Girls Write Now Community Experiences

Community Studios

Community Studios are intimate groups of Girls Write Now mentors, mentees, and members who come together to focus on specific genres, media, topics, or other areas of interest. In Community Studios, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow community members, workshop pieces in progress, receive feedback, discuss relevant topics, and engage in writing and creation time.

Flexible Community Studios

Flexible Community Studios are available each month during the Collaboratory’s cycles and are open to all mentees and mentors. These studios allow participants the freedom to join one or multiple new sessions each month, without requiring a commitment to a single group or topic. Participants can engage in a variety of sessions, including exploratory studios, leadership studios, and committee sessions. This diverse range ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you’re interested in expanding your knowledge, developing your leadership capabilities, or contributing to Girls Write Now’s community initiatives. Flexible Community studios provide a dynamic and adaptable space for continuous personal and professional growth and meaningful collaboration. With the option to choose new studios each month, participants can tailor their experience to their evolving interests and goals.

Flexible Community Studio Types:

Exploratory Community Studios

Exploratory Community Studios offer a collaborative space where mentees and mentors can explore various genres, diverse media, and different topics. These sessions create an intimate and relaxed environment for connecting with peers and experimenting with new ideas, techniques, and creative approaches. Participants engage in creative exploration and discussion, broadening their skills and perspectives while learning from one another.

Leadership Community Studios

Leadership Community Studios are designed to help mentees and mentors develop essential leadership skills, including communication, decision-making, strategic thinking, technical know-how, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and management. These sessions address specific leadership challenges and provide a supportive environment for refining abilities to tackle real-world and industry-specific issues. Participants engage in practical exercises and discussions to enhance their leadership capabilities and effectively apply new strategies.

Intersectional Voices Committee Community Studios

IV Committee Community Studios extend the mission of the Intersectional Voices (IV) Committees by offering focused, interactive sessions that support the core functions of each committee. These studios are dedicated to elevating voices and perspectives from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where mentees and mentors can develop their skills, collaborate on projects, and address specific community needs. Participants engage in hands-on activities and discussions tailored to each committee’s focus, contributing to the broader mission of the Intersectional Voices initiative. These studios include:

IV Editorial CS:
Focuses on Girls Write Now’s publications and amplifies voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the community.

IV Tech CS:
Centers on technology-related topics at Girls Write Now, supporting the development of skills in digital tools and tech innovations.

IV Teach CS:
Discusses enhancements in educational methods and mentorship, aiming to improve teaching techniques and learning experiences.

IV Philanthropy CS:
Engages participants in discussions and projects related to social impact and charitable initiatives, fostering a spirit of giving and community service.

IV DEIB CS:
Addresses Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, working to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the community.

Fixed Community Studios

Fixed Community Studios are a dynamic monthly feature within the Collaboratory’s cycles, tailored for both mentees and mentors. These studios provide a consistent group experience, with participants returning to the same cohort each month to build deeper connections and facilitate ongoing collaboration. Studio formats include book clubs, workshopping sessions, and identity-based groups, such as those focusing on geographical regions or specific roles like peer-mentee, mentee-only, or mentor-only interactions. Participants commit to attending all sessions within a cycle from the outset, ensuring continuity and meaningful engagement. Whether you’re looking to delve into literary discussions, refine your work, or connect with peers, Fixed Community Studios offer a valuable space for community building, skill development, and mutual support.

Fixed Community Studio Types:

Workshopping Community Studios

The Fixed Workshopping & Critique Community Studio is a monthly gathering designed for mentees and mentors to refine their creative work through structured feedback and discussion. Participants commit to attending all sessions within a cycle, ensuring a consistent and supportive group environment. Members bring their drafts or projects for detailed review and constructive critique. Each session focuses on in-depth analysis and improvement, fostering ongoing support and a deeper understanding of each other’s work.

Book Club Studios

The Book Club Community Studio is a monthly gathering that brings mentees and mentors together for engaging literary discussions. Participants commit to all sessions within a cycle, ensuring a consistent and active group environment. Each cycle involves reading and exploring one or more books, delving into themes, characters, and stylistic elements. Discussions are collaborative, with members sharing insights, interpretations, and critiques. Writing prompts related to the books may also be included. This studio enhances participants’ appreciation of literature, sharpens their analytical skills, and fosters lively, thoughtful dialogue.

Collective Community Studios

Collective Community Studios are specialized monthly gatherings focused on creating a supportive environment where participants can explore and discuss themes relevant to their specific backgrounds, such as geographical regions, or role-based groups like peer-mentee or mentor-only. Each studio is designed to foster a sense of community and mutual understanding, encouraging meaningful conversations and creative activities that reflect the participants’ unique perspectives. By centering on collective factors, these studios aim to build connections, support personal growth, and address the specific needs of the group.