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WOW! Women On Writing Workshops & Classes

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This class is currently closed. Visit the Classroom Page for a current schedule.

WRITING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE by Allena Tapia

START DATE:  Closed.

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  There is a definite and pronounced contingent of writers and authors interested in using their passion to further a cause, support an organization or advocate for change. Most writers are, by nature, passionate folk, uniquely positioning them to use the power of their words to influence the world. This class will explore some of the ways writers can apply their passion for the greater good. We’ll build a foundation by looking at past uses of writing for critiquing society—ways that authors and writers have called for change and advocated for issues in the past by using their text as a tool. In addition, there will be analysis of potential pitfalls and faux pas that are common in social justice writing. However, the majority of the class will focus on practical, concrete ways we can make change today.

This course includes:

  • Weekly lesson material via text format (PDF, Prezi, etc).
  • Supporting lesson video posted privately (for class only) on YouTube as appropriate to the week’s material.
  • Brief homework assignments with personalized, targeted feedback.
  • A private group forum via Facebook for contact, questions and camaraderie (optional participation).
  • Optional wrap-up Q & A session near the end of the class via Google Hangout (web video that allows face-to-face interaction in real time). The Q & A session will be recorded for those who do not wish to participate.
  • Open virtual communication and support with the instructor during and after the course.

I hired [Allena] to do a workshop for my writer’s group and found her knowledge and wit compared to no other workshop. She set the bar very high for future speakers. ~ Candy Little, Author, via LinkedIn

Allena and I have regularly crossed paths online in the last several years. She’s got a highly engaging writing and community management style and really knows her stuff. ~ Dana Prince, Freelance Writer, via LinkedIn

[Allena] can write about complex matters in a way that makes them so clear, educating readers in a way that is truly necessary today. ~ Thursday Bram, Writer, via LinkedIn

I signed up for this class after I saw Allena speak at [a conference], and I was not disappointed. She has a very relatable personality and seems genuinely interested in just sharing her experience and information. ~ Community Education student, Lansing Community College, Lansing MI

Allena is a true professional. She has developed and grown successful business ventures and has built a loyal client following thanks to her skill and personality. As the community guide at About.com’s freelance writing site, Allena has become a valuable resource herself. Her depth of experience and willingness to mentor and motivate is enviable. ~ Lori Widmer, Freelance Writer, via LinkedIn

Allena is one of the smartest voices out there in advising freelance writers on how to run their business. I consider her About.com column must-reading. ~ Carol Tice, Freelance Writer, via LinkedIn

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Week 1: Intro & Blogging
A brief history of how literature and writing have influenced pressing social issues in the past including major players. The remainder of course will then focus on specific genres/topics/fields. Week one will be the blogging process and pragmatics.

Assignment: Getting to Know You Document, Intro to Classmates, Social Media Sharing.

Week 2: Poetry & Playwriting
Poetry will cover major players like Gary Soto and Sherman Alexie and also slam poetry/spoken word poetry. Playwriting will use Theatre of the Oppressed as an example. This class will include tips for practice, and potential outlets.

Assignment: Produce example of choice OR locate and share outlet OR analysis of slam poetry video.

Week 3: Journalism & Legislation
This will focus on the HOW of journalism as a way to further social change and includes a tentative Q & A with working journalist. There will also be a section on journalism for non-journalists (such as opeds) and on magazines. Writing to influence legislation will be a wholly practical session on writing aimed at political change, including things like finding the right legislator, committees and the like.

Assignment: Exploration of op-ed project OR gathering/sharing of magazine outlets for class sharing.

Week 4: Memoir/Personal Essays & Fiction
This will include personal essays (and suggestions for good outlets for these). We will cover how exactly does the personal further the public or political? Also we’ll talk about writer’s filters: what filters do you have when you hear and then tell stories? Are our filters lying to us? There will also be help and support on memoir writing/getting started. The fiction portion of this class will focus on examples like Hunger Games and other fiction framing such as The Florists Daughter by Patricia Hampl, and include an exploration of the current popularity of YA novels that cover social issues. We may (tentatively) have a Q & A with a YA expert.

Assignment: Writer’s filters activity.

Week 5: Nonfiction & Social Media
Our nonfiction section will use analysis of Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as a starting point. Social Media and advocacy will cover what social media/digitalization of writing has done for causes and writers, some practical tips to get your message across in short-form contexts, writing for collective /populist mobilization, digital storytelling, and interaction with community via writing. Potential resources (provided) will include parts from Gladwell’s Small Change, Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted and L. Mirani Sorry Malcolm Gladwell, the Revolution May Well be Tweeted and Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator. We will include some analysis of current questions in social media activism.

Assignment: Supplemental reading as above.

Week 6: Nonprofits
This last week focuses on writing for nonprofits and writing AS the nonprofit. We will cover how and WHY to help orgs use storytelling and narrative to tell their stories, and will use examples from some of Allena’s own colleague in the field. We’ll go over types of writing most often produced and potential resources. Writing AS the nonprofit covers organizations that produce writing for social change or that pro-socially support writers.

Assignment: Your follow up plan.

Materials needed:  Internet access, e-mail, word processing software, Facebook account for private forum (optional), Google account (for Google Hangout—optional) and a web cam (optional). YouTube videos will be overlapping information with written lessons, so those who prefer not to view videos will still be able to take part in all aspects of this course.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Allena Tapia is a full time career writer and communications expert based in Lansing, Michigan. She blogs regularly for Huffington Post on issues of race, ethnicity, politics, immigration reform and social justice, and has served as a mentor to other freelance writers through a contract with About.com for over 6 years. Tapia is currently a social justice writer/contractor for a statewide nonprofit in Michigan. She is the owner and head writer of GardenWall Publications, a Lansing-based full service communications firm.

COST:  $150, which includes all materials, one-on-one support and feedback from your instructor, weekly assignments, critiques, and ongoing virtual support from the instructor after the class is over.

BUY NOW:  Writing for Social Justice, by Allena Tapia (6 weeks, starting 5/26/2014) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

This class is now closed. Please check here for our current schedule.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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