Why Must Young Women and Youth Find Their Voices?
In spite of perceptions that we are evolving as a society in support of young women’s voices, there continues to be an expectation that young women be nice, look good, and behave in ways that support prevailing cultural standards. We continue to live in a world where there are many messages and situations in which girls and young women are devalued. In order to cope or fit in, girls and young women may shut out their inner wisdom and disconnect from true self. In short, they “lose their voice.” We offer a counterpoint to that experience.
Our programs are designed not only to empower the creative writer in each participant but also to empower each girl’s ownership of her unique experience and point of view. By exploring themes of identity, family, community, and culture, within a structure that allows the freedom to create, girls become more articulate and confident authors of their own lives.
Our goals are to help girls and young women…
- enhance self-esteem
- build skills in creative self-expression
- learn to receive and give honest support
- cultivate deep listening skills
- develop practices for building and keeping community
- seek and recognize role models who inspire creative life choices
- enjoy and appreciate their writing processes
- discover their unique voices
Young Women Writing for (a) Change® is a place where each individual is held within a community of practice through writing, sharing, and presence. Ours is a unique process where clear boundaries allow opportunity for self-exploration and expression in a safe and supportive environment.
