Here and Now: Writing Your Truth in Uncertain Times

Member Price: $125
SummerWrite Week 1
July 12 – 16
5 Sessions, 3 hours
Ages: 12 – 14
Deadline to Register: July 5, 11:59 pm
Instructor: Jessica Merrills

We are living in a time of unprecedented reckoning. A global pandemic has turned our world upside down. More light is being shed on inequities and racial and social injustice. Through the ages, in times of uncertainty, people have turned to reading and writing to make sense of their experiences or to create a historical record. Reading prompts us to understand perspectives different from our own and helps us feel less alone when we connect with words that describe our own experiences. We’ll look to the work of others who are writing, performing, and speaking out. And we’ll participate in a wide range of writing activities, from journaling to open-ended prompts, to spoken word. Every voice is welcome in this camp.

Jessica Merrills is a Kindergarten teacher at Uncommon Schools Rochester Prep. Originally from Chicago, she attended Denison University, where she received a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a BA in Dance. She has created such works as Poetry in Motion, a fusion of slam and dance performance, and organized work for students at her school to participate in a poetry competition.

Workshops are conducted EST via Zoom, a virtual platform that allows you to participate in exercises and contribute to group conversation. To participate, please register by the deadline using the ticket portal below, or go to Scholarships. Zoom links are emailed to registered participants.

Scholarships Available