Girls Write Now, Inc.

If you want to meet some amazing individuals, GirlsWriteNow is the place for you! Writing is a passion of mine and when they accepted me, I was so elated. I've spoken to people who were so kind and open-minded that it was insane! As a writer, it's refreshing to know that I can write whatever I want and the environment is a judge-free zone. I'm free to be who I am. There is not one event that you could attend where you won't have a smile on your face! The people here are so lovely. If you are a writer seeking to get counsel on your work and meet amazing individuals, this organization is for you!

I wish I had heard about Girls Write Now and its wonderful, wonderful writing community sooner. Girls Write Now has brought a whole new different level of writing and has really opened doors for me. Girls Write Now is not only prestigious and is really something meaningful to be part of, but the great thing about it is that it's nonprofit and open to everyone. Without Girls Write Now, I would be nowhere near to being a known poet, as I am today. Girls Write Now has such splendid resources and a super supportive system of girls and women, that help motivates each one of its members, to become better writers. I believe that Girls Write Now will sincerely make an impact on future generations and out of it, will rise, the spiritual and leading artists and writers of the future.

My first encounter with Girls Write Now occurred during my first year living in NYC. A friend had told me about a Chapters reading... more »

My first encounter with Girls Write Now occurred during my first year living in NYC. A friend had told me about a Chapters reading and suggested I go. When it was over, I walked out feeling more alive and more inspired than I had in months. I am now in my third year as a mentor with Girls Write Now, and am as inspired now as I was then. Working with my first mentee through her junior and senior years of high school, celebrating with her as she was accepted into her first choice for college and shedding tears as she left were so incredibly rewarding. I have begun a new adventure with a new mentee, and it's been so much fun sharing in her enthusiasm for all that GWN has to offer. Monthly group workshops challenge us to expand our writing skills while learning about different genres; our weekly pair sessions allow us to read poetry and champion each other's writing. Being part of the GWN community is the most supportive, rewarding experience I've encountered since moving to NYC. Witnessing such a diverse community of women writers--mentors and mentees alike--grow in their writing, form friendships, and be proud of their accomplishments is awe-inspiring. Girls Write Now empowers young women writers to find their voices and perhaps even more importantly, to use them.

I've been volunteering with GWN for about 8 years, taking on various roles throughout my time, from mentor to member of the Program Advisory Committee to doing both at the same time. While the organization has grown tremendously since I joined, it has remained a supportive community for both young girls and women. Because I've been around for so long, I've been able to see growth within the girls as they make their way through the program and then go off to college. Shy young girls become confident young women, excited to revise and share their work, and to see that is truly rewarding. I think GWN is a great program for high school girls looking to not only improve their writing but to have a safe space to come into their own as women. It's also a wonderful opportunity for adult women to be part of a community of like-minded ladies.

I recall saying this when Girls Write Now asked me to represent them at a small board meeting- Girls Write Now has been the best program I've been involved and seen in my twenty years of existence. I have four years being part of Girls Write Now's community. Two years as a mentee and two year as a mentee alum in their Youth Board. As a mentee, I received a lot of privileges: support from my GWN mentor and GWN staff and writing resources and great book recommendations, college prep, breakfast, and so much more. Besides the privileges, I also encountered and met inspiring guest speakers. As a youth board member, I get to witness and take part into the behind scene work. I see all the dedication and creativity that the staff produce and execute to make GWN into a fun and comfortable environment and build up that sense of community. I get to enjoy that sweet perspective working behind scenes. Also, GWN has given me an opportunity to feel productive and help me gradually overcome my shyness and relate to other people. Overall, I think Girls Write Now is
a safe space for the mentees and as well as for the mentors to be ourselves and discuss through writing what really matters to us.

I believe that Girls Write Now upholds a legacy of women writers and fulfilling the dreams of young girls whom can make a difference through writing.

This is my third year with GWN, and the thing that has always impressed me about them is how they are always self-examining and striving to improve.

I have worked with many organizations that serve young people and focus, particularly, on helping them with their writing. " Girls Write Now" is definitely one of the very best. They're a well-organized, extremely creative, and widely diverse group of women interested in bringing the most up-to-date, practical, and yet wonderfully cutting-edge writing experiences to high school girls. One hundred percent of the girls
involved in the program go on to college. They don't all become writers, but they do have a much better idea of what it means to write well, and they have confidence in their ability to do so.

Family friend came over to the united states. She had poor English skills but was really excited about writing. Also very sky. This organization allowed to come out of her shell and become a confident writer.

Girls Write Now is consistently impressive at delivering quality mentorship to girls in the New York City public schools. At the same time, Girls Write Now provides a way and a space for women to volunteer their time and expertise and feel part of a meaningful community. As a board member and volunteer, I have connected to the organization for more than 5 years and GWN continues to impress me more and more.

I have attended several of the early presentations of Girls Write Now as well as, most recently, the Tenth presentation. I have been consistently impressed by the quality of the work, by the candor with which the young women address sensitive issues and above all by the passion they display. What I see is not only that they have learned a craft (be it poetry or story telling), but they have developed a voice. They speak for themselves, and they speak for their community as well -- bringing both the pain and the pride they have seen to the audience in ways that make it impossible to miss the point. Many of us have heard the slogan "educate a woman and you educate a family" -- I would add a new one to this "give a woman a voice, and you give her community a voice". Girls Write Now has given many, many young women a chance to be heard -- and this will improve their lives as well as the lives of those who hear them.

