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  • Lead Community Change (Fall 2024-Spring 2025)

Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

Lead Community Change

Lead Community Change is a dynamic two-cycle journey that harnesses the transformative power of storytelling to drive social impact. Mentees in this initiative will unleash their creativity to develop innovative projects that make a meaningful difference in their local communities, all while being supported by Girls Write Now’s rich storytelling resources. This journey is designed for aspiring young leaders and activists who are eager to create and implement impactful community-based social activism projects. With a personalized approach, we tailor our support to meet the unique needs of each initiative, empowering participants to bring their visions to life and inspire change in their communities.

Lead Community Change

Journey Lead By

Jessica Jagtiani

Girls Write Now Staff

Jesse Jagtiani  is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and researcher of Indian-German heritage residing in New York City. Jesse earned her Doctor of Education in Art & Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, complemented by an MFA in Studio Art from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, and a degree in Visual Communications from the University of Arts, Berlin. Her research centers on the formative dimensions of intuition, bridging indigenous wisdom with contemporary scientific perspectives to foster a balance of the intuitive and the rational mind within Western educational paradigms. Jesse’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and her scholarly contributions extend to various publications, including chapter three of the book Developing Informed Intuition for Decision Making. Jesse has taught in (and outside of) higher education for numerous years and is passionate about supporting emerging artists, writers, and leaders on their creative, academic, and career pathways.

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Jessica Jagtiani

Apply Here

Deadline: January 15, 2025

Apply Here

Apply Here

Deadline: January 15, 2025

As a participant in the Lead Community Change Journey, you’ll have access to two courses—one in the fall and one in the spring—to support the development of your community-based social activism project. You’ll be paired for two full cycles and will meet with your mentee/mentor for at least two pair sessions each month. Additionally, you’ll attend one journey meeting per month, one community studio (preferably focused on leadership), and any announced journey-related workshops.

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  • Cycle(s) Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
  • Time 4 hours per month
  • Areas of Focus Activism, Civics, Environmentalism, Advocacy
  • Available Spots Per Cycle 20

Lead Community Change Courses

The Lead Community Change offers two courses designed to support you in developing your community-based social activism project plan.

Lead: Developing a Social Activism Community Project
This course guides you through the process of planning and executing a community-focused social activism project. You’ll learn how to identify community needs, set project goals, and develop an actionable plan.

Lead: Media Implementation & Resources
This course offers practical strategies for integrating media into your social activism efforts. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge of how to effectively use various media platforms and resources to enhance your advocacy, engage your audience, and amplify your message.

Writing

Lead Community Change Mentoring

Mentees and mentors in the Lead Community Change Journey will be paired for a minimum of two cycles. Each pair will meet for at least two hour-long sessions per month. Mentees will develop community-based social activism projects, while mentors will provide support and guidance throughout the process. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.

Lead Community Change Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors in the Lead Community Change Journey are required to attend monthly meetings, held on Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00 PM ET. Additionally, they attend one community studio per month, preferably a leadership-focused community studio.

Lead Community Change Orientation :

October: Wednesday, 10/9/2024, 7 pm

Lead Community Change live virtual meeting dates for Fall and Spring:

    • November: Saturday, 11/16, 3 pm ET

    • December: Saturday, 12/14, 3 pm ET

    • January: Saturday, 1/18, 3 pm ET

    • March: Saturday, 3/15, 3 pm ET

    • April: Saturday, 4/19, 3 pm ET

    • May: Saturday, 5/17, 3 pm ET

Journey Circle: Community

Lead 360 Adventure

Lead Community Change is a Journey in the Lead 360 Adventure.

All 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.

See All Adventures

Find Your Journey

Find Your Journey

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.

Careers for Creatives: Unexpected Opportunities (Spring 2026)

This Journey explores diverse and unconventional career paths available to creative thinkers beyond traditional roles. Participants will discover how to leverage their creative skills in various industries and learn about emerging opportunities that value innovation and originality. Through guest talks, workshops, and practical exercises, you’ll gain insights to navigate and shape your unique career journey.

The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Summer 2026)

In this Journey, participants 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, you’ll learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Through workshops and performance coaching, you’ll develop your own comedic voice. Discover how satire and personal storytelling can raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and challenge the status quo— all while keeping your audience laughing. By the end of the Journey, you’ll have developed a 5 -10-minute stand-up routine that not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. Comedy is a form of intelligence, whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this Journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.

The-Power-of-Punchlines

The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Spring 2026)

In this Journey, participants 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, you’ll learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Through workshops and performance coaching, you’ll develop your own comedic voice. Discover how satire and personal storytelling can raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and challenge the status quo— all while keeping your audience laughing. By the end of the journey, you’ll have developed a 5 -10-minute stand-up routine that not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. Comedy is a form of intelligence, whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.

The-Power-of-Punchlines

Lead Community Change (Spring 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. This personalized journey empowers participants to bring their visions to life, inspiring meaningful change tailored to the unique needs of their communities.

Lead Community Change
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