HELPING YOUNG WOMEN FIND VOICES
Mentor program uses writing for empowerment and to pave way to future
LOS ANGELES - To Keren Taylor, there’s no greater feeling than hearing an inner voice emerge from a shy young woman reaching into her soul to talk about herself through song lyrics, poetry or dramatic dialogue.
Taylor is the founder of WriteGirl, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that connects teenage girls with mentors with the goal of empowering them to express themselves in whatever genre suits them — poetry, journals, screenwriting, playwriting or another form. In 16 years, WriteGirl has grown to include 300 young women, all paired with mentors.
The goal is to be there for the girls, through thick and thin. “There might be a storm raging, but we are here to be fierce protectors of these young women and their future. It’s not easy but sure feels good,” Taylor says.
She says her mission began when she was working as a singer and songwriter in New York. Invited to speak about her craft in school classroom, she realized that she could connect to youths through different forms of writing in ways that traditional essays never could.
“Kids did not like to write at all. The light bulb came on when they saw they could write a song,” Taylor says.
The focus isn’t necessarily on correct grammar and spelling. Rather, Taylor says she and her mentors focus on content — trying to draw out pent-up feelings so girls can express themselves in a world where often they are overshadowed in classrooms by boys.
“I have great respect for what teachers have to go through, but we are outside of that system,” Taylor says. “We found that students thrive when they write about things they know. … They are given the freedom without pressure or competition.”
WriteGirl says it has a 100 percent success rate in getting women to apply to college. The program is expanding to include
boys and is reaching past schools into correctional facilities. WriteGirl programs are starting in other cities.
What makes Taylor most proud? When program graduates “want to give back. When they graduate from college, they want to be of service.”