Saturday morning finally arrived. It was first day of the Girls Write Now mentoring training program. I was so happy to be part of the program. I arrived on 8th Avenue and found the building. I took a deep breath, and pushed the doors open. I was so nervous that I wanted to run back home. I entered the lobby and meekly approached the concierge. I asked for the Girls Write Now Program. He must have had keen insight because he gave me a big smile and said, "It is on the 20th floor." I entered the elevator along with several other girls. The journey up felt like an eternity. I began to fret over the usual worries such as, "Will I make a friend? Will the mentors be kind? I began to regret that I did not persuade a friend to participate in the program with me. Ding. The elevator arrived, and it broke my stream of self-doubting questions. I said to myself, "All right, let's get this show on the road." I stepped off the elevator and I was greeted by a two other mentees. They gave me a warm welcome, a big smile, a name tag and a gift. I was given my own personal journal. I ran my fingers over the cover and smiled. Somehow I knew I was in the right place. I was asked to complete an application consisting of mixed questions about my background, interests, likes and dislikes. Then all of the mentors and mentees were instructed to break up into groups. I socialized with professional women who have exciting and creative careers. I could not believe that I had the opportunity to meet a woman who works in advertisement at MTV. I also met an author of a cookbook, and spoke with other journalists. I felt as if I entered a world that was never available to me before. I felt lucky. Later, I had the chance to participate in a discussion with women from diverse backgrounds. We discussed values pertaining to the writing field such as respect, creativity, and family. These are values that I cherish, and it was nice to share them with other women who cared. The day ended with a discussion about future events and learning the Girls Write Now Pledge. I was so excited to hear that I will have the chance to attend so many exciting writing workshops and visit places such as Barnard College. I looked at my watch and I could not believe that four hours had passed. I left the building with more confidence then I had when I entered. I also had a huge smile and a good feeling in my heart.

I originally learned about this organization from a friend who is an active volunteer and have since become a supporter and fan. I’ve also read the anthology of the girls and mentors work which shows off what talented writers are in the program. Not only does Girls Write Now addresses an important need in New York City, but I can see the organization also creates a close and strong community of women, writers and leaders.

I have attended a few workshops and readings presented by girls from Girls Write Now and was amazed by the level of thought and care that went into the programming. I enjoy reading the monthly updates and newsletter which is sent out online. I have met and spoken with some of the Mentors who have given so much time and energy, who have committed to supporting and teaching the girls, and was inspired by their stories and writing. I was also very happy to watch the segment on national television about Girls Write Now. Watching the organization grow and affect so many people has given me a lot of hope for the future generations and the role that women play in the world.

I'm a mentee in the GWN program, it's been the best experience I've had. It's amazing how so much peole have the same interest as I do. It's amazing how a writing program can promote so much enthusiasm towards writing. Well this program has. I've had an amazing time with my mentor who I love very much. I mean why in the world would I give up my time and some Saturdays for 3 of my life that I would never get back to a program I don't like. I wouldn't. So thank you for all GWN has given me.

I have been involved with Girls Write Now since 2006, and from the start was inspired by the effectiveness and the passion of this organization and its volunteers. I have worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector for the past twelve years, and never have I been so impressed with an organization as I have been with Girls Write Now. In the "safe zone" of the writing workshop and one-on-one mentoring relationships, high school girls develop their voices, their confidence, their creativity. They are bold and fearless, and ready to take on the world.

I have seen first-hand how dedicated and ambitious the volunteers of GWN all are. They are constantly striving to improve and create an enriching and challenging program for the young woman they serve. The public readings showcase all the amazingly talented writers GWN nurtures and supports.

Girls Write Now is a wonderful program that inspires both the girls it serves and all of its volunteers. Even though I don’t live in New York, I began supporting this organization as soon as I learned about their mission.

As someone who's watched NYC's girls thrive as a direct result of their participation in Girls Write Now, I can't say enough about this organization. It truly gives girls the power to shine.

Maya Nussbaum is one of the most inspiring leaders I have ever met, and Girls Write Now one of the most innovative, top-quality, world-changing organizations I know about. I have had many years of experience sitting on the boards of various organizations dedicated to serving women and girls, including Stanford's Clayman Institute and The I Do Foundation, but I have never seen anything like Girls Write Now. What amazes me is the level of attention and dedication GWN demands of its mentors and mentees -- and the results that this high standard yields. Attending the readings where the girls and their mentors present their work inspires and awes me, and the impact of writing and speaking on the girls' lives is irrefutable. Girls Write Now is poised to grow and change the lives of young women not just in New York but beyond, and I am honored to be a part of it.

I've always loved writing. As I grew older I began to notice fewer opportunities for young writers in and out of school. The writing programs I did find would usually cost a bit of money for just a handful of classes. So when I came home from my first workshop at Girls Write Now I was ecstatic. My writing was not the only thing that flourished with the help of my mentor and fellow mentees. My self confidence grew and I became more comfortable with sharing my work. I found support and guidance at Girls Write Now and strong women to look up to. GWN is not just about the writing, it's about building relationships and supporting the innovation of my generation.

Write, eat good food, write some more, and go home knowing something new about a new genre of writing. I especially enjoyed the playwriting workshop, because it was relaxed and fun.

I am a new mentor and look forward to meeting my mentee and working with her. So far, Girls Write Now has proved to be a very compassionate organization dedicated to the welfare of all concerns, and to developing the writing potential of the girls. It has well-structured and diverse programs, and a great support team. The staff and volunteers are terrific and the energy and inspiration they exude is infectious.

I've been shooting the readings and events for this organization for 5 years. It's one of only two organizations that I feel strongly enough, and that the work is valuable enough, that I continually feel inspired to stay involved. When I'm shooting video for them, I'm seeing the results of their work clear as day though the lens of my camera, and how much the experience matters to the girls as they read their stories and poetry.

Girls Write Now! provides young women with dynamic resources, excellent workshops with opportunities to publish, and to read their work aloud. The attention to detail, to leadership, and to the power of writing modeled by Girls Write Now!is vital support for building skills applicable in any field! A Shout Out from Teachers & Writers and Congratulations to every writer!

Girls Write now is one of the most inspiring organizations I know. The services they offer are both professional and nurturing. I have been impressed by the leadership and the volunteers, and feel that this organization deserves the highest accolades.

