Read-and-Write-a-thon

The Read-and-Write-a-thon returns to Berkeley on Saturday, May 19. Non-stop poetry, prose, drama, and fiction will share the stage for 10 consecutive hours as an ever-changing cast of writing coaches and students read and listen to the stories and ideas that give life and light to our community.

Supporters can sponsor the Read-and-Write-a-thon by visiting www.WriterCoachConnection.org. A $10 or $20 donation (just $1 or $2 per hour), can work wonders (and a larger donation can work even more wonders).

Read-and-Write-a-thon
Saturday, May 19th, 8:00am - 6:00pm
MLK Middle School, 1781 Rose Street, Berkeley, CA 94703

With a small core staff, hundreds of skilled community volunteers, and the avid support of school administrators and educators, since 2001 WriterCoach Connection has brought one-on-one writing support to thousands of middle- and high-school students at all skill levels.

Working with WriterCoach Connection -- a program of the Community Alliance for Learning -- volunteers give students the confidence they need to think critically and write clearly.

This year more than 500 coaches are working with some 2,000 students in Berkeley, Oakland, El Cerrito, and Albany, and plans are underway to expand the program into Richmond next year.

"The training of coaches is incredible and shows when they work with students. Coaches are patient with the temperament of teenagers and encourage them even when students begin with very negative attitudes. I have watched coaches just be present with a student until they are ready to work, and 90% of the time, students will come round and engage with the session." 
—English teacher, Berkeley High School, 2010-11

"Writer Coach is an excellent, well organized program—the leaders are committed and talented, the training is well designed, the volunteers are impressive people from many backgrounds, and working closely with a wonderful classroom teacher is invaluable. All of this makes one-on-one coaching a very valuable experience for both the volunteer and the student."
—Dale Rogers Marshall, retired college professor and president

"The writing coaches were invaluable to my students' growth! It's amazing to see the difference one person can make for each student. I saw my students come alive with the attention and compassion they received from their coaches. Their voices were heard and the writer within each was really validated."
—Albany Middle School teacher

"WriterCoach Connection has proven to be highly effective in generating increased writing achievement in Oakland classrooms. More Oakland schools are requesting WriterCoach Connection as word gets out about the results it produces. We need this program, and these volunteers, now more than ever."
—Tony Smith, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District

For more information, visit www.WriterCoachConnection.org.