Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Investigative Podcasts
In this journey, you’ll collaborate as a production team to produce a podcast series about the Cop City project that includes research, pitching episodes, outlining episodes, hosting the podcast, and editing. We’ll try to understand why these cop cities are popping up, why people are resisting their construction, and different ideas around what makes a community “safe.” Great for mentees who are interested in social justice, journalism, and podcasting.
Learning Objectives
Apply to Join
Deadline: January 15, 2025
As a mentee or mentor in the Investigative Podcasts Journey, you’ll have access to an online course designed to help you discover podcasting as a medium and the specific history and context of Cop City. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for two full cycles, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend meetings with other participants in the Investigative Podcasts Journey once a month along with select workshops and partnership events.
- Cycle(s) Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
- Time 4 hours per month
- Areas of Focus Nonfiction, Activism, Audio, Journalism, Media, Podcasting
- Requirement Collaboratively create 8 podcast episodes
- Available Spots Per Cycle 20
Investigative Podcasts Course
This course will introduce key components of journalism, discuss different podcast structures, explain how to write a pitch and do independent research, and dive into the topic of Cop City – what it is, the movement against it, and it’s environmental impacts.
Investigative Podcasts Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Investigative Podcasts Journey will be matched for two cycles. Pairs will meet for at least two one-hour sessions each month.
Investigative Podcasts Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors in the Investigative Podcasts Journey must attend at least one Community Experience per month, such as Exploratory Community Studios, College & Career Chats, Affinity Group Meetings, and Salon Experiences.
- October 19, 1-2 pm ET: Uncovering Cop Cities Orientation Studio
- November 16, 11-12pm ET: Journalism Workshop
- December 7, 11-12 pm ET: Unpacking the Resources
- January 18, 11-12:30pm ET: Research Activity + Brainstorming Session
Journalism 360, Multimedia 360, and Public Policy 360 Adventures
Investigative Podcasts is a Journey in the Journalism 360, Multimedia, and Public Policy Adventures.
Journeys in the Journalism 360 Adventure focus on building skills to investigate, analyze, and write about world events. It is recommended for mentees and mentors who want to embrace journalistic integrity.
Journeys in the Multimedia 360 Adventure focus on creating in particular medium. It is designed for mentees and mentors who want to express ideas with digital and audio techniques.
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
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)
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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.
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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.