Last year, I went to a GWN reading. It was truly inspirational to see the relationships and unbounded talent that was cultivated. Both mentors and mentees appear to gain so much from the experience!

Many times it is a necessary bi-product that non-profits become insular and very tight-knit families. Girls Write Now however has achieved the best of both worlds, in one fell swoop they not only purport their support of each other but are also incredibly open and enthusiastic with newcomers and people who are unaffiliated. I had the pleasure of attending a fundraising event that was not only enjoyable but portrayed the spirit of Girls Write Now. I look forward to attending more events and involvement with this incredible non-profit!

Last year I attended the Winter Reading at Girls Write Now and I was blown away. I did not know what to expect from it, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of work and the sense of comradery between the mentors and the students. They really seemed like they developed a great relationship with each other and it was nice to see how welcoming the environment was for young writers. I got a sense from the winter reading that Girls Write Now was really accomplishing something notable and good and was creating confident writers out of young woman who might now have had the courage to express themselves otherwise.

Being a part of Girls Write Now has been a life changing experience. I like to say that GWN is the one part of my life that keeps me grounded - that makes me feel like I am really giving something back to the community I grew up in. I have always been passionate about writing, and it is incredibly rewarding to be surrounded by so many talented women and girls who share that passion. As much as my role as a mentor is about providing guidance, support and inspiration to my "mentee," I have to say I learn just as much - if not more - from her as she does from me. It is one of the most cherished relationships in my life. I am so proud to be a part of a local organization that serves local girls. Too often, students in the New York City public school system do not get the attention or education they need to thrive as adults. That's where GWN comes in. It's a fantastic forum in which these amazingly talented girls can find and share their voices. I truly hope that we can expand our resources and establish places for all applicants who apply to the program. I think everyone who wants to should have the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I simply cannot imagine my life without Girls Write Now.

I'm a new mentor with Girls Write Now. At orientation, which was the first time we met the mentees, I could already see how the program enriches both the girls' and the mentors' lives through a supportive, enthusiastic writing community. I am so excited to jump in and get started!

I wish I'd been a part of something like this growing up myself. It's absolutely incredible, and I hope to get more and more involved! Great work.

I have been to three Girl's Write Now readings and each time I'm more impressed with the caliber of both the girls and mentors. It's not simply the writing that these young women present, it's the passion that their mentor's have instilled in them, which is clearly evident by their desire to get up in front of an audience and share their work. The bond that these mentors and mentees form speaks volumes about the environment GWN fosters and the careful attention it pays to mentor/mentee pairings. I look forward to more readings!

For 4 years through High School I have been a mentee in this program. The program has helped me improve greatly as a writer as well as get a better view on what I want to do with my future. The many mentors there not only opened my eyes to the many different jobs available to writers but also cleared up areas that I didn't know about and helped me see a more realistic view on what I can do later on down the line. I don't really know how the program can get better. All I know is that it's helped me so much. My resume is bangin' because of them so nothing but love here from me. =]

Throughout the years I have watched this organization develop and thrive, and I have personally met a few of the mentees. I went with a small group from GirlsWriteNow to a fundraising event in New Jersey about 2 years ago, and was really impressed by one of the mentees, a young woman named Rashri, who seems to have found her voice within the program and uses it with strength and confidence. I have gone to a number of workshops and always enjoy the enthusiasm and creativity displayed there.

Being with Girls Write Now has helped me tremendously. While I do spend a lot of time in the office, just being at the workshops and being around all of these accomplished people has really been very inspiring for me and has helped me create and achieve goals I would have never even dreamed of pursuing before my time at GWN.

I have attended the events where the wonderful high school girls get to read the work that they have produced with their mentors. The girls were terrific and the mentors, who are all professional writers volunteering their time are like proud family members. Kudos to an organization who recognizes that there is untapped talent in our NYC high school woman.

This is the first year I've been involved with Girls Write Now, and I honestly had more fun at their orientation than I thought I would. I was there for 5 hours and never got bored. It was really enjoyable and everyone was so friendly. :)

I worked as a volunteer intern at GWN and am still in touch with the organization. In my opinion, it is one of the most invaluable organizations that has been created for young women worldwide. The warmth and sense of belonging that is shared among its members is a large part of what "making a difference" is about. GWN goes beyond just words: it sets goals and accomplishes them, it looks you in the eye and says, "Go ahead, we're right behind you."

Girls Write Now has changed my life. I've found a home with a community of women writers that inspires me all the time.

Gina doesn't have anywhere to write. She sleeps on the sofa in the living room of her Mom's noisy apartment in the Bronx. Late at night, Gina expresses her deepest feelings in a notebook she hides under the sofa. Sometimes her feelings come out in raging poems, sometimes terrifically imaginative stories. If Gina's lucky her high school English teacher will notice, and wish she could devote time to guiding the development this talented girl. If they're both lucky, Girls Write Now will be there. Fact: GWN is the only creative writing program in existence where talented teen girls are mentored one-on-one by professional women writers. Working together every week through the school year, these mentee/mentor teams soar. Despite widely varying life experiences, they have one thing in common: they are writers. And Girls Write Now is the place they love to be.

Every minute I spend with Girls Write Now is inspiring and invigorating. The girls are smart and wise, the women are open-minded and encouraging. The rest of the world should be so fabulous.

I worked with Girls Write Now consistently from 8/2006 - 6/2009, and my experiences with them have always been inspiring, fun, exciting, thought-provoking and life-affirming. It's an amazing core of people that work hard to choose committed, dynamic mentors and brilliant young girls. I really look forward to working with them again!

I was introduced to GWN by a writer friend who is also a mentor. Its a simple but powerful idea. Introduce young women to their own power by letting them find it in writing. What makes GWN amazing is that they execute on this idea perfectly. I have been to the readings where the young writers are given an audience and a forum. These are deeply moving and life changing events for anyone in the room. Support this org! Support this org!

