Media Room: About
“Helping girls write their way to more positive futures.”
Our Mission
Within a community of women writers, WriteGirl promotes creativity and self-expression to empower girls. Download our "About WriteGirl" Document (PDF)
How We Do It
Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly creative writing workshops, girls are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional women writers. Workshops and mentoring sessions explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, playwriting, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.
Our Goals
To introduce girls to a wide variety of writing genres;
To teach a robust set of writing and critical analysis skills;
To encourage girls to explore and develop their creative talents, both written and oral;
To nurture girls and promote healthy behaviors and life choices through positive mentoring relationships with women writers;
To assist girls in preparing for college;
To inspire girls to pursue careers in writing, such as journalism, public relations, screenwriting, songwriting, corporate communications, publishing, website content producing, editing or creative writing;
To equip girls with communication tools to confidently navigate the challenges they face; and
To produce a full slate of program activities throughout the year so that we may serve as many girls as possible (including seven full-day writing workshops annually, a gala public reading and publication of a book each season, college visits and other special outings, and ongoing creative writing mentoring).
History
WriteGirl was launched in December 2001 to bring the skills and energy of professional women writers to teenage girls who do not otherwise have access to creative writing or mentoring programs. After a mere six months, WriteGirl published Threads, our premier anthology of members’ work. A standing-room only public reading at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood helped to kick off the book’s release.
Our second season brought double the membership and the publication of a second anthology, Bold Ink. This book was ushered in with a sold-out event at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, a reception that confirmed the overwhelming support for WriteGirl’s unique programming and individualized mentoring services.
To date, WriteGirl anthologies have a total of 71 book awards. Keren Taylor and WriteGirl’s unique programming have received numerous awards and commendations for exemplary community service. While such recognition is much appreciated, WriteGirl is most proud of the accomplishments of its teen members…100% of our graduating seniors have entered college, many on full or partial scholarships.
Locale
Workshops take place at inspiring locations throughout Los Angeles including MOCA, the Grammy Museum and the Los Angeles Times headquarters, just to name a few.
Our Leaders
WriteGirl’s leadership includes 20 volunteer staff members, a diverse advisory board of community leaders, educators and business executives, and a growing system of strong strategic partnerships.
WriteGirl is a project of Community Partners, a nonprofit organization.
Highlights From Last Season
9 full-day multimedia interactive workshops were held, featuring standards-based curriculum in a stimulating non-school-like environment, including special guests, custom content and lots of writing and fun.
Public readings were held at Barnes & Noble (Pasadena and The Grove), Skylight Books, West Hollywood Book Fair, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the Writers Guild Theater.
What I like about WriteGirl...
