Workshop Leader Applications are LIVE!

This winter, NYWC will have another round of Workshop Leader Training and we want writers and activists like YOU to apply and lead the charge in this transformative work. Whether you live in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island-your passion to build a community, provide a safe space and get the voices of others heard throughout the city is what we’re after. Overall, if you have a passion for writing, social justice, feel encouraged to apply!

About Us
NY Writers Coalition (NYWC) provides free and low-cost creative writing workshops throughout New York City to people from groups that have been historically deprived of voice in our society. By creating a community of writers and leaders from all economic backgrounds, races, ages, and sexual orientations, we encourage people to gain confidence and a stronger sense of self, find and expand their voices, and discover the value of their own stories. Learn more here.

About You
Ideal candidates will have:

• Prior experience facilitating or attending writing groups
• A demonstrated history of community involvement
• Facilitation, leadership, or teaching experience
• A commitment to and understanding of NYWC’s philosophy of creating a respectful and positive atmosphere for writers of all backgrounds and levels of experience
• Flexible availability
• Ability to commit to leading an ongoing weekly or biweekly workshop
• Interests and passions that align with NYWC’s programmatic needs

About the Position & NYWC Workshop Training
Volunteer workshop leaders are required to participate in our extensive training and support program before leading NYWC workshops. Accepted applicants are expected to:

• Read Pat Schneider’s Writing Alone and with Others
• Complete 20 hours of NYWC Workshop Training over four days (See dates below.)
• Plan and execute one NYWC Practice Workshop before his/her formal workshop placement
• Attend quarterly meetings with NYWC staff and other workshop leaders
• Maintain regular contact with NYWC support personnel
• Complete any necessary paperwork for his/her workshop in a timely manner (Example: monthly attendance reports)
• Because supporting each workshop leader requires a great deal of resources, workshop leaders are asked to commit to leading his/her weekly NYWC workshop for at least 9 months.

 Training Dates
*Attendance is required for all sessions.

• Friday, November 16 @ 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 17 @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 18 @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 28 @ 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Info Sessions
*Learn more about the position (even before applying). Email our Program Director timothy@nywriterscoalition.org to RSVP to one of our two remaining info sessions. Attending an info session is mandatory for all who are applying. All info sessions will take place at our office on 80 Hanson Pl (between S Elliott Pl & S Portland Ave), Suite 604 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

• Friday, September 28 @ 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 12 @ 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 19 @ 7:00-8:30 p.m.

APPLY NOW!

Here are some beautiful moments from our numerous workshops that leaders have shared:

“My first workshop, three people showed up. In pouring rain. That was great that they still showed up. Because no matter what, somebody’s going to write.”

– James, workshop leader at Andrew Heiskell Library & VISIONS

“A participant told me that she is using writing prompts from the NYWC website to let her unwind before bed. Several participants asked where they could take workshops outside of the hospital.”

– Alison, workshop leader at NY-Presbyterian Hospital

“I’ve experienced so many beautiful moments since starting my…workshop…There is one thing that has been repeatedly heart-warming about leading these workshops though. It’s that moment after people attend one of my workshops for the first time in order to the pass the time, but then they get that look in their eyes. That look that says they’ve discovered some place special. That they’ve discovered or rediscovered the stories and words within them. That they’ve discovered a community of infinitely talented writers. And then, they decided they’ll return to the next workshop and they keep coming back. That look, that moment, that is one of many reasons why I keep coming back to lead another workshop.”

– Adepeju, workshop leader at Cambria Heights Library