My company jumped at the chance to collaborate with Girls Write Now on a pro bono public relations & marketing project. We fell in love with their mission from day one and our appreciation for the work they do still grows. It's exciting to be a part of an organization that makes such a tangible difference in NYC girls' lives. Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for this exciting nonprofit!

I went to one of Girls Write Now, Inc. events and I was totally blown away. It was such an inspiring and invigorating experience to watch these teen girls open themselves up to the audience so eloquently and honestly. It really made me really happy to know that there are organizations like this one out there. It was extremely well organized. They had two women within the writing field speak about their experiences and I found them to relevant and well-chosen. All around a wonderful experience.

I was a mentor with Girls Write Now last year. I was beyond impressed with the organization from day one. I have worked in and with educational non-profits for the past five years and I have never seen one so efficiently run. The level of organization, commitment, and enthusiasm in everyone who is a part of GWN is inspiring! They really do provide an amazing service to NYC's high school girls. My mentee grew so much as a writer and young woman in nine months--I'm thrilled that I was able to be a part of it.

This is my fourth year as a mentee at GWN. It has completely changed my life in both implicit and explicit ways. I have become a noticeably better writer through workshops, but especially through the relationship I have built with my wonderful mentor who shares her talent and passion with me. In terms of my life, GWN has heightened my exposure to diversity and the ways in which I exist in this world as a member of a writing community that is representative of a global community. I love this program with all my heart and I am so grateful for what it has given to me and how I have seen it give to others.

I was involved in the program before I became an intern and volunteer. As one of the girls, I was amazed at how well everything was organized and how welcoming the community was. It was very different form high school. Here, I was able to receive personal attention to enhance my writing. Writing with strong professional writers and talented young girls was one of the best experiences of my life. I was lucky enough to intern and then become a volunteer for Girls Write Now. Everyone works very hard to make things happen. I was amazed at all the hard work and effort it takes to get things together. I was able to meet and work with successful women and many have inspired me to pursue my dreams of writing.

What an impressive, important organization! I was moved to become a recurring donor after I learned of Girls Write Now and their mission of teaching life lessons through creative writing. Showing these girls stability, friendship, and allowing them the opportunity to develop a stronger sense of self is a priceless contribution that will have lasting impact on their lives. BRAVO GWN!!

Girls Write Now is not only a community but a force. They are a dedicated and passionate organization. Without their sense of community and desire to give girls the space to write, I don't know what type of writer I would be today. Like many public high schools, my school did not teach creative writing. Girls Right Now introduced me to a group of serious, professional writers. Their organization helped me feel less isolated in my high school. Girls Write Now introduced me to the poet, Zaedryn Meade. She tirelessly encouraged me to write. Without Girls Write Now and the great support they offered, I would never have met her. We've been friends since!

I am constantly inspired and amazed by the staff and volunteers that make up Girls Write Now. When I began my internship with Girls Write Now, I was a recent college graduate and new to New York City. I knew I wanted to become involved with non-profits and was directed to Girls Write Now by a former mentor and friend. As soon as I became involved with the organization, I realized I had stumbled upon a truly unique community, one that I wanted to stay part of and one that I wanted to dedicate my time to. All of the leadership works tirelessly to create a challenging and supportive space for the mentees to explore their writing. The unyielding passion of all of the staff and volunteers for this mission shows through in the growth of the organization since it’s inception twelve years ago, the numerous awards GWN has earned, and the success, both in life and writing, of the girls who graduate from the program. I’ve also been particularly impressed with how GWN welcomes and empowers its new members while also supporting long-term volunteers.

I'm a published novelist and a professor of English and creative writing at a university just outside NYC, so I'd heard about Girls Write Now and its mentoring work. Having attended one of its events, I can vouch for the quality of the writing of the young women who are mentored through this organization. The professionalism of the event I attended, the evident enthusiasm of its leaders, and the liveliness I experienced that afternoon made me an instant and confirmed fan of GWN. This is a nonprofit attuned to the needs, contexts, and challenges of young women--and it knows how to find the right people to make a difference.

I worked as a volunteer for GWN for the last 5 years and never ceased to be amazed at the quality, carefulness and rigor of both the mentoring program and the monthly workshops -- the curricula for which is renewed each year. Their retention and college acceptance rates are about the highest I've seen in my personal career as a development professional working with youth organizations -- and the enthusiasm and concrete commitment of their volunteers AND staff is really unparalleled.

I was a volunteer intern at GWN for seven months before coming on board as the second full time staff member. Upon joining the organization as an intern, I immediately felt connected to the whole GWN community. I really feel that the community aspect of GWN is something that sets us apart from other mentoring organizations. I worked intimately with our amazing and inspiring group of mentors and mentees and was encouraged to involve myself in all aspects of the community and running of the organization. As an intern, I gained invaluable experience and knowledge about the workings of a nonprofit, and quickly decided that this was the field I wanted to work in. I've also had the opportunity to work with talented and brilliant women who have supported, encouraged, and challenged me, effecting my own growth as much as that of the teen girls we work with.

I love Girls Write Now!!! I joined as a mentor four years ago and am currently a program volunteer. Our girls are strong and sassy and special. Supporting their growth into healthy young women and helping them develop their literary voices has made my life richer. I love our community and take every opportunity to spread the word.

I shared an office with GirlsWriteNow (GWN) for about 5 years while working as a program director for another writing program in the schools of NYC. The program I worked for has been around since '67 and when GWN came to our office, it was still very new relatively speaking. Nevertheless, from day one, the professionalism and ambition shown by the GWN administration was impressive, and reflected in the support received by a team of volunteers, competitively chosen professionals from many fields and backgrounds, as well as by the mentees themselves. Over the course of the years I was impressed to see how some of the teens matured into confident, well spoken, creative and ambitious young women, and with how much originality and sincerity they approached all of their tasks in the process. Moreover, to see the relationships that formed between mentee and mentor was also truly inspirational. However, the most obvious marker of success for this group (aside from it's constant need for more hands and bigger spaces to accommodate growth and demand) is the quality of writing put out each year in the publications of these amazing young women. GWN is a strict, no nonsense organization. The young women that graduate through their program, as well as the volunteers and small staff that keep the program running are a testament to the hard work and talent that every woman is exposed to and in turn expected to live up to in this wonderful organization. Three cheers for GirlsWriteNow!!!

