Girls Write Now

WRRRROCK ON is next Tuesday, May 25, from 7 to 9:30 at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn. We're getting pretty excited. So in preparation, this week we'll be spotlighting some of the groups performing, and the authors appearing.

The event is to benefit this truly valuable group called Girls Write Now. Michelle Obama named them one of the top after-school arts and culture programs in the country. As with any operation, it takes money to run, and they are hoping to raise $25K in their spring fund-raising drive.

So if you can't make it out to the event next Tuesday, GWN has 4 other ways that you can contribute to their cause listed on their website.

In the words of one of the girls from the program, here is some more on what their program provides:

"Saturday morning finally arrived. It was the first day of the Girls Write Now mentoring 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 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."