GOOD NEWS FROM CHAPTER 510
Chapter 510 executive director janet heller is a 2026 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award recipient!
This month we celebrated our Executive Director Janet Heller as she received the 2026 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award!
Chapter 510 Celebrates Nice Life, More Becoming, a New Book by Westlake Young Writers!
Last month, our Westlake Middle School writers celebrated the book release of their group publication, Nice Life, More Becoming.
Alumni Spotlight: Nassor At-Thinnin Gant
Nassor At-Thinnin Gant was 11 when he was first introduced to Chapter 510. Nassor‘s mom had heavily encouraged his participation in our single author chapter book workshop, after noticing him bringing home comics he had made using materials at school.
Welcome Janine Macbeth, our interim executive director!
Chapter 510’s Executive Director, Janet Heller, is taking a well-deserved sabbatical through December 2026. So, please join us in welcoming Interim Executive Director Janine Macbeth to the team!
Chapter 510 Joins the Oakland Chamber of Commerce!
Last month, Chapter 510 attended Oakland’s Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards celebration — an evening dedicated to recognizing the leaders, businesses, and community champions shaping the future of Oakland.
How the Westlake Writers’ Room Changes Middle School
Chapter 510 has wrapped up our fifth year in our Westlake Writers' Room!
In 2019, Westlake Middle School offered Chapter 510 an old closet in their library to build a writing space. In collaboration with Gensler architects and artist Simon Tran, the Westlake Writers’ Room was born. Our first programs offered creative writing electives and homework assistance. The room was inspired by 8th graders who wanted a cozy space to hang out and an uncluttered place to write.
Chapter 510 Launches New Season of Soundspace: I Hear You with Listening Party
This month, Chapter 510 celebrated the fifth season of SOUNDSPACE, a podcast created by Oakland teens, with a collection of stories called I HEAR YOU: Audio Stories about Mental Health & Wellness.
Chapter 510 Celebrates Release of When The Stars Bloom in Oakland at OUSD Lit Fest!
This month, Chapter 510 celebrated the release of our latest book When The Stars Bloom in Oakland at the OUSD Lit Fest. This anthology of poems was written by 200 4th graders— with Chapter 510 teaching artists and mentors in eight classrooms at six different schools across the Oakland Unified School District.
Chapter 510 launched our pilot poetry program in partnership with OUSD!
This fall, Chapter 510 launched our pilot poetry program, “The Young Poets Expedition,” in partnership with Oakland Unified School District!
This initiative is a part of our three-year strategic plan goals to deepen our impact in OUSD schools and include more literacy-based curriculums across the district, focusing on creative writing and poetry.
Alumni Spotlight: Samira, Aniya, and Leila
Samira began her journey with Chapter 510 almost ten years ago. She was a curious and passionate eighth grader at North Oakland Community Charter School looking for a creative outlet.
Chapter 510 visits The International Library of Young Authors!
Last month Chapter 510 staff got the opportunity to visit the International Library of Young Authors, a space created in partnership with The Hawkins Project. The library showcases youth writing from centers around the world, including several by Chapter 510’s very own writers . To accrue this work, the library has partnered with 85 nonprofits to provide a diverse collection of writing spanning over 1,000 books. All stories are organized and displayed according to their location and sponsoring nonprofit, representing more than 20 states and five countries.
Chapter 510 Turns Ten!
Chapter 510 is celebrating its 10th anniversary at a time of crisis in our country. When we started, we wanted Oakland youth to be seen and to have the opportunity to write in community. We couldn’t foresee that 10 years later the entire world would be struggling for a way to unite around basic human rights. This Impact Report provides just a glimpse into the first 10 years of the Chapter 510 story.