I have been a consultant with Girls Write Now for the past 3 years, providing support in the area of psychological counseling. Each year the mentors and mentees fill out a questionnaire about their experience in the program. It gives me a good idea of the relationships that have been established between professional female writers and the young female writers from under-served communities. Each year I have been impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm for the writing they are doing and the unique relationships they are forging. More than just teachers, the mentors at 'Girls Write Now' often fill the role of big sister, therapist, surrogate parent and best friend. For young teens from struggling backgrounds who are navigating the NYC public school system towards college the support and guidance provided by GWN is invaluable.

I've had the great privilege of seeing some of this organizations work first hand. i was so impressed i joined the advisory board!

I can't say enough about this organization! I was a mentor with Girls Write Now for seven years and am now on the Program Committee. I was paired with five wonderful mentees over that time and every one of them taught me something too and inspired me. The girls in this program are so motivated, talented, bold, and creative. And they get so much out of the program -- from the personal guidance from a professional writer to the group writing workshops, to the public readings. It is an amazing opportunity to be part of this community and help these young writers find their voices and grow. The mentors gain so much as well! I am always inspired and proud when I see our mentees read their works on stage at our annual reading. Throughout the course of a season, they all learn so much and really come into their own. Every year is more special and impressive than the last!

The creative nurturing and confidence that Girls Write Now brings to female writers, both girls and women, is invaluable. From the organizations administrators to the mentors to the mentees, this is a group of outstanding women.

Girls Write Now is an incredibly supportive and creative community that always inspires me and makes me feel welcome. As an intern, I met interesting and talented women and girls. As a new mentor, I loved learning about writing exercise ideas at the mentor training, and am excited to meet my new mentee! I am sure Girls Write Now will continue to grow and thrive.

I have worked with GWN since its inception as a non-profit. GWN was started by a small but incredibly visionary group of young women who were committed to finding a way for girls to express themselves as they confront life's challenges. GWN is limited only by budget as the creative energy of its community constantly gives rise to new ways to serve the girls' diverse needs, and literally has acted as a life-saver for some as evidenced by the sometimes heartwrenching content and passion of the girls' writings.

I honestly feel GWN is a great program for young women. Although this is my first year this program I have no doubt in my mind that this is going to be an outstanding year.I mean the fact that theres even an organization as such promoting and supporting young female writers. You dont get that so often in this community. I am just thankful for having encoutered this program and I look forward to this year.

GWN is such an amazing organization! SO glad I found it and am able to be a part of it. I'm a first year mentor, but already I feel like i'm a part of a great community. It is a great motivation for me to continue my writing.

What a fantastic organization. Girls Write Now is the perfect synthesis for education and support, something every young girl, writer or not, deserves. - The mentor-mentee model, bookended by orientations, workshops and showcases, provides for one-one-one as well as communal learning - a truly all-encompassing model for education. - The relationship building through the guise of writing is a wonderful way to dually provide support for girls at an age they might need it most, while fostering a life-long skill and creative outlet. The emphasis on writing eliminates the pressure of what might otherwise me an awkward position, providing an instant bond, project, and method of communication between the mentor and mentee. - Not only do I stand behind Girls Write Now's mission and method, I also stand behind their current operation. I was lucky enough to attend one of the last readings, and I was blown away by the sophistication of the girls, the wisdom and unabashed courage that spoke from their writing, and the undeniable, visible bond between each mentor and her mentee. Girls Write Now is clearly doing something really Right, Right now!

I just joined Girls Write Now about a month ago and already I'm so impressed with the organization. They are focused, enthusiastic, professional, and inspiring and in only two orientations it's clear to see what a difference they make in the lives of young women in this city. At our most recent orientation, the mentors met the mentees for the first time and it was great to see how some of the returning mentees were filled with confidence, how they were proud and excited to identify themselves as writers, and how the new mentees had breakthroughs in just one afternoon, some of them saying how they had talked and wrote about some very personal things for the very first time.

I've been blessed to be a newcomer to an organization that encourages young writers and young women to be themselves and expand their horizons. The staff is wonderfully kind and this years crop of mentees astounds me with their grace and intelligence.

Where can you possibly go wrong with Girls Write Now? NO WHERE. GWN is my sanctuary of hope. With all the love and support ,us, the mentees, recieve from the GWN staff and mentors, I wouldn't ever trade it in for another. GWN is life. We, as a community, write because it is embedded in our DNA. GWN has become a part of us

Through Girls Write Now I have learned so many things that I never imagined. It encourages me to write and express myself through writings. Getting to work with Professionals--mentors always helpful.

Girls Write Now is a wonderful organization with the ability to support and encourage the growth of many young girls who need it. Girls Write Now has increased my courage and self-confidence, and for that I will always be grateful.

My English (not only writing, but also reading & speaking)improved a lot through Girls Write Now!! The activities & programs that they offered are excellent~! I am proud and blessed of being a mentee of the community

This is my third year as a mentee with Girls Write Now. My time with this organization has helped me grow immensely as a writer and as a person, and my mentor will be a life-long friend.

Well-organized, a great mission, and fun too! I'm a mentor this year, and looking forward to all the events with my mentee!

Girls Write Now was and still is such a wonderful environment in which a girl can grow both as a person and a writer. Everyone in the community is so supportive; I felt safe and comfortable at the same time I started taking risks.

