Second Wednesdays from now through September we’re running a special series exploring how the Transformative Language Arts Network’s (TLAN) Power of Words conference builds vibrant, vital, connection and sparks growth and change in people and communities. This week we’re offering a short conversation between people who have attended, presented at and planned conferences over the years. Enjoy!
What is it that makes this conference different than other conferences? First-time and returning participants speak up.
Some of us on the Power of Words conference committee met recently to talk about what we love about the conference and the myriad ways this event is different from other writing or arts conferences. Click on our short podcast and listen what Greg Smith, Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Bobbie Morrell, and Elizabeth Shepley (about to attend her first Power of Words conference) had to ask, say, and celebrate about the magic of the Power of Words gathering — now aiming toward our 20th iteration!
“This is a way community comes together to really listen to one another. It's about the power we create together to transform not just our world but ourselves,” Tasjha Dixon — conference committee and TLAN board member, spoken word artist, and writer said.
It comes down to this:
There’s something about the Power of Words that endures and carries us through the year, unlike most conferences. The depth of community connection, the quality of listening, the diversity of what we create with words (in music, writing, theater, storytelling, and more) and the creative sparks generated go a long way toward helping many of us find more of what we want to say, do, facilitate, create, and be.
Come write with us: TLAN summer events & Classes
Check out our classes, free community events, and our annual conference. Scholarships are available for both classes and our conference.
Transformative Language Arts Network Community Circles
20 July 2025 5:00-6:30 PM (EDT) • online • Free and open to all • We're gathering to have a conversation that could lead to, as one former participant said, "...connection points—a deeper heartwork of listening and sharing." Join us?
The Magic Eye and Writing From Body and Place: A Workshop and Reading// with Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg
26 July 2025 2:00-4:00 PM (CDT) • online • Come unearth more about how writing can be a practice of coming home to our bodies, communities, and eco-communities.• All proceeds from this event are being donated to TLAN and will support our class and conference scholarships.
24 August 2025 5:00-6:30 PM (EDT) • online • Free and open to all • Performances and presentations of their work by TLAN members followed by an artist talkback. Join us!
Writing Hope: Turning to the Page in Difficult Times // with Angie Ebba
10 September 2025 • Online
Writing the Dead // with Sharon Pajka
17 September 2025 • Online
Transformative Language Arts Network Community Circles
21 September 2025 5:00 PM • online • Free and open to all
Share this post