Writing for Change: Using Our Gifts to Resist

The first weeks of this new chapter in American history have been overwhelming, to say the least. It can be easy to feel helpless, even incapacitated. But every citizen has power, and we can each use our gifts for writing and communication to make change.

In our busy lives, what is the most effective use of time and energy? As writers, how do we relate to the need for change? 

This session will help each of us catalogue an inventory of our own capacities and inclinations. It will help us identify the opportunities out there to use our writing to enact social change. Make connections with others who share your world view, but are also struggling with how to make a difference.

Together, we'll cover the basic components of active citizenship and how they relate to our role as writers and artists: political lobbying, community organizing, thought leadership/communications, and direct action. We'll explore such topics as:

• How to contact elected representatives to be sure your voice is heard
• How to choose which organizations, issues, and actions to support
• How to craft a letter to the editor or an op-ed
• How to use social media to amplify important messages that you want to have heard
• What political actions and messages to avoid so you don’t waste time and energy

Through experiential writing and reflective activities, you'll leave this session with real, actionable steps to make change in your community.

This session will be recorded and shared. Register even if you can't join live.

Meet the Presenter

Anya Kamenetz speaks, writes, and thinks about generational justice; about thriving, and raising thriving kids, on a changing planet. Her newsletter on these topics is The Golden Hour. She covered education for many years including for NPR, where she co-created the podcast Life Kit: Parenting. Her newest book is The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Children’s Lives, And Where We Go Now. Kamenetz is currently an advisor to the Aspen Institute and the Climate Mental Health Network, working on new initiatives at the intersection of children and climate change. You can learn more about Anya at www.anyakamenetz.net/.

A Note About Pricing

In an effort to make our events as accessible as possible, Scribente Maternum offers a tiered pricing model. While this session is valued at the Partner level, any amount is accepted and any additional support is appreciated. Thank you!