Project Grant

Twenty-four participants will focus on 5 learning objectives: (1) a comfort level for engaging with a professional artist in highly personal creative expression; (2) awareness of writing styles and techniques; (3) cultivation of writing skills, risk-taking and a critical eye; (4) validation of their work as qualified for publication and public performance; and (5) insight into their strengths with the realization that they can advocate for themselves. They will report increased comfort level and a greater awareness of writing styles and techniques; will attest to improved skills in three areas; and will identify their poems and readings as worthy of publication and performance. They will report a greater understanding of their strengths and a new appreciation for their ability to speak effectively for themselves.The participants will be surveyed at the beginning and end of each six-week session to determine how they view themselves on these five specific outcome factors. They also will be asked at the end to respond to additional survey questions about: (1) the program pros and cons; (2) their views on the chapbooks; (3) what they learned about the production process; (4) if they want to continue writing; and (5) if they would recommend the program to others. Evaluation meetings will also be held to discuss observations about the same issues, including observable changes in the women’s self-confidence and self-esteem. The chapbook production process will be reviewed with BookMobile, and the partners will recommend improvements in the program. The most tangible outcome which will speak for itself is the chapbook produced by the end of each session. Its cover image will capture the spirit of the six weeks the women writers worked together on this project; its inside pages will reflect the memories, emotions and insights thoughtfully expressed in new writing styles.