How do we make the world, or some aspect of it, better? In part by recognizing a problem, voicing your concerns about it, joining with others who see it as a problem, and working to improve the situation. Change happens through advocacy, e.g., sending petitions, starting new organizations, talking to decision makers (whether that’s your school principal or an elected official), even running for office—as well as activism: marches, protests, boycotts, and other direct actions. Writing can be an important part of both advocacy and activism. 

Youth Communication has been helping teens tell their stories since 1980. We publish two award-winning magazines (now online) and republish many stories in our books and curricula, which are used in classrooms and after-school programs across the country. Youth Communication stories are also often republished by our media partners such as The Nation and Chalkbeat. Our stories have helped lead to changes in things as varied as foster care placement, condom distribution at schools, how teachers talk about race in the classroom, and school dress codes. 

Join a group of 10-12 young people who will explore making change in Youth Communication’s 46th annual summer writing workshop. You will participate in writing lessons, discussions, field trips, and group activities. You will write memoir-style and reported stories about making change. (Sorry, no fiction or poetry.) 

You’ll learn narrative writing techniques along with research and interviewing skills, work one-on-one with a professional adult editor, and share your work with your peers. Participants will publish at least one story in our online magazines.