ANTHOLOGIES
Rise Speak Change: The 2017 Girls Write Now Anthology
At the QWERTY Digital Media Exhibition, our mentees showcased projects that are changing the way we tell narratives. A video overlaid with powerful poetry, thoughtful podcasts, and interactive games created with Twine — our mentees used the skills they learned in our digital workshops to create these multi-platform masterpieces.

Our mentees are defining the digital age by bringing the craft of writing into the 21st century. In our Digital Media Mentoring Program, we boost girls’ tech savvy and creative potential through digital media. In bringing our curriculum and writing approach into the digital age, we prepare the girls we serve to truly be the next generation of writers—on whatever platform they choose. Students are paired one-to-one with a digital media professional and together they transform their writing into digital art. All workshops are facilitated by graduate students at Parsons The New School for Design. Our workshops feature writing and digital skill-building exercises, prompts, and share-outs to diversify participants’ modes of self-expression. At the end of a program year, girls are equipped to tell a story in GIFs, a poem in HTML, and take their words to the next level.Together we embark on a journey of creative workshops, public readings and showcases, opportunities for publication, and more, all to give girls the tools to advance their writing through different mediums.
Introduction by
Foreword by
Moderated by
Read What's Inside
Browse our collection of stories from inside the book. Complete with notes from the author and anecdotes from our mentees and mentors.
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
Stories from Inside "Rise Speak Change" Coming Soon!
Not Anymore
Women in the past fought for the rights we have now in our present. And we’ll continue that fight for the future. I wrote this poem to reflect on the progress we’ve made.
Where Am I?
A poem that questions if where you're from identifies who you are.
You’re too young, you wouldn’t understand
This is for anyone who has ever said or heard the words “you’re too young.” It's for the generation before me, after me and most of all—mine. It’s for all my friends, who are frustrated daily by the adults in our lives and for the adults in our lives who've forgotten what it’s like to be young.
Salty, with a Hint of Bitterness
This piece is about the two sides of love that many people shall experience in their life. Because no matter where you are, or who you may be, you'll be able to relate to the emotions displayed in the story.
Embarking
As my time in high school comes to an end, I am reflecting upon my strength during times of change. I choose to continue with the resilience I have developed and carry it onward while embarking on my new journey.
A Letter
This is a goodbye letter to all the relationships that shaped me as a person.
Cracks of Sunshine
This piece is about my struggle with depression and mental health.
Things We Hold Close
This piece reflects upon my relationship with my grandfather. His lasting presence in my life is a part of my personal history, one of the many things I hold close.
Disorient
This story is an excerpt from a larger coming-of-age piece involving themes of friendship, sisterhood, and romance.
Dark Clouds With A Silver Lining
I wrote this piece because I know how difficult it can be to succeed when dealing with unfortunate circumstances, like death or teenage pregnancy. It’s assumed that these events are setbacks. I want people to know that despite hardship and difficulties, they can achieve anything.
Praise for Rise Speak Change
From the Literary Community
Intersectional Voices in Editorial Print Committee
Every year, the Intersectional Voices in Editorial (IV Edit) Print Committee brings their talents to the task of editing, producing, and promoting this fresh collection of writing from today’s emerging voices. The committee is made up of mentors, mentees, and other volunteers who are passionate about diversifying the publishing landscape.