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River of Words

www.riverofwords.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
River of Words is an arts and environmental education project designed to nurture respect for and understanding of the natural world, to promote literacy in all its forms, and to build community partnerships. The project aims to foster place-based, local, interdisciplinary, hands-on education by promoting local knowledge of watersheds and the cultures they create; cultivating a sense of connection to place; encouraging action and imagination in young people; acknowledging their creativity and concerns; and helping them to give back to their local, national and international communities through dissemination of their poetry and art.

Contact:
Pamela Michael, Executive Director
River of Words
2547 Eighth Street, Studio 13B
Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: (510) 548-7636
Fax: (510) 548-2095
info@riverofwords.org

Geographical Focus:
International

Counties Served:
All

Activities:
Education, Advocacy, Policy, Conservation, Restoration

Topic:
Wetlands, Aquaculture, Cultural History, Kelp Forest, Islands, Beaches, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife, Energy, Watershed Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Coastal Access, Boating, Marine/Estuary Reserves and Sanctuaries, Environmental Justice, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Sand Dune Habitats, Fisheries, Coastal Processes, Watershed Art & Poetry

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Field Trips, Publications, Brochures, Exhibits/Displays, Website, Library/Lending Materials

Speaker/Lecture Series:
Teacher Training Workshops, slide show presentations and speeches on a variety of topics, including how to incorporate watershed exploration and the arts into classroom and field activities; developing a sense of place; combining environmental and arts education.

Education Programs:

Publications:

  • "River of Words: The Natural World as Viewed by Young People" - annual book of winning poetry and art, edited by Robert Hass
  • "River of Words Educator’s Guide" - wealth of classroom and field activities, resources, reading lists, etc.
  • "ROWing Partners: 101 Ways to Build Community Partnerships" - booklet on how to implement River of Words (or any project) in your community
  • Postcards and reproductions of ROW children’s art

Teacher Training Workshops (for both formal and non-formal educators): Instruction in creek ecology and the natural and cultural history of the area's watershed, combined with a study of the "art of creeks." Classroom and field activities that involve creating nature-based art and poetry, using all the senses when observing the natural world, urban and backyard creek sleuthing, discovering your "ecological address."

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, University Student, General Public

Other Languages:
Some of our outreach materials are translated into Spanish. We accept contest entries in Spanish and American Sign Language (on videotape).

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Naturalists, Students/Interns, General Public, Policy Makers:
River of Words has trained EPA officials, teachers, Girl Scout leaders, museum staff, park rangers, river guides, and many others. Our workshops are tailored to the needs of a given audience or agency.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Description:
Varies, everything from curriculum research and writing to stuffing envelopes. We also need volunteers for events, festivals, award ceremonies.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Varies
  Commitment Required:
Flexible
  Application/Training:
Call or e-mail
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Susan Sarratt
(510) 548-7636
susan@riverofwords.org

*** River of Words is seeking volunteers of all ages to participate in the opening, set up and maintenance of its new art and poetry gallery. Please visit our website to learn more about our programs and objectives. You may email us for further questions at info@riverofwords.org or telephone our Berkeley office at (510) 548-7636. Thank you!***


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Varies
  When Needed:
Usually for the summer, but we’re open to other arrangements.
  Qualifications:
Good writing skills, interest in environmental and arts education
  Application:
Call or e-mail
  Number of Interns:
2
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Credit:
Yes
  Contact Name:
Susan Sarratt
(510) 548-7636
susan@riverofwords.org


Videos:
For loan or purchase
•  Microcosmos, Award-winning feature film, gives close up view of the insect world ($20)
•  River of Words (6 minute PBS profile) ($15.00)

Slideshows:
For use on site, loan, or purchase
•  River of Words winning art ($2 per slide)

Audio Tapes:
For use on site, loan, or purchase
•  Recordings of children reading their winning poems from various events and award ceremonies ($10.00)

Service Fee:
There is no entrance fee of any kind for entering the contest. Workshops and presentations range from $400 and up, materials extra.

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
Street parking available

Public Transit Access:
AC Transit, 72, 73, 65 lines

Disabled Access:
We are on the ground floor, no steps



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