Summer 2025
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion
Our words can change minds and the world. Discover what you can do with yours… Mentees will learn how to persuade audiences on issues that matter to them. By the end of the journey, they will not only gain confidence in self-expression and analytical thinking but also develop and deliver a final speech that showcases their growth in civil discourse and persuasive communication.
Journey Led By:
Summer Journey Applications Closed
…but you are still invited to join the Collaboratory! Explore other pathways this summer, and be the first to know when fall Journey applications open.
Start Here
Summer Journey Applications Closed
…but you are still invited to join the Collaboratory! Explore other pathways this summer, and be the first to know when fall Journey applications open.
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.
Developed by mentee Ayushree Dahal in partnership with AnnMarie Baines at The Practice Space, this is the perfect Journey for anyone who wants to raise up their voice for the causes they are passionate about.
- Cycle(s) Summer 2025
- Time 3 hours per month
- Areas of Focus Public Speaking, Leadership, Finding Core Beliefs, Critical Thinking, Advocacy, Empowerment
- Available Spots Per Cycle 20
Requirements
- Attend Journey live sessions and one community studio per month
- Have at least 2 pair sessions per month
- Complete Journey’s asynchronous course work
- Develop and present a polished speech that demonstrates growth in persuasion, argumentation, and public speaking.
- Record a 2 minute speech at the beginning and at the end of the cycle.
- Participate in a final presentation celebration.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Course
Public Speaking & Authentic Expression
This course explores how to engage in respectful, thoughtful, and productive conversations, even on difficult or controversial topics. It complements our interactive workshops by providing additional exercises, resources, and feedback opportunities to refine your public speaking skills. Through guided vocal delivery exercises, structured speech-writing templates, and recorded performance submissions, you’ll gain confidence in crafting and delivering compelling speeches. Whether you’re preparing a persuasive argument, a spoken-word piece, or a presentation, 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: Connection & Persuasion Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two sessions each month. Each session should be at least one hour. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Experiences
Mentors and mentees in the Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Journey are required to attend monthly meetings, held on Saturdays from 1-3 pm ET. Additionally, they may attend one community studio per month, preferably a leadership-focused community studio.
Live virtual meeting dates:
- July 12, 1 pm ET
- August 9, 1 pm ET
- September 13, 1 pm ET
Final presentations:
- September 27, 1 pm ET
Lead 360 Adventure
The Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Journey is a part of the Lead 360 Adventure.
Journeys in the Lead 360 Adventure emphasize leadership, aiming to help mentees and mentors develop their leadership skills and work together to create a better future.
Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.
Find Your Journey
Find Your Journey
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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.
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Teach GWN (Summer 2025)
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.
On-Demand Mentoring Sessions
On-Demand Mentoring sessions are available for young writers who would like support or advice on a specific topic. These sessions are offered for Career Development, College Preparation, Creative Writing, or Wellness.
Independent Study (Summer 2025)
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.
Community Togetherness (Summer 2025)
Come together in this wellness-focused Journey based in collaborative writing prompts and support for one another.
Explore Tour (Summer 2025)
Explore all of the topics that Girls Write Now has to offer with mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-on-one pair sessions. Discover new skills and build on existing ones with courses and experiences that touch on a range of topics from horror writing to journalism to publishing and much more!
