Creative writing for boys and co-ed groups
WriteGirl works with boys and co-ed groups under the name “Bold Ink Writers.” Teen boys need role models, mentors, leadership skills and positive support to give them tools and strategies for managing the challenges they face in their communities, at school and at home. The Bold Ink Writers program offers creative writing as a vehicle for self-expression and personal development.
Bold Ink Writers workshops are held in partnership with schools, community organizations and through our partnership with the Arts for Healing and Justice Network. Bold Ink Writers workshops are led by our trained Teaching Artists, often alongside our volunteer mentors and take place in a variety of settings in the Los Angeles region, from community centers to detention facilities, with a focus on helping underserved teen boys and co-ed groups facing critical life challenges.
Our workshops and events are designed to help young people cultivate their creative voices and help them develop the communication skills and confidence they need to attain academic and professional success.
“I liked writing my personal stories and having people actually listen.”
– A Teen in the Bold Ink Writers Program
Partnership with the Arts for Healing and Justice Network
WriteGirl / Bold Ink Writers is a founding member of the Arts for Healing and Justice Network, which connects Los Angeles area organizations providing arts programming to incarcerated and systems-impacted youth. In the summer of 2015, we recruited and trained men writers for the first time to be mentors in what we call the Bold Ink Writers program. WriteGirl is committed to partnering with AHJN to transform the juvenile justice system via trauma- and healing-informed educational approaches and strategic arts programming for youth. We have provided creative writing workshops for youth who are incarcerated at sites including Los Padrinos, Central Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, and Dorothy Kirby Center, a probation camp in Commerce and others. We also offer workshops for re-entry and community youth and professional development trainings for teachers, helping guide teachers and youth leaders in effective activities and strategies for empowering youth through arts education.
“Writing made me capture my feelings. My true me.”
– A Teen in the Bold Ink Writers Program
Volunteer with Bold Ink Writers:
The schedule for Bold Ink Writers programming fluctuates depending on current partnerships for boys and co-ed programming. We review volunteer applications for our Bold Ink Writers’ programs periodically, and reach out to invite applicants to a training only when we have a need for volunteers.
Requirements:
All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and reside in the Greater Los Angeles area. Volunteers are required to attend one Bold Ink Writers Volunteer Training.
Four-year college degree or substantial professional writing experience required.
We are seeking experienced writers in all genres. Volunteers must submit writing samples with their application.
Volunteers must have strong communication skills and an interest in helping teen boys develop their creativity and individual voices.
Daytime/weekday availability is required.
Training & Background Check: All volunteers are required to attend a full-day training and orientation session. You will meet the Bold Ink Writers leadership, learn our approaches and techniques in working with youth as well as complete an individual intake interview. Following the training/orientation, upon acceptance to the Bold Ink Writers program, volunteers must complete a criminal background check prior to any workshop or event with youth.
How to Apply:
Fill out the online application below. Please include links to two creative writing samples or email the writing samples to boldinkwriters@gmail.com
CONTACT US:
For questions or further information about Bold Ink Writers, contact Katie Geyer at 213-253-2655 or email us.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITEGIRL/BOLD INK WRITERS PARTNER PROGRAMS