I was a Girls Write Now Mentee during the 2007-2008 school year and it really transformed the way I work as a writer. Coming in as a casual high school poet, mostly full of angst, my writing was transformed into serious work through experience in editing and a careful examination of process. Girls Write Now provided amazing contacts, starting with my individual mentor, who remains a critical part of my life, and expanding its way out to larger writing and art networks, including one that works with college age artists from around New York City. Although I frequently struggled with the contents of the workshops and the pressure to produce on the spot, they always left me with something to return to, to re-examine, edit, and transform after it was all over. Two hundred miles and over a year removed from my primary involvement with the organization, I still frequently exchange emails with staff members and mentors and my investment with the community remains, including hope of returning as some form of staff and giving back, providing the kind of support to HS girls that was given to me.

Just starting out as a new mentor this year and got to meet up with the group of mentees today--what an amazing group of young ladies. I'm so excited to be a part of an organization promoting women's voices from an early age. And I'm so impressed by what a thoughtful program the ladies who started this organization have put together. The expectations are realistic, positive, and encouraging, both for the mentees and the mentors. I fully anticipate that I'll end up learning as much or more than my mentee. Here's the adventures ahead and those that this organization has already launched people on for the past 12 years.

MY HUSBAND AND I TRAVELED 50 MILES BY TRAIN TO ATTEND A GIRLS WRITE NOW WINTER READING IN NYC.WE ARE SENIOR CITIZENS AND HAVE BEEN TO MANY PRESENTATIONS/PERFORMANCES OVER THE YEARS. THIS NIGHT OF READINGS WAS OUTSTANDING.IT BROUGHT TEARS TO OUR EYES AND WARMTH TO OUR SOUL. THESE YOUNG WOMEN ARE OUR HOPE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE WRITTEN WORD. THE PASSION AND LOVE THAT WAS CONVEYED IN THEIR WRITTEN EXPRESSIONS WERE VERY MOVING.WE SEND KUDOS TO MAYA NUSSBAUM WHO STARTED IT ALL.SHE HAS BEEN A DRIVING FORCE TO KEEP THIS WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION ALIVE AND WELL IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY FOR THE ARTS IN AMERICA. WE HOPE TO ATTEND MANY MORE GIRLS WRITE NOW EVENTS IN THE FUTURE.

I have seen GWN in action, and they are terrific. Their commitment to fostering the writing talents of young NYC girls results in often funny, often heartbreaking writings that any woman can relate to.

I joined Girls Write Now as a mentor when I was working as an online journalist in Manhattan. We met monthly for group workshops covering different genres of writing and I also met up with my mentee on separate dates. This group was filled with passionate, committed professional women writers and the most awesome and inspirational young girls I've met in ages. Even though I live in London, I still try to keep up with Girls Write Now news and progress as I do believe this is an organisation that can change lives, and certainly shape futures. I consider my mentee Vera a friend for life.

I interned for Girls Write Now in college, and I was so impressed by the way these girls took to the lessons that GWN offers. Today, I still go to hear the beautiful pieces the mentors and mentees write. It's moving. I love to see women come together and learn to express themselves. GWN isn't just a place to learn how to write; it's a place where these young women (and their mentors) learn more about themselves, cope with their own personal experiences, and grow as individuals -- not just as writers. I wish I had a GWN when I was a teen. I know that every girl who passes through will be a better, stronger, more beautiful person because of the experience GWN gave them.

I joined the board of GWN after I saw a video of a young women break down crying before reading the work she had written at a GWN workshop. Her tears were not what motivated me to join GWN. I was moved by the dozen or so other young women who rushed from the audience to prop her up. They gathered in a huddle and then the other young women sat down and by the mircale of GWN, the original young woman found the courage to share her work. Thats what GWN is all about.

GWN was a wonderfully supportive organization for my daughter. It helped her gain confidence in her writing. She formed a close bond with her mentor and had a great experience.

Girls Write Now (GWN) is a wonderful organization that offers substantial services to teen girls from underserved communities in NYC. They have a dedicated group of volunteers who help to make all of their programs great successes. As a volunteer advisory board member, I help GWN strategize about fundraising. In March 2009 I honored GWN at my birthday party to raise awareness of the organization and raise much needed donations.

The Girls Write Now (GWN)is a wonderful program. My 16yr old daughter attended their 3 day writing program. She said it was an excellent opportunity and enjoyed it very much.

I was a mentor for a year and it was hands down one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. I forged a wonderful bond with my mentee and I watched her blossom as a writer and as a young women over the course of the program. Not only did I help her, but I found my own writing improved as well--i was truly inspired after every single workshop. GWN is an amazing organization doing amazing things and I hope it can find funding to thrive for years to come!

GWN is a phenomenal organization, and I am thrilled to be involved with the group. I started attending events with my sister a couple of years ago, and seeing how far these young women have come has been an incredibly impactful experience. I wish there was an organization like this when I was in high school! I love GWN so much that I have signed up to be on the Advisory Board, so I can help support the next generation of women writers!

I was a mentee when I was in HS and greatly helped by GWN and my mentor. They helped so much with more than just school but also with how I was doing and how I was growing as an individual. My experiences with them led me to also volunteering and helping others the way that I was helped when I was younger.

Since Girls Write Now came into my life two years ago, I have undergone a massive transformation. That shy, timid girl at the back of the class has become a feirce and powerful leader. I use my words to serve my country.

I truly wish I had this organization in my life when I was in high school. Girls Write Now is a powerful, necessary program that is changing lives one word at a time.

I have been to a number of readings and it is impressive how empowered the girls have become since being involved in the organization.

This is a wonderful organization that has had a positive impact upon many young women. I would volunteer as a mentor for this organization if I were eligible.

I mentored with Girls Write Now for three years and still have a relationship with my former mentees. Girls Write Now provided an amazing, supportive atmosphere to foster female friendships and creativity. It enriched my life and if I hadn't moved out of New York, I would still be involved. Thank you for everything!

