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.
Girls Write Now Collaboratory
This Journey is Closed, but You Can Apply for a Fall 2026 Journey Now!
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
Everything Is a Story: Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction (Fall 2026)
In this Journey, mentees and mentors will explore the ways in which creative storytelling techniques can be applied to nonfiction writing of all kinds, from memoir and personal essay to op-ed and how-to articles. We will dive into what makes a story—from structural archetypes to writing that flows—and learn how to harness the power of story to make nonfiction compelling and transformative.
Wild Ideas: Nature, Science & Creativity (Fall 2026)
Created in honor of Helen Ghiradella’s pioneering work at the intersection of science and creativity, this Journey invites mentees and mentors to explore the natural world through the complementary lenses of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Inspired by Ghiradella’s legacy, and through close observation, research, and reflection, they will investigate the forms, patterns, and processes found in nature while creating an original project—through writing, visual art, media, performance, music or another creative form—that celebrates the connections between nature, science, and creativity.
Hooked on Fiction: Story Structures for Plotters, Pantsers, & Plantsers (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.
Building Buzz: Publicity in the Publishing Industry (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.
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.
Dark Tales: A Horror Book Club (Fall 2026)
Step into the shadows of horror and explore what makes a story truly unsettling. Through three monthly book club meetings, participants will engage in close readings and lively discussions of selected horror works, examining how authors build suspense, create atmosphere, evoke fear, and use the genre to explore deeper social, psychological, and cultural themes. Together, we will analyze storytelling techniques, character development, and the many forms horror can take. By the end of the fall, you will have deepened your appreciation of the genre, sharpened your critical reading skills, and gathered inspiration and craft techniques to enrich your own writing.
Explore Tour (Fall 2026)
Explore all of the creative and storytelling pathways Girls Write Now has to offer through a multimedia, multi-genre experience that includes mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-to-one pair sessions.
