The Telling Room is a literary arts education organization based in Portland, ME, dedicated to empowering youth through writing and amplifying their voices. With a focus on young writers aged 6 to 18, their mission is to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for students. The Telling Room offers a wide range of programs and resources to support and encourage young people in the art of writing and self-expression.

They provide school-based and afterschool writing enrichment programs, professional development for educators, public readings and workshops with acclaimed writers, and the publication of bestselling anthologies of student work. Their programs are designed to engage a variety of learning styles, connecting writing with other artistic processes to spark creativity and imagination. The Telling Room is committed to racial and social justice, centering diversity of perspectives, experiences, and identities.

Working with students from various backgrounds, including immigrant and refugee communities, LGBTQIA+ youth, and underresourced youth, The Telling Room strives to make a positive impact on Maine youth. Their evaluation shows that 90% of students report gaining literacy skills and self-confidence through their programs. Founded in 2004, The Telling Room has grown exponentially and now works with over 3,500 young writers each year, reaching students from nearly 100 schools across the state.

They have received awards and funding from prestigious organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, the Maine Alliance for Arts Education, and the Maine Arts Commission. Throughout their history, The Telling Room has connected students with mentors and acclaimed writers, published nearly 200 books representing diverse youth voices, and received multiple awards. They continue to inspire and support young writers, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of their literary journey