I've been a mentor with Girls Write Now for 3 years and love being part of such a smart, fun-loving, enthusiastic group of writers. The mentors are an inspiring group of professional writers, editors, and educators who find time in their busy lives to help show at-risk, aspiring teenage writers that they too can become published writers, eloquent speakers, and accomplished women. Many of the mentees are shy and unsure of their abilities in the beginning of the season, and yet at the end of the season are reading their poems, stories, even singing orginal verse! at public venues in New York City. The bravery of these teenage girls in inspiring, their bravery is fostered by the mentors--this is a true group effort at improving our community at a grassroots level and not letting girls go unnoticed.

Writing can be a solitary passion, but each season GWN offers its members a warm, rigorous and vibrant community of women writers, which encourages individual creativity and growth. Being a part of GWN is life-changing, for mentors and mentees alike. The program is so thoughtfully designed and well-administered, the staff makes it look easy, though of course it is anything but!

I've mentored with Girls Write Now for a year now, and it's been one of the best experiences of my life. The program is so encouraging, and the girls gain so much self-confidence in their writing. I still can't believe that 100% of GWN alumnae go on to attend college -- that alone should speak to the power of the GWN community! My mentee and I are very close and continued to work together on her writing even in the summer "off-season," and look forward to working together again next year.

I just started mentoring for GWN and am blown away by the incredible women I've already met through the program. It's seamlessly organized without feeling corporate, and incredibly inspirational without feeling too rah rah. I'm so pleased and honored to be a part of something so special.

I'm a new mentor with Girls Write Now this year... After an engaging orientation program last week, I'm eager to start working with such intelligent and creative women to help cultivate teenage girls' love of writing. The orientation program was extremely well organized. I can only imagine what the rest of the year will offer.

I have been involved with GWN for three years (two as a mentor), and it has been one the most fulfilling experiences. The group of mentors and mentees is more impressive every year, and I am inspired by the girls, who are talented and driven, to become a better writer and a better person. The pair sessions are great ways to nurture the pair relationship while working on writing and overall issues that the girls face (college, self-esteem, etc), and the monthly workshops bring together all of the pairs (I challenge anyone to say they are not inspired after these). Not only are we helping girls, but we are creating a community for like-minded ladies to come together.

Mentor Training was an amazing experience, and if it is any indication of the rest of the year, I'm thrilled beyond measure. I went home and read all of the mentor and staff bios from our Training Handbook and was absolutely blown away by the talent, commitment, and dedication of each and every woman involved. I am honoured and humbled to be part of such a wonderful organization.

I'm a mentor at Girls Write Now, and I have to say that getting involved with GWN is hands-down one of the best, most rewarding experiences of my life. To see these young girls begin to find their own voice and develop strong senses of self is amazing. Go GWN!

I just finished my mentor training for Girls Write Now. Every woman I met was incredibly inspiring and thrilled to be part of this group. I can't wait to get started this season!

I'm a third-year volunteer mentor with Girls Write Now and this organization is so wonderful that I see no end in sight. I still keep in touch with my previous mentee, even though she is away at a top-notch college. I'm so proud of her and the work we did in Girls Write Now.

I just went through training as a mentor with Girls Write Now, and I was blown away. This is clearly an extraordinary organization -- they are well-organized, passionate, persistent, and engaged in work that has the power to transform the lives of everyone lucky enough to be involved with them. The training session was comprehensive, insightful, professional and entirely inspiring. I'm looking forward eagerly to the coming year.

In the universe of non-profit youth programs, GWN is a sensation. Its singular mission, highly efficient structure, and thoughtful/ambitious calendar are a model for any organization. After one year of volunteering, I feel such a powerful commitment to GWN -- not just to my awesome mentee but to the whole group & organization. This non-profit makes public service an empowering and invigorating experience.

Girls Write Now was the most formative and inspiring program I was ever a part of in my teenage years. My writing improved tremendously, and the community I had the opportunity to be a part of at GWN made me feel safe to take creative risks on the page. It's more than just a creative writing program, though. The emotional support you get from your mentor and from the rest of the community is so helpful, I don't know how I would have managed at times without it. The GWN community is a group of people who believe in you unconditionally, and it really meant a lot to me to have that, especially when it felt as though no one else cared. The only thing I would change would be the funding. If Girls Write Now had a bigger endowment, they could expand and make a difference in even more lives. :)

The Mentoring Partnership of New York is proud to have Girls Write Now(GWN) as a member of their partnership of mentoring programs. Being a member means that your programs operates using "best practices". We have seen the hard work and dedication that GWM puts into their program and the success that the youth they serve have achieved. They provide all the appropriate supervision and training to their mentors allowing their organization to be an excellent place for volunteers.

This is the oragnization that I wanted/needed as a girl--we are all lucky to have found it. The level of excellence is so high--from the workshops to the special events to the annual anthology. The readings never fail to make me laugh and cry.

I cannot say enough about this organization's power to transform everyone who comes into contact with it: whether it's an audience member inspired by a girl's confidence, poise, and creativity at a reading; a mentor who's invigorated by working one-to-one with a teen girl and by connecting to her own craft and to the wider community of women writers; or one of our brave, bold, mentees, who are getting a glimpse of and taking a stake in their own future as women whose words impact every aspect of our world.

I have been involved with Girls Write Now since 2004 and it has influenced the ways in which I think about girls' education, arts education, writing communities, and grassroots fundraising.

GWN is an incredible resource to the girls of NYC. Through this organization, I got to work closely with my mentee, participate in outstanding writing workshops organized by my fellow mentors, and become part of an incredible community of talented and dedicated writers.

