Empower the Next Generation this
Giving Youth Day!

You may have heard of Giving Tuesday, the biggest fundraising day of the year for nonprofits, but do you know about Giving Youth Day? Girls Write Now is teaming up with 14 other incredible organizations to show that we can do more when we collaborate to support our young writers and leaders. A donation of any amount today makes a statement about who we should be uplifting in this critical time.
Will you join us?

Plus, you can join our 2025 Write-a-Thon to support us while keeping your end-of-year writing goals!

LIFE@GWN

Peer Mentees:
Alexis Grusby & Irene Cho

“Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be new. Give us more to see…”

In their second cycle together, this peer-to-peer mentoring pair bridges coasts, cultures, and nearly a decade. Mentor, Alexis Grusby, is a college student at NYU, former English tutor for a Chinese school, and theatre arts educator. Her South Korean mentee, Irene Cho, is a rising high school freshman in California with passions for musical theater, performing arts, and finding her creative voice. Together they share passions, mannerisms—and mutual support. 

COLLABORATORY JOURNEYS

Make 'Em Laugh with
The Power of Punchlines Journey

Learn How to Craft a Stand-Up Routine

In this two-cycle Journey, participants will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality, to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and more, you’ll learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this Journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.

Check out all of our Spring Journeys! Each one is 3 hours per month for 3 months, March - May 2026. Apply by December 31

READ WITH US

Epitaphs in Eagle Rock

By Mentee Rebekah Grace de Guzman

Mentee Rebekah Grace de Guzman has created a "poetry film" for the latest issue of The Exposition Review, an online literary journal. "The poem around which this film is crafted came to fruition because the Filipino community here in Eagle Rock is facing erasure due to widespread gentrification," Grace de Guzman said. "My hope is that this film inspires bystanders to reflect on these changes and encourages those like me to resist them."

WRITE WITH US

Prompt of the Week

By  Holli Harms & Nicole Itkin,
Community Studio Facilitators

Strangers You Want to Know More About:
Take a look around you and observe a few strangers. Write a piece imagining what their life is like.
What is something unexpected you wouldn't know just from looking at them?

If you love these prompts of the week, then you have to check out the World of Prompts Community Studio hosted by Mentor Holli Harms & Mentee Nicole Itkin on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 PM ET!

HOLIDAY EDITION

Girls Write Now's 2025
Gift Guide

Picks From Our Community Just For You

Looking for the perfect gifts for the book worms, curious creatives, and Girls Write Now fans in your life? From Bobbi Brown and Maje, to Wicked and Moleskine, we've got you! Plus award-winning authors not to miss. Give a gift that reflects the hope, compassion, and innovation at the heart of our community. Each item on this list comes from the mentors, mentees, staff, and partners who make our organization shine. Bonus: some of these presents give back to Girls Write Now!

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

Pen Parentis Salon:
A Whole New World

Readings & Talkback with Literary Parents

Pen Parentis, one of our amazing partners in the LitNYS coalition of literary nonprofits, is excited to announce the latest installment of their literary salon series, A Whole New World: Readings and Talkback with Literary Parents. The virtual event takes place on December 9th from 7-8 PM ET and offers a unique perspective on writing from authors who are also parents. 

Monday Memo readers can select the VIP FRIENDS link and join for free!

COLLEGE CHAT

Is Grad School
Right for You?

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, 4:45-6 PM ET, Virtual

The eternal question...This event is for all who are interested in exploring whether graduate school aligns with their academic, creative, and professional goals. We'll break down different degree paths, funding options, and the realities of graduate-level workload. Participants will engage in reflective writing, learn key decision-making factors, and hear candid insights from a panel of current grad students, alumni, and faculty.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. 

SPECIAL EVENT

Thriving Thursday: Free Write & Reflection

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, 6-7:30 PM ET, Virtual

Join us for a cozy, low-pressure free-writing session where we’ll loosen up our creative muscles and reflect on the year ahead (and the one we’re leaving behind). We’ll kick things off with a few optional writing prompts—designed to spark inspiration and reflection—but you’re free to wander wherever your pen (or keyboard) takes you. No rules, no editing, no judgment—just a space to write freely and see what emerges.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. 

FRIDAY NIGHT SALONS

Salon with Screenwriter & Film Producer, Robin Schiff

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 6-7:15 PM ET, Virtual

Join us for an inspiring and interactive event with screenwriter and film producer Robin Schiff of Romy & Michele and Emily in Paris. She’ll share insights from her journey in film and television, answer audience questions during a dedicated Q&A session, and lead participants through engaging creative writing exercises designed to spark new ideas. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, a seasoned creative, or simply a lover of film and storytelling, this evening will be filled with inspiration and a rare opportunity to learn directly from a dynamic voice in the industry.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. 

SPECIAL EVENT

Kyndryl Impact Day 2025

Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, 3:30-5:30 PM ET, In-person
Girls Write Now Office
247 W 37th Street #1000 New York, NY

You're invited to a networking and creative event with leading tech company Kyndryl about the importance of preparing the next generation of creative talent for careers in the quickly evolving world of technology. Together, we will imagine what the future could look like in the age of AI. Girls Write Now mentees and Kyndryl employees—Mentors for the Day—will share with each other their personal, academic, and/or professional stories, hopes, and dreams—engaging in small group discussion, and experimenting with a fun writing exercise.

Open to Girls Write Now mentees and Kyndryl employees.

FRIDAY NIGHT SALONS

Open Mic: Holiday Edition

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, 5-6 PM ET, Hybrid
Girls Write Now Headquareters
247 W 37th Street, 10th Floor, New York City

Join us for an evening of creativity, expression, and community with a holiday theme! This Open Mic is a space to connect with other artists and creators through poetry, song, and overall storytelling. Whether you want to perform a piece you’ve written, something you love (but didn’t write), or just soak it all in, you’re welcome here. We’ll kick things off with some writing prompts, then begin the open mic. Each performer will have three minutes to share!

Open to all mentors, mentees, members & the public. 

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

NBCUniversal

Late Night & Tonight Show Internship

See yourself at NBCU! Be a part of the NBCU intern community, a group of curious and passionate trailblazers are the future of the industry. The NBCUniversal Internship Program allows students to unlock their potential by contributing to big projects in meaningful ways that matter. To thrive as an NBCU intern, you are ready to bring your passion for media, entertainment, and technology along with your desire to learn each day. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The New York Times

Assistant Manger, Brand Experience

The New York Times Magazine is looking for a versatile, multifaceted Copy Editor to join their team at a moment of change to play an important role in the evolution of the magazine’s editorial process into distinct digital and print workflows. If you are right for this job, you are an editor experienced in both print and digital media, with a strong working knowledge of A.P. and New York Times style. This is an in-office position, based in New York City, and includes regular attendance in the office up to four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

WRITING CONTEST OPPORTUNITY

One Story

One Story Teen Contest

One Teen Story publishes 3 stories a year and accepts submissions from teen writers ages 13-19. For their One Teen Story contest, they ask writers ages 13-19 to enter their original, unpublished fiction. They are interested in great short about the teen experience stories in any genre—literary, fantasy, sci-fi, love stories, horror, and more.

Don't miss out! Deadline is tonight, December 1st!