Fall 2026
The Power of Punchlines:
Stand-Up Comedy for Change
In this Journey, mentees and mentors 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, mentees and mentors will learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. 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. Mentees and mentors will develop creative voice, confidence, advocacy abilities, storytelling, and performance skills while using comedy to engage with real-world issues and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Ready to Apply? Applications Open July 15
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.
Pre-Enroll Now
Ready to Apply? Applications Open July 15
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.
- JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
- Cycle(s) 1 Cycle (3 months, Nov 1 – Jan 31)
- Time Commitment a minimum of 4 hours per month
- Journey Meetings Attend all Journey Meetings & Live Showcase (see dates below).
- Mentoring Have at least 2 Pair Sessions per month
- Journey Project Write your own 5min stand-up set
Learning Objectives
The Power of Punchlines Community Experiences
Participants will attend two Journey Live Meetings each month. Additionally, you can schedule 1:1 office hours with the Journey Instructor for individual assistance as needed.
The cycle will conclude with a hybrid Stand-Up Comedy Show, where participants can perform their sets for a live audience.
Fall Cycle Journey Meetings:
- November 7th & 21st, 1-2:30 PM ET
- December 5th & 19th, 1-2:30 PM ET
- January 9th & 23rd, 1-2:30 PM ET
Fall Cycle Stand-Up Comedy Show:
- Saturday, January 30th at 3-4:30pm ET
The Power of Punchlines Courses
Intro to Stand-Up Comedy
This course is designed to guide aspiring comedians through the art of writing and performing stand-up comedy. We will explore the various components that make up a successful set, including joke structure, timing, and stage presence. Each week, we will tackle a specific concept, allowing participants to develop their material progressively and refine their unique comedic voice.
The Power of Punchlines Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Power of Punchlines Journey will be matched for one cycle. Each pair will meet for at least two hour-long sessions per month. Mentees will develop a 5-minute stand-up comedy set, while mentors will provide support and guidance throughout the process. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.
Journey Teaching Artist
Performance 360 & Lead 360
All Journeys within 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.
The Power of Punchlines is a Journey in the Performance 360 and Lead 360 Adventures.
Explore All Journeys
Explore All Journeys
Book Club: Page to Stage (Fall 2025)
This Journey invites mentees and mentors to explore classic and contemporary literature through both reading and performance. Participants will read three books and then experience them brought to life through dynamic solo stage adaptations in partnership with Literature to Life (LTL).
Independent Study (Fall 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.
Teach GWN (Fall 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.
The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Fall 2025-Spring 2026)
In this two-Cycle 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. 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 Lead Incubator (Fall 2025-Spring 2025)
The Lead Incubator is a crucial extension of the Lead Community Change Journey, offering Mentees the space, resources, and support needed to implement their project plans and drive meaningful change in their communities. It acts as a dynamic platform where they can turn their ideas into action. Mentees participating in the Lead Incubator focus on advancing their community-based social activism projects with the support of their mentors and Girls Write Now’s resources.
Explore Tour (Fall 2025)
Explore the creative and storytelling pathways Girls Write Now offers through a multimedia, multi-genre experience with mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-on-one pair sessions. Build new skills and deepen existing ones across fiction, journalism, publishing, and formats like video, podcasting, and visual storytelling. Ideal for mentees working across media or focused on specific projects, this Journey offers the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your goals.
Creative Entrepreneurship: Women & Gender-Diverse Leaders (Spring 2027)
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.
Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling (Spring 2027)
Discover the art of telling stories through images. In this Journey Mentees and mentors will explore the creative and technical elements of photography while learning how photographers use composition, light, perspective, and narrative to capture meaningful moments and communicate powerful ideas.
Bridging Queer Voices: Storytelling Across Generations (Spring 2027)
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.
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.
