Some Spaces for Engagement, Support, Thought
Writing, reading, speaking into public spaces is intimidating, exhausting, even demoralizing. But the narratives we do not engage and reshape often work instead to shape and silence. Achebe tells us that:
The emperor would prefer the poet to keep away from politics, the emperor’s domain, so that he can manage things the way he likes. When the poet is pleased to do that, the emperor is happy and will pay him money to stay within his aesthetic domain.
Thus, the writing and reading we do that is not against the emperor is for the emperor. As those who value art, the written and spoken word–whether students, educators, or litterateurs–we must navigate forward in conscious engagement. These are acts of will, of courage, but when has speaking one’s truth ever not been?
Here are some spaces where we may find collaboration, partnership, support in that work. Write me if there are globally-accessible spaces you might recommend.
If you want
More Great Thinking and Talk About Literature
Poetry Unbound
Immersive poetry reflections, one podcast episode each week.
Only Poems
Intellectual exploration, artistic innovation, and sociocultural inclusivity
Mouthful of Air
Excellent Poetry Podcast and/or email subscription about poetry by a poet.
Literature & History
Thick podcast on (so far) ancient works by Ph.D. Doug Metzger with songs!
Words Without Borders
Cultivating global awareness through literature: reading, writing, and translation
If you want
Support in Writing and Promoting Voice
ALLi - Alliance of Independent Authors
Annual fee. Extensive resources and support to write and publish.
Scribophile
Active workshop community in giving and receiving feedback and support.
NaNoWriMo
Not just for November, but with online camps and active online community.
If you want
Support in Teaching and Learning
Words Without Borders Campus
Free resources for current and global literature and lesson design.
Teachers Without Borders
Join to teach or to offer insights and experience! In so many ways, teachers are the front line.
EdSurge Podcast
Real journalism into the lives and forces around teachers. With research and essays.
If you want
Defenses of Literacy, Learning, and Speech
American Library Association
If you don’t know about their resources and campaigns, go see how active you can be!
PEN America
The intersection of human rights, writing, and literature. Even with its sometimes missteps, the work is needed.
Radical Books Collective
Alternative, inclusive and non-commercial, this group works Achebe’s idea fully. Also the Book Rising podcast!
World Literacy Foundation
Supporting global literacy initiatives, many more opportunities beyond donating!
Authors Against Book Bans
Strategies and community-building to resist local efforts at banning books. Are you a writer? Join.
If you want
Communities that Value Open Source Knowledge
Open Culture
Every day, something extraordinary and free from our vast human experiment.
Open Education Global
Supporting open and equitable education around the world.
Wikipedia
Protect the greatest archive of free information. Contribute or become an editor!
Librivox
Free audiobooks! Enjoy or help them record more! All public domain.
If you want
Essay Writers that Think Richly
Asymptote Journal
Literature in translation and interviews; mostly free.
n + 1 Journal
Literature, culture, and politics from avant garde thinkers.
The Drift
Literature, culture, and politics, from master writers around the world.
Conjunctions
Read dangerously. Anthology & free weekly journal of challenging writing.
If you want
Current Thinkers in Philosophy
Acid Horizons
Podcast and more. Heady, extreme, activated philosophical discussion and thinking.
PLATO
For teachers, learners, and community: programs and resources
Prindle Institute for Ethics
K-16 resources, courses, Ethics Bowl teams, podcast, newsletter, more!
If you want
To Engage Locally
Little Free Library
You don’t even have to build your own! Go raid someone else’s with book donations. Join Build Events, volunteer to expand your community’s access to books.
Your Local Library
Make it a point to use at least one of its services each month: book loans, meetings, book donations, library board meetings, book talks, films, festivals, community resources, affiliates, etc.
Support Independent Bookstores
Online purchases are so convenient (and even cheaper sometimes), they undermine small businesses and cut into author profits. Physically walk into these brick and mortars; buy something local, too.
Attend Book Events from Marginalized Writers
BIPOC, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ content creators promote their local events at book fairs, book stores, libraries, etc. Make it a point to attend, and let them know how much you appreciate their work. You might make some friends.
Attend School Board Meetings
Watch for publicly-posted agendas and go to listen to community comments. Learn what the topics and issues are for kids learning, whether or not you are a parent.