was truly privileged and moved to be part of the event. So much wonderful work. Such decent and committed scholars. Many tears of memory and joy.

It was such a great experience. The work on anti racism and decolonial applications to rhetoric was notable and very much like a breathe of fresh air. Thank you for the warmest of welcomes!

Best. Conference. Ever. Thank you!

To join our community, you can register for our Community Writing listserv, a valuable resource and networking space for scholars, students, teachers, and community members.

Members of the list are welcome to post questions, ideas, and announcements about pedagogy, research, publications, projects, and events regarding community writing and related fields.”