Read and Write Kalamazoo

09/25/2026

Check out this creative workshop opportunity! If you're interested in playwriting, acting, and hip hop, this is the workshop for you.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/show-up-and-write-x-hip-hop-theatre-tickets-2000524484586?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/09/2026

Check out our Executive Director, Dr. Kandace Lavender, in this exclusive interview as she responds to the decline in literacy and shares how RAWK’s holistic approach is inspiring youth to get excited about strengthening their reading and writing skills.

When young people are empowered to learn, grow, and find joy in literacy, the possibilities are endless!

Results are showing another year of slipping reading scores for Mic...

09/01/2026

Our team wellness day was truly rejuvenating! A special thank you to The Zen Dens for welcoming us into your beautiful space and helping us slow down, recharge, and find our zen. Also, a big thank you to Berries & Boards Charcuterie for the beautifully curated charcuterie spread that made our day even more delicious!

We had the such a great crew in the Dens today. 💗

A huge thank you to Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK) for choosing The Zen Dens for their private offsite!

11 incredible humans doing incredible work in our community — taking a little time today to reset, connect, and just enjoy being together.

We’ve been LOVING having local organizations and teams take over the Dens lately. There’s something pretty special about seeing the whole place filled with one group. 🥹

Thank you, RAWK, for spending your day with us. We loved having you!

And yes…you can rent the Dens for your group, too. 😉

07/14/2026

RAWK Summer Pop-Ups are here!

Join us for one or more sessions offered this week from 1:00–5:00 PM for an afternoon of activities, books, games, and more as we explore the theme: Friendship Around the World!

At RAWK, we're committed to equity and access for all youth, which is why our Summer Pop-Ups are completely FREE and brought directly into neighborhoods to help eliminate barriers to participation.

Come find us, celebrate friendships across cultures, and discover what connects us all!

07/01/2026

Our Literacy Pathway families proudly hosted their own stations, sharing the incredible projects they worked on throughout the year.

This included a parent book club "Ladies of Literacy" reading the book Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, a read and seed hydroponic gardening project led by Kalamazoo Literacy Council, and anchor charts from a syllable pattern activity/project led by SLD Read.

This event was a wonderful celebration of literacy, learning, and the strong partnerships that help our families grow together.

Thank you to everyone who made this project such a success!

06/19/2026

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was announced in 1863, it took more than two years and the continuation of the Civil War before slavery officially ended in all Confederate states on June 19, 1865.

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth and the continuous fight for freedom for all.

05/13/2026

Much love to our executive director, Dr. Kandace Lavender! Her passion for education, youth development and community building is inspiring and we are grateful for her dedicated leadership at RAWK.

05/05/2026

The last Read and Write Night of the school year is just around the corner! Kalamazoo County youth in grades K–5 are invited to join us virtually on Wednesday, May 20th, for a fun night of reading.

Our May title is My First Day written by Phùng Nguyên Quang and illustrated by Huỳnh Kim Liên. Click the link in below to register!

www.readandwritekzoo.org/schedule/read-and-write-nights-may26/

04/29/2026

Let’s RAWK this summer together! RAWK Summer Camps are now open for registration! Youth entering 4th–8th grade can join our Summer Writing Camp to explore creative writing across genres and perspectives, shaped by their own interests each week.

We invite high school students to apply for our Youth Leadership Camp, led by Dr. Kandace Lavender, where they’ll build leadership skills through creative expression and collaboration.

Additionally high school leaders will mentor the campers participating in our writing camp that same week and receive a stipend that honors the time and energy they have given to their community.

All RAWK programs are FREE, but space is limited, so register at the link below to secure your spot! www.readandwritekzoo.org/summercamps2026/

04/16/2026

It’s time for another RAWK spotlight! We're excited to shine the RAWK Spotlight on our friend and best financial advisor Tony Gross!

The RAWK Spotlight celebrates the incredible people—staff, volunteers, Board Members, and community partners—whose passion, dedication, and impact help empower local youth.

Tony’s commitment to our mission and financial expertise helps us continue to pour back into our community so that our youth can thrive, and we’re honored to highlight his contributions and celebrate the wonderful person he is!