Spring 2026
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion
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. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Apply Now
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Apply Now- JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
- Cycle(s) 1 Cycle (3 months, March 1 – May 31)
- Time Commitment 3 hours per month
- Journey Meetings See dates listed below
- Mentoring Have at least 2 pair sessions per month
- Journey Project Develop and present a polished speech
Learning Objectives
Civil Discourse Community Experiences
Participants are required to attend one Journey Live Meetings each month throughout the cycle. Additionally, you can schedule 1:1 office hours with the Journey Instructor for individual assistance as needed. The cycle will conclude with a Journey Showcase.
Spring Cycle Journey Meetings:
- Saturday, March 7, 2026, 1 pm ET
- Saturday, April 18, 2026, 1 pm ET
- Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1 pm ET
Spring Cycle Showcase:
- Saturday, May 30, 2026, 1 pm ET
If you’re unable to attend a Journey meeting, you must notify your Staff Lead in advance and attend a community event to make up for it—strongly recommended options for this journey include Leadership Community Studios, Community Conversations, and Career Chats.
Civil Discourse Courses
The Art of Civil Discourse
This course explores how to engage in respectful, thoughtful, and productive conversations, even on difficult or controversial topics. Participants will develop active listening skills, learn to express their perspectives with clarity and empathy, and practice techniques for fostering meaningful dialogue in diverse settings.
Civil Discourse Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for a minimum of one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.
Journey Teaching Artist
Lead 360
Journeys within this Adventure emphasize leadership, aiming to help mentees and mentors develop their leadership skills and work together to create a better future. Explore the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below to learn more.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion is a Journey in the Lead 360 Adventure.
Explore All Journeys
Explore All Journeys
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Summer 2026)
In this one-Cycle Journey, 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. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.
Cultural Currents: Exploring NYC and Beyond (Summer 2026)
This Journey invites participants to dive into the rich cultural arts scene of NYC and other vibrant cities through theater, dance, and visual art. Experience diverse artistic venues and gain insight into how culture shapes creative expression. Engage with different art forms to deepen your appreciation and inspire your own storytelling and creativity.
College Prep: Crafting Your Personal Statement (Summer 2026)
This Journey guides you through the process of writing a compelling personal statement for college applications. You’ll learn how to articulate your unique experiences, values, and goals in a clear and authentic way. Through workshops, drafts, and personalized feedback, you’ll build confidence and skills to present your best self to admissions committees.
Bridging Voices: Storytelling Across Generations (Summer 2026)
This Journey explores the rich tradition of storytelling between generations, highlighting how stories connect past, present, and future. Participants will engage with personal and cultural narratives shared across age groups, learning to honor diverse perspectives. Through writing and creative expression, you’ll develop skills to preserve and share meaningful stories that build understanding and community.
Independent Study (Summer 2026)
Create your own experience with our Independent Study Journey. Meet as a pair, attend events of interest, and use coursework to help you plan creative projects and meet your goals.
IV Steward: Cultivating Collective Power (Summer 2026)
Teach GWN (Summer 2026)
In this Journey, Members of the GWN community will develop curriculum and facilitate a Community Studio for one or more Cycles within GWN’s Collaboratory structure. Each Cycle involves facilitating three Community Studios, one per month. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, teaching, and community building. Mentees and Mentors can facilitate a Community Studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.
Social Media & Marketing (Summer 2025)
This Journey is designed for mentees and mentors who want to understand the power of social media and how to use it effectively to grow an audience, promote their work, and build a personal or professional brand. From crafting engaging posts to creating a consistent online presence, this course covers the essential strategies and tools needed to thrive in the world of digital marketing.
Book Club: Summer Read (Summer 2025)
Book lovers, unite! Each cycle, we’ll close read three new books and discuss them at monthly fixed meetings. When you apply, you can recommend a book that might be chosen for the journey! We’ll focus, in particular, on reading as writers and taking note of the ways each author crafts their story.
College & MFA Preparation (Summer 2025)
Preparing an application for college or graduate school can be a daunting experience. Join us for a Journey that unpacks everything you need to know about finding college and graduate school programs, applying to school, preparing personal essays, and getting the most out of your college or graduate school experience.
