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 46 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.
Donations from generous individuals like you allow WriteGirl to train and
recruit new volunteers, create educational and inspiring workshops for teens and provide guidance for college applications and scholarships.
Where Do You Fit In?
If you have tenacious communication skills and a desire to help support the
growth and development of teenaged girls, we’d love to hear from you.
Check out our volunteer page to find out how you
can be a part of this exciting organization!
WriteGirl was named the 2010-2011 California Nonprofit of the Year
WriteGirl is an activity of Community Partners, a nonprofit charity exempt from federal income tax under
Section 501q(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.