Girls Write Now Organizational Statement
May 7, 2024
Girls Write Now unequivocally condemns violence and the silencing of voices, and reaffirms our commitment to respectfully creating a space for diverse individuals.
Over 25 years ago, Girls Write Now was founded as a powerhouse of voices ignored or silenced for too long. Our community has always been, and continues to be, made up of a diversity of backgrounds and identities. In this difficult moment, Girls Write Now as an organization believes that we must continue to offer:
- A brave and respectful space, including establishing a new community-wide conversation and listening series.
- A space to share divergent views, including soliciting submissions for new story collections about this moment in the world.
Our Process:
- We know many are experiencing the adverse impact, whether directly or indirectly, of what is happening around the world. We are intensely discussing these issues on staff, and we are working together to speak in a manner that causes the least harm to all members of our community while facilitating the spaces where the perspectives of our polyvocal writers can come to the forefront.
- Our community believes in free expression. We believe in using our voices to bring an end to violence and hateful acts, so that all people may coexist. Among us are those who believe we must specifically name this as a call for ceasefire and to speak out against university administrations. Others feel that the circumstances are too varied, nuanced, and complex for us to make those judgments or demand those solutions, yet still advocate for peace above all.
- We understand that, to many people, our statement may be insufficient or unacceptable, not taking a strong enough stance in one direction or another, to include certain language—or to not include it. We ask those who feel that way to continue to engage with us. We invite you to share authentically, and to listen fully, as you have done for 25 years, to help us grow together and shape the future of Girls Write Now’s mission, community, and services.
As our next action steps, and to affirm our commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, we are opening up dialogue by:
- Continuing discussion of this statement itself.
- Continuing regular open dialogue on staff in a range of different formats—through our monthly DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) meetings, Wellness Wednesdays, Town Halls, Office Hours, Ritual & Culture Committee, Intersectional Voices in Editorial, and more.
- Expanding these conversations to the larger Girls Write Now community by relaunching Community Conversations as a listening series facilitated by The Peace Institute (register here for a conversation about Palestine, Israel & Student Activism on May 30).
- Inviting our extended community to send us journalism, stories, essays, memoirs, poems, and more about your experiences around recent events with student activism, Palestine and Israel, Jewish and Muslim identity, and other related topics. We aim to include as many perspectives as possible in a new collection of writing, in the hope that all voices can be heard. These can be submitted through the Portal or through communications@girlswritenow.org.
- Building into our next cycle of programs and curriculum, in development now, discussion and learnings on historical and ongoing violence around the globe.
As we navigate through an uncharted course, we are grateful for the ongoing trust of our community who we invite to join us in these actions. We will follow up with dates to gather and discuss, and invite comments, submissions, and participation by contacting us at communications@girlswritenow.org