This week, The Telling Room had the HUGE gift of a visit from our former president Barack Obama.
The Telling Room is a Portland organization that I'm very honored to support (I serve on the development committee). It's a truly innovative organization that offers an empowering environment for young people to share their voices through writing. The Telling Room encourages creative expression to help students build confidence, strengthen their literacy skills, and prepare for success in the grown up world. President Obama dropped in (via Zoom) on Tuesday afternoon to share inspiration with the Young Writers & Leaders, students with multicultural and international backgrounds who engage in a creative writing and leadership development program after the school day ends. President Obama released his memoir, A Promised Land, in November, so he was able to talk to the students about his recent writing and publishing as well as growing up between cultures. He also congratulated them on the upcoming release of their own book, set for release in June. The students, representing seven high schools in Greater Portland and hailing from 11 different nations, enjoyed the opportunity to ask him questions and learn from his legacy of leadership. It was an enriching and special afternoon for all involved. One of the greatest messages that President Obama shared during his visit was that change happens together... an incredible reminder of the positive power that we share.
Thank you, President Obama, for the gift of your time and for recognizing The Telling Room's mission and our amazing students!