I first heard about girlswritenow from a friend. Interested in seeing what they do I attended my first reading over 1 year ago. Two memories particularly standout from that reading: 1) One of the girls reading a very personal story started to cry and have difficulty finishing reading. Spontaneously a couple of senior girls in the group (ones that had previously read that day) joined the struggling girl on the stage. They spoke quietly to hear while they had their supportive arms wrapped around her. With their support, the struggling reader was able to complete her piece. I felt this clearly symbolized what this organization was about...not only female mentorship from professional writers but creating a sense of family and support within a group from very ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds. The organization had clearly fostered this in addition to developing up and coming professional writers. 2) There had been a discussion behind me about how amazing it was that every girl that had completed the program went on to college/advanced education. I found that impossible to believe given all the additional personal challenges that many of these girls encountered daily. But it was in fact true. These experiences along with the wonderfully creative and high quality work that the organization creates defines girlswritenow making it a model nonprofit. I've since remained involved and try to help such a wonderful organization anyway that I can.

Girls Write Now does an incredible job of empowering young women to develop their writing skills, use their authentic voices, and record their real experiences. And it's not just the young women that are inspired and strengthened--it's also the mentors. Professional writers who work with these inspiring NYC girls are re-invigorated in their own work. The Girls Write Now community is boisterous, productive, loving, and fierce.

The committment and energy that the mentees, the mentors, and the volunteers (not to mention the completely dedicate staff) put in to this organization seems endless. I have been a volunteer for two years, and I've met phenomenal writers with voices that sing! It is a well organized and run group with love and dedication at the center of all that is done together as a community!

What an outstanding organization! I attended some readings and have contributed financially because my daughter is a mentor. I was so moved by what I saw and heard at last year's Winter Reading, and my daughter's mentee is such an amazing young woman.

I can't say enough about how much Girls Write Now meant to me. I learned so much about myself as a writer and a person. I gained so much confidence in my writing ability and I found a great friend in my mentor. I am still in contact with her now and consider her one of my best friends. At Girls Write Now we have the opportunity to meet women in many different areas of writing such as novelists, journalists , playwrights and songwriters. It was a great experience that led me to choose writing as my major in college. I love Girls Write Now very much.

I absolutely loved this program. Writing is one of my passions and this program has given me the opportunity to share my passion with people who were also in love with writing. The class was invigorating and fun. I loved the way that fun and learning were intertwined.

From the first day of orientation to the last reading, I've been impressed by not only the quality of the writing in this group of inspiring young women and mentors, but by the quality of the people. The sense of support extends beyond the mentor/mentee duos and into the group as a whole; I've made several new friends among the volunteers, and, as with any well-run organization, gotten just as much back from my participation as I've gotten (if not more so).

I am very pleased to be associated with GWN because of the awesome work they do. Their accomplishments and value to society is evident in the quality of young girls that participate and graduate the program. When I first came across the organization, I was impressed by their noble cause and creative (and effective) methods but their true impact was impressed upon me at the first Reading I volunteered at in the Spring. I was completely blown away by the confidence and talent that the organization had helped to bring to the surface in the diverse readers. I was equally amazed at the synergy between the mentors/mentees despite their vast differences. Keep on keeping on, GWN!

GWN is a group of caring individuals with tremendous passion for helping girls succeed. I have worked with this organization for a number of years as a volunteer and have been consistently impressed by the quality of the writing curriculum, the capacity of the staff and board members and their commitment to building up an infrastructure for the sustainability of this effective program.

I was introduced to Girls Write Now this summer through their college essay writing workshops. It was a great and insightful experience. It gave me a good start for this year which is my senior year. The staff was great and they provided me with wonderful writing tools and strategies for writing a college essay. I hope to have another opportunity to work with Girls Write Now. It is a great program. Shanice Pressley

I was introduced to Girls Write Now this spring. This became a chosen topic for a Making A Difference featured story, on NBC's Nightly News, with Brian Williams. The organzation is one of the best run programmes I have seen, for mentees to learn creative writing. By virtue of it's structure and focus, it creates an environment of caring and willingness to teach and inspire young women. With their positive approach, not only so the women learn, but they gain self confidence. Girls Write Now has a diverse group of mentors, from authors, to screenplay writers and professionals in the writing field. They provide the tools and share the wealth of knowledge for young women to grow and learn in a safe environment. The younger mentees are the next generation and Girls Write Now encourages then to follow their dreams.

Girls Write Now has allowed me to get bprepared for college with one of their college based workshops. The showed me how to write a college essay an make it interesting to the admissions office

Girls Write Now has given me the opportunity to work with young ladies who have an expressed interest in writing. Their enthusiasm and passion for the written word has reinvigorated my own love of text and prose, what power it holds and effect it has on people. Watching these young ladies grow and develop of one or more school years is exciting and rewarding to me personally, and I believe for our extended community as well.

I jumped at the chance to be part of this organization as soon as I discovered it, and it has far exceeded my expectations. There is no other organization that does what Girls Write Now does: creates a community based on a shared love of writing between established, adult women and teenage girls who don't have many other outlets. In my years as a mentor, I've watched girls blossom as a result of the professional yet candid and friendly relationships we form; & I've seen girls produce creative works that rival many published pieces. Girls Write Now started as a brilliant, one-of-a-kind idea, and it's been executed so well it's now a part of the fabric of New York City.

I was lucky enough to attend the spring reading of Girls Write Now at the New School this year and was just beyond blown away by this program: The passion the mentors demonstrated with their young women the work produced by these very young, but obviously enormously talented, remarkable women. All I could think was, if only every girl had access to a program like this, the world would a completely different place full of powerful articulate fearless women like the girls from Girls Write Now. Rock on!

GirlsWriteNow is one of those extraordinary organizations that truly transforms the lives of the inner city girls it serves. As an Advisory Board member for the past year, I have witnessed the vibrant dedication of a network of professional women building bridges for promising girls all the way to college and beyond. Public multimedia events hosted by GirlsWriteNow always inspire girls, their families, and professionals in the fields of wordsmithing. The small hardworking staff provides for girls far past the 9-5.