What we do at The Telling Room is more than just writing.

Youth who participate in our programs develop a sense of confidence, connection, and cultural engagement that helps our entire community flourish. Because when youth belong, they thrive.

That’s the big boost we saw in our students’ sense of self and confidence after working with us, with recent survey results showing gains of 26% when it comes to their interest in listening to others, comfort sharing their work, and belief that their voice matters.

Connecting youth with peers and mentors that span identities, school districts, and generations, forms a network of support that strengthens their sense of mattering; a key protective factor for their wellbeing.

By contributing to The Telling Room today, you're supporting Maine’s youth and the state’s entire creative landscape of writers, artists, readers, and engaged cultural citizens—enriching the lives of individuals and our communities across Maine at a time when these connections and conversations are deeply needed.

Dear Friends,

At The Telling Room, we know that engaging with art as individuals and in our communities is critical. We write to spark imagination, foster courage, and cultivate joy in the creative process. And last year, 95% of our youth participants reported positive growth in their writing enthusiasm, skill-building, and confidence after working with The Telling Room. Youth write with us and their sense of self shifts and evolves, so they can dream up and realize their powerful potential.

Communities need art. Reading and engaging in all forms of the literary arts means we are perspective taking, learning, developing, and continuing to grow—that across generations, identities, and lived experiences, we don’t sit stagnant but flourish in a culture of plurality. One where we are united in our shared values of supporting each other and continuing to seek inspiration and understanding. We foster this exchange of ideas and intergenerational connections at The Telling Room through our many opportunities for mentorship between authors of all ages, as generations of literary artists encourage one another and build community together—in our studio, online, in schools, in libraries, and inside their beautiful books.

Together, the artists, educators, professionals, and nonprofit partner organizations we collaborate with ensure that youth are part of this powerful and dynamic creative community—right now—as they find their voices on the page and beyond. These relationships make the entire State of Maine stronger. We are proud to be part of Maine’s vital arts and culture sector, which contributes $2.5 billion annually to our economy and our shared financial ecosystem.

Your support helps us bring youth together to realize their power through the literary arts. Your support helps us nurture communities who refuse to let their curiosity wane and who seek inspiration from each other’s creativity, viewpoints, and stories. We thank you for being part of this community of action together.

With gratitude,

Kristina M. J. Powell,
Executive Director, she/her/hers

After working with The Telling Room, survey results showed a 20% increase in the area of students’ confidence in writing skills—including brainstorming, drafting, revising, and finishing a piece of writing.