Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Perspectives on Public Policy
The Perspectives on Public Policy Journey offers a comprehensive overview of public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges with a focus on inequalities, public policy frameworks, design, analysis, and justification.
Learning Objectives
Apply to Join
Deadline: January 15, 2025
As a mentee or mentor in the Perspectives on Public Policy Journey, you’ll have access to an online course designed to help you learn about public policy’s role in addressing societal challenges. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for one full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend at least one community engagement experience a month.
- Cycle(s) Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
- Time 3 hours per month
- Areas of Focus Activism, Civics, Politics
- Requirement Write and produce an Advocacy Short
- Available Spots Per Cycle 20
Perspectives on Public Policy Courses
Public Policy and Advocacy Shorts
In this course, you’ll learn about public policy frameworks, design, analysis and Implementation. You’ll explore the foundations of federal policy and how contemporary changes have impacted government, and you’ll discuss the impact of social movements on government and vice versa.
Perspectives on Public Policy Mentoring
As a mentee or mentor in the Perspectives on Public Policy Journey, you’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for two full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month.
Perspectives on Public Policy Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors in the Perspectives on Public Policy Journey are required to attend monthly meetings. Additionally, they attend one community engagement per month, such as a Community Studios, College & Career Chats, Salon Experiences, and Affinity Group Meetings.
- October 16, 6pm ET Orientation
- December 14, 12-1:30pm ET Journey Meeting
- January 25, 12-1:30pm ET Journey Meeting
- March 15, 12-1:30pm ET Journey Meeting
- April 26, 12-1:30pm ET Journey Meeting
- May 3, 12-1:30pm ET Journey Meeting
Public Policy 360 Adventure
Investigative Podcasts is a Journey in the Journalism 360, Multimedia, and Public Policy Adventures.
The Public Policy Journey is a part of the Public Policy 360 Adventure.
Journeys in the Public Policy 360 Adventure focus on the ways that writing and creating can impact public policy. It is designed for those who want to learn more about how to make change in technology, reproductive health, climate change and more. Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.
Find Your Journey
Find Your Journey
From Page to Production: Screenwriting for Short Films (Part 1) (Fall 2026)
This two-cycle Journey guides participants from crafting a short film script to bringing it to life on screen. In the first cycle, mentors and mentees focus on developing compelling stories, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue, learning the essentials of screenwriting for short films. In the second cycle, participants move from script to screen, exploring the practical aspects of video production, including planning, collaboration, and bringing their creative vision to life. By the end of the journey, mentees will have both a polished script and hands-on experience in producing their own short film.
Life Lines: Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction (Paid Adult Version) (Fall 2026)
In this three-cycle Journey, writers will get the support and expert industry insight they need to write their memoir. In the first three-month cycle, participants will outline, structure their book, and begin their first drafts; in the second three-month cycle, participants will write and workshop their drafts; and in the third cycle, participants will finish their drafts and write their book proposals.
Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, we’ll tackle one of the most daunting parts of novel writing: the opening chapter. Participants will explore how to hook readers while establishing character, setting, and stakes—asking big questions like where to begin and how to share key details without overload.
Publishing & Publicity: TikTok, BookTok, and the Power of Social Media (Fall 2026)
This Journey explores how social media—especially TikTok’s BookTok community—has transformed the publishing industry.
The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health, participants will learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence.
Independent Study (Fall 2026)
Create your own experience with our Independent Study Journey. Mentors and mentees meet as a pair, attend events of interest, and use coursework to help plan creative projects and meet your goals.
Fashion Forward: Exploring a Sustainable Future (Fall 2026)
This Journey invites participants to explore the intersection of fashion and sustainability, examining how style, ethics, and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Lead Community Change (Fall 2026)
Lead Community Change is a dynamic two-cycle Journey that harnesses the transformative power of storytelling to drive social impact. Aspiring young leaders and activists will unleash their creativity to develop and implement innovative community-based social activism projects, supported by Girls Write Now’s rich storytelling resources.
Book Club: Joy Harjo’s Collection of Poetry An American Sunrise (Fall 2026)
The An American Sunrise Poetry Journey is a two-cycle program for participants 18+ exploring An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo.
