Since 2007, Writopia Lab has been helping young writers from diverse backgrounds come together in a creative community which fosters the refinement of their craft, the development and sharing of their personal voice, and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations around their writings. This approach is rooted in our belief that celebrating and sharing stories contributes to the building of stronger, more literate and empathetic young people and societies.
Writing through Burdens; Writing Toward Hope
In the wake of war in Israel and Gaza, and in response to Jewish and Muslim American youth searching for a place to write and connect, Writopia developed a free program called “Connecting Across Cultures.”
Writopia will select up to ten teen writers, ages 14 to 18, through an application process. Participants will work together weekly in small groups over Zoom over the course of six weeks. Using prompts and exercises, writers will write and share the burdens they are carrying, their fears and questions, and their hope and love for the places and people that are in their hearts.
Culminations
Those who participate may be included in a joint publication with Writopia and Writers Matter, an organization whose Founder, Robert Vogel, just ran a sister program over the past month with Muslims and Jews in Israel, The West Bank, and Gaza. The book will include diverse, honest, personal narratives by teen writers from Israel, Palestine, and the United States.
When
This program runs on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 9 PM Eastern (4:30 PM to 6 PM Pacific) from January 9th to February 13th, 2024.
Where
All sessions will be held online.
Click here to apply to Connecting Across Cultures and find out more information!
