Two Kinds of Snaps and One Lyricist

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Two Kinds of Snaps and One Lyricist

By Rachel A., age 15

One morning, I sat at my desk, scrolling through old photographs. It was winter break, and I was in a poetry slump. I’d decided to switch gears, and try my hand at writing song lyrics. So, I turned to my reservoir of inspiration: my photo gallery.

The album’s title was: CLICK: Photos, created sometime in the summer of 2016. I scrolled through old snapshots with fresh eyes, as I usually did with my poems. However, unlike with poetry, I couldn't remember why I took the photos in the first place. The more I thought and stared, the more depth I discovered beyond the beautiful facade.

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New Volunteers: Reflections from a Former Mentee

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New Volunteers: Reflections from a Former Mentee

By Eve Mefferd, College Intern

It was standing (and occasionally running frantically) amongst over 65 volunteers in training, that my time at WriteGirl really came into focus. January 14th was the largest WriteGirl Volunteer Training to date, a packed room filled with men and women with an LA skyline to our backs and up at the front, a presentation miraculously condensing the essence of this organization into just six hours. I got to take part in and help plan this exciting event as a WriteGirl college intern. Helping to organize this training, and working with volunteer liaisons and staff to see that it ran smoothly, provided a different window on WriteGirl than the one I got as a mentee.

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Top Three Things I Learned At The WriteGirl SongWriting Workshop

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Top Three Things I Learned At The WriteGirl SongWriting Workshop

By Reina E., age 17

One of the most important things I took from this workshop is that I need to write from my experience—and about the things I care about most. If I write about things that are close to my heart, I can share what I feel and think with people, and I can do this on a more personal level. And that is what I love about writing to begin with—using words to communicate what I feel, and touching others with those words. This is what is so beautiful about writing. 

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Life-changing Women and Girls!

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Life-changing Women and Girls!

By Sneh C., age 13

The minute I stepped into my first Writegirl workshop, I was overwhelmed. I was speechless.

I can’t stress how amazing Writegirl really is, and I keep kicking myself for almost passing up the opportunity. I'm not going to lie, "shy" is not the first impression people get of me, but the truth is, I do stutter. I get nervous, self-conscious, and scared, and I get stuck in a shell I have to forget about. After just one workshop, Writegirl has begun to break me out...rescue me from that shell.

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Why I’m Grateful for WriteGirl . . .

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Why I’m Grateful for WriteGirl . . .

By Patrice G, age 17

WriteGirl helped me find myself. I’ve been a part of WriteGirl for five seasons. It was here that I discovered my gift for writing poetry. I didn’t know my talent until I wrote my first poem, “My Mask,” and a WriteGirl mentor told me I was very imaginative. I’ve taken the guidance and feedback and now I’m self-motivated and determined to continue writing poetry and exploring my talents. 

 

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Even the Most Open Minded Need to Loosen Up a Bit

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Even the Most Open Minded Need to Loosen Up a Bit

By Alexa D, Age 15

Now, I am going to be completely honest. I wasn't at all excited to attend this past weekend’s journalism workshop, aside from being able to see my mentor again and visiting with a good friend. I’ve never had anything against journalism, just never paid much attention to it. But when I left Write Girl’s headquarters last Saturday, I left with a newfound respect and interest in journalism and all of the powerful women involved.

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Interview With a WriteGirl

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Interview With a WriteGirl

WriteGirl Mentor Bree interviews her mentee Sophia, age 17.  
Sophia and Bree have been working together for a year

That’s what’s so great about those on-the-spot WriteGirl exercises. Normally you might not see the connection between a witch and a mirror. But they throw it out there, and you’ve got to work with what you’ve got. Sometimes you find that connection, and sometimes you don’t.

 

 

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Joining Forces: A WriteGirl Speaks on Gender Equality

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Joining Forces: A WriteGirl Speaks on Gender Equality

Sharmin, age 17

Gender inequality has existed in every nation and every period in history. But here at WriteGirl, we are committed to joining the effort to stop gender inequality now. We want to encourage our girls, women, and male friends and supporters to stand and unite ourselves as Feminists against gender discrimination. We want to propagate equal opportunity for the masses and ensure that no one gender is neglected. 

 

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Dreaming of the Future: A WriteGirl Perspective on Gender Equality

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Dreaming of the Future: A WriteGirl Perspective on Gender Equality

Jacqueline, age 17

"Working together, we can bring equality to the sexes. Girls around the world should be allowed an education, a chance to express themselves using pen and paper. Writing is important to ending gender inequality, because our voices sometimes fail us. Our voices, it turns out, we can sometimes best express through the written word."

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WriteGirl attends Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference

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WriteGirl attends Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference

Clara age 17, Addissyn age 15, Jacqueline age 17

In August of this year, three lucky WriteGirls had the awesome experience of attending the Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference! Over the three days of the conference, our WriteGirls picked up some great writing tips and insight from professional writers and publishers who shared their knowledge about writing, completing and publishing novels. 

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Top 5 Things We Learned from District Attorney Jackie Lacey

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Top 5 Things We Learned from District Attorney Jackie Lacey

Marian age 18, Addissyn age 17, Ana age 18

On Wednesday, August 6, WriteGirl had the privilege of hearing District Attorney Jackie Lacey speak about her experience as a lawyer and first woman district attorney of Los Angeles. We were inspired and empowered by her words. Here are 5 things we learned.

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WriteGirl goes to the White House!

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WriteGirl goes to the White House!

WriteGirl mentor Katie Geyer and mentee Jackie, age 16

WriteGirl mentee Jackie, 16, joined Exec. Dir. Keren Taylor in accepting the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award from Michelle Obama at the White House in November. Jackie’s mentor Katie Geyer, a photojournalist, was granted a White House press pass to photograph her mentee meeting the first lady! The two were separated for most of the day and each emerged with their own stories. They recently sat down to reflect on that day in November when they were invited inside the White House!

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