Chapter 510 provides in-school writing support, creative writing workshops, and publishing opportunities for K-12 students in Oakland, CA. The program opened a new, dedicated Writers’ Room recently at Westlake Middle School, where they are working with every 8th grade student to help ready them for the academic rigors of high school. Chapter 510 is based in the heart of Uptown Oakland and hosts free family and youth-friendly First Friday programming at their Telegraph Avenue writing center every month.

The project shares a vision for Oakland as a place where youth and their perspectives are visible and their teachers are honored and supported.
Chapter 510 was founded by a group of Oakland residents who, inspired by 826 Valencia, wanted to create Oakland’s own literacy project focused on supporting teachers and developing creative and expository writing skills for students.

Abundance Foundation provided essential early consultation and funding to incubate the project, supporting the transition from a commitment made at the Clinton Global Initiative, to a community conversation, into a fully realized program with a home base in Oakland.

Programs include writing and publishing workshops in schools and at the Chapter 510 center, field trip opportunities for Oakland elementary classrooms, youth mentoring and tutoring, and youth-focused events (every First Friday). Chapter 510 publishes approximately 20 youth-penned books per year.

Chapter 510 is a proud part of the 826 National Chapter Development Process. Like the chapters of the 826 network, Chapter 510 is a volunteer-powered organization that recognizes young people’s ability to communicate powerfully through words and print.

To learn more about this important work,  please watch the video below, featuring Janet Heller, Director of Chapter 510.

Recent publications

Chapter 510 has published a collection of children’s poems written by K-3 students who participated in Chapter 510 programs. All poems in this anthology are published in both English and Spanish.

In this magical anthology, children write about the Harlem Renaissance, the powers of yeast, and the ways to catch a cloud and pin it down.

Chinaka Hodge, who contributes to the book’s foreword, says these students “are like the inhabitants of Oakland. They’re fearless, hilarious, subtle, probing, surprising and deft. They’re amazing. I can’t wait until they rule the world.”

Click on the image below or visit chapter510.org for more information.