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River of Words connects kids to their watersheds and their imaginations through poetry and art.

Description:
River of Words (ROW) is an educational non-profit organization that promotes environmental literacy and watershed awareness through the arts and cultural exchange. ROW conducts an annual international poetry and art contest for youth, in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book. Through its workshops, curriculum materials, exhibitions and publications, ROW encourages students around the world to explore their own communities and imaginations—weaving in natural and cultural history—and then to synthesize what they've learned and observed into line and verse. ROW also operates the Young at Art Gallery--one of the first in the world devoted exclusively to children's art--at its Berkeley location.

History:
River of Words was founded in 1995 by then-US Poet Laureate Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael. The organization provides teachers and other educators with training, materials and inspiration to incorporate arts and environmental education into their work with students. In affiliation with The Library of Congress, they conduct a free annual youth poetry and art contest on the theme of watersheds. They publish an annual anthology of winning poetry and art, which is used--along with their "Watershed Explorer Educators' Guide--by thousands of teachers a year. River of Words art and poetry is viewed by tens of thousands of people a year in publications, exhibitions and other places.

Contact people:

Pamela Michael, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Susan Sarratt, Outreach Manager, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (510) 548-7636
Office fax number: (510) 548-2095

Address:

2547 8th St, 13BStudio 13B Berkeley, CA 94710 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.riverofwords.org

Directions:

From San Francisco, take the Bay Bridge, then 80 toward Sacramento. Get off at the Ashby Ave. exit, take a right at the first light onto 7th Street. Go several blocks to the light at Parker Street, turn right, go. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Ashby Ave.,   Walk distance (in minutes): 30   Nearest Bus Stop: San Pablo/Dwight Way, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	American Sign Language
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	21
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes