Class Description
***This class will be hosted remotely! You'll receive an email from your instructor about 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin with a Zoom link. There is no need to download or sign up for Zoom in advance!***
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Class Description:
If you’re a young writer tired of watching the world go to sh*t, join us during this weeklong exploration of activist writing. Age is irrelevant when it comes to expressing how we can improve our world. We will traverse genre, making our voices heard through poetry, prose, and op-eds. We will also discuss how and where to submit our work once it’s ready. Whether you want to write about the environment, poverty, education, equality, or other issues on the local, national, or global level, learn how to shape your ideas effectively and get your work out there. Spend a few days with other socially conscious writers, learning how to use the power of the pen (or keyboard). For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Takeaway:
By the end of the class, you’ll have a deeper understanding of activism; practice articulating your passion in different forms; 3+ drafts of activist writing; and tip sheets on how and where you can submit your work when you’re ready.
Our NEW Class Format--Sustainability and Community:
Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed. To offer young writers a chance to interact with a larger group of their peers and to expose them to a variety of genres, this YAWP weeklong will join with another class for cross-course gatherings.
Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor.
On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons, students of Kayla Degala-Paraiso's Disrupt the Present: Activist Writing for Teens will join students of Sara Daniele Rivera's Week of Creative Writing [B] to share their work, learn from each other’s craft, or create something new altogether!
On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:
- Q&A chat with your writing instructor
- Group writing with music
- Reading party
- Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
- Writing games
- Open mic/sharing
Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!
Registration Instructions:
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
- If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this summer!***
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. Please visit the Resources tab to access the video-conference link.
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!