For the past two semesters, Andrea Nichols and I have been facilitating writing circles for high school young women at Western Hills University High School and Woodward High School here in Cincinnati. On Monday, May 4th, the writers from these two groups came to Women Writing for (a) Change to meet each other, have a final readaround, and see the "home" of the Outreach writing circles for the first time. I could hardly light the candle to begin our session because they were so taken with our space! They wanted to hear stories--the stories behind the quilts on the walls, Darla's items on the bookcase, who painted that mural? who made that mosaic? you mean women are coming here tonight to share their writing with each other? These young women, many of whom have experienced or are at-risk for experiencing homelessness, offered their own stories of courage, forgiveness, and strength during their visit, and the walls of the writing hall are that much richer because of their presence.
These Outreach programs are supported by grants and through individual donations and can only continue in Fall 2009 if these funds are available. In addition, some of the young women from these Outreach programs would like to attend our Summer Young Women Writing for (a) Change weeklong programs but would need scholarship support to attend. One of the school psychologists involved in our partnership has offered to eliminate the major barrier of transportation by offering to drive these participants to and from our Summer Young Women Writing for (a) Change program. Now, these young women need the financial support to grow their voices and inspire their peers this summer. If you are interested in sponsoring a young women to attend one of our summer programs or to donate online, please visit our website: www.womenwriting.org.
Here is a poem written by all members of the West High and Woodward High writing circles this spring:
What We Will Tell Our Daughters… by Young Women Writing at Woodward and West High
The truth is, I don’t really know how to respond;
I’m only becoming a woman myself.
But being a woman is a battlefield.
Fighting against an unknown enemy—other women, and men.
Being a woman is about taking care of business.
Don’t depend on anyone to help you.
Being a woman is a hard responsibility.
We are under a lot of pressure.
Either we are not too pretty or skinny enough.
Many stereotype when they don’t know. Others don’t give us a chance.
What can I teach you?
Be strong, loving, accepting.
Treat others with dignity and respect.
Become your own person.
Rely on yourself.
Depend on your family.
Follow God.
Jump off swings.
Find a special place that is yours, a place where you feel safe.
Be strong and spiritual.
Create your own voice.
Speak for what you think is right.
You, I adore.
You are not a trophy on display for all the hungry eyes of the world.
You are worthy of being treated like a queen.
You have a certain polish about yourself.
Never let a man talk you into anything.
Wait. The right guy is going to come.
The Almighty will bring him to you.
And if you feel the need to “open your doors,”
please, wrap it up.
Be proud of who you are no matter what people say.
Don’t let no one put you down.
You are special, no one can say otherwise.
Don’t believe you have to depend on a man
You can be a proud independent woman and take care of yourself.
You have a right to speak your opinion,
and the truth will set you free.
(At least that’s what I was always told.)
Womanhood may not be easy,
but it is an experience worth living.
Being a woman can’t hold you back.
You can do anything.
This world is yours. Please care for it.
The world’s yours. Please enjoy it now.
Please, make this a woman’s world
so that you can tell your daughters
that a woman is what she makes of herself.
In the end, who you are, is up to you.
For the past two semesters, Andrea Nichols and I have been facilitating writing circles for high school young women at Western Hills University High School and Woodward High School here in Cincinnati. On Monday, May 4th, the writers from these two groups came to Women Writing for (a) Change to meet each other, have a final readaround, and see the "home" of the Outreach writing circles for the first time. I could hardly light the candle to begin our session because they were so taken with our space! They wanted to hear stories--the stories behind the quilts on the walls, Darla's items on the bookcase, who painted that mural? who made that mosaic? you mean women are coming here tonight to share their writing with each other? These young women, many of whom have experienced or are at-risk for experiencing homelessness, offered their own stories of courage, forgiveness, and strength during their visit, and the walls of the writing hall are that much richer because of their presence.
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