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!
Are we ‘over’ single-gender institutions?
Since we both experienced single-gender institutions as part of growing up, we're taking the time to question the continuation of these institutions and how to make them more inclusive.
The Unspoken Epidemic
We wanted to shine a light on mental health struggles that often go unnoticed and to dispel harmful stereotypes about mental illness.
15×52
Kat and Lucia are a mentor and mentee pair of short girls living in NYC. They may be little, but they’re loud in a conversation about body image and self-confidence.
Parte de Mi
This piece is a personal reflection, based on recent moments during which I have learned more about my heritage. This piece reflects an acceptance of who I am and what is a part of me.
Internet Connections
This year has been unlike any other. We wanted to share some of the ways that we've taken care of ourselves, stayed connected to each other, and found strength & purpose in community.
Little Lamb
“Little Lamb” is about giving up.
In the Morning
I start with the littlest things. The ones that take no effort. The ones that remind me that I am capable of doing the others.
passed down
Sammi and I both lost our fathers at a young age and writing this poem together has been a way for us to both process our losses and better understand ourselves.
preparatory nostalgia for someone still here
This poem encapsulates, for me at least, the painful feeling of loved ones growing old. It also conveys the struggle of watching a grandparent with Parkinson's diminish as the years go by.
Library Conversations
It's been years since the last time I saw Jack. I'd never thought that I would ever hear his voice on the radio. I guess his dream came true.
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.