THE VISION LAB PODCAST

Preserving Heritage, Community Spaces & Cultural Stories

Youth Voices Honor Writing That Shapes Our Collective Identity

The Vision Lab is a new podcast series created through the Girls Write Now Lead Incubator Journey. Here, young leaders share their stories, projects, and insights as they work to make a difference in their communities and the world. In this episode, mentee Chelsea Zhu speaks with Seri Worden, Senior Director of Preservation Programs at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, about the power of preserving heritage, protecting community spaces, and honoring the stories that shape our collective identity.

PROMPT OF THE WEEK

Hand-Selling

Talk a Stranger into the Book You Love Most 

Think of your favorite book. How would you market it to someone who is either reluctant to read it or may not have heard of it? 

• Your pitch should provide just enough information to sell the book without engaging in spoilers.
• Bonus points for humor and engagement!

Jordan Franklin and Jessica Xie facilitate the recurring Girls Write Now Studio, Punk Never Died, It Just Went Underground: Zine-Making and Indie Publishing As an Act of Radical Resistance.

Girls Write Now Anthology

From the Chrysalis

Countdown to Our September Release

Transformation takes time! In anticipation of the publication of Girls Write Now's 2026 anthology Metamorphosis, we celebrate the many versions of Girls Write Now as we evolved over the years. Each week we'll go into our vault to share past anthologies reverse chronologically. 2024 and 2025 were years marked by a new presidency, the rise of AI, and ongoing global conflict. Our anthologies Here and Now and Hope Lives in Our Words carry the reminder that there is a future worth fighting for, and writing has the power to inspire and transform the world around it. Stay tuned as we celebrate anthology covers all the way back to the aughts—exploring the issues, themes, and stories that hold true across time.

INTERSECTIONAL VOICES COMMITTEE

Digital Editorial Meeting

Tuesday, August 19, 7-8 PM ET, Virtual

I.V. Edit Digital focuses on digital and multimedia formats at Girls Write Now, including online publications, podcasts, videos, and interactive media. Are you interested in helping publish digital stories? Whether you’re WordPress savvy, a skilled graphic designer, or looking to develop new skills, you can play a crucial leadership role in publishing and elevating the original stories of the Girls Write Now community. At this meeting, we invite you to join us as we dive into editorial tasks and outreach.

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

COMMUNITY STUDIO

Pancakes vs. Waffles: Argumentative Writing

Thursday, August 20, 5-6 PM ET, Virtual

What team are you on: pancakes? Or waffles? In this community studio, participants will learn what makes an effective argument and how to hone their distinct authorial voices to be both persuasive and engaging for potential readers. Attend these studios to learn more about essay writing—and to defend your position on the age-old question of pancakes vs. waffles.

Open to all mentors, mentees & members.

SUMMER SALON

How to Get Laughs: A Salon on Writing Humor and Satire with Talia Argondezzi  

Thursday, August 27, 6-7:15 PM ET, Virtual

Whether you’re looking to break into the world of satire writing, inject more humor into your fiction or memoir, hear more about the journey to book publication, or simply run through creative exercises to broaden your writing skills, "How to Get Laughs" is a chance to learn from and share community with one of the most prominent satirists writing today.

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

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The 19th

Designer, Visual Storytelling

The 19th is seeking a full-time visual storytelling designer to join their award-winning creative team. This role will be instrumental in bringing their most ambitious journalism to life visually, in service of their mission to center women, LGBTQ+ people, and others historically underserved by traditional news media.

Deadline: August 24, 2026
Create a portal account to apply.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Bronx Documentary Center

BDC Films Fellowship

The BDC Films Fellowship is a free, year-long program supporting emerging documentary filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities. Through hands-on training, mentorship, professional development, equipment access, and industry opportunities, Fellows develop a short documentary while building the skills and professional connections needed to advance their careers.

Deadline: August 23, 2026
Create a portal account to apply.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Hachette Books

Editorial Assistant, Center Street

Center Street is a leading publisher of conservative voices in nonfiction, and the Editorial Assistant is responsible for providing editorial support to the Associate Publisher. Founded for an underserved Middle America audience, the imprint has a long history of publishing New York Times bestselling books that make an impact and elevate the conversation through sharp arguments, impactful journalism, and inspiring stories. 

Create a portal account to apply.