This summer, our team was preparing to welcome middle school students for the 2nd Annual Developing Voices Mentoring Program: Summer Creative Writing Workshop—a free creative writing experience designed to help young people discover the power of their voices through storytelling, creative expression, and mentorship.
Unfortunately, our plans had to change.
Shortly before the June workshop, the host facility experienced an air-conditioning system failure and temporarily closed. Without adequate air conditioning and an appropriate environment to safely and comfortably host our students, we made the difficult decision to postpone the Summer Creative Writing Workshop.
We know members of our community were looking forward to the program, and so were we. We also believe those who support The Empowerment Approach deserve transparency when circumstances affect one of our initiatives.
The Workshop Was Postponed. The Mission Wasnt.
While we were disappointed we couldn’t gather with our students as planned, one thing never changed: our commitment to Developing Voices and the young people this program was created to serve. The Developing Voices Mentoring Program was created around a simple but powerful belief—young people need spaces where they know their voices matter.
Our Summer Creative Writing Workshop gives middle school students opportunities to use writing as a tool for creativity, communication, confidence, and self-expression. Through guided activities and mentorship, students are encouraged to:
- Develop confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas
- Explore storytelling and creative writing techniques
- Experience different forms of creative writing
- Strengthen communication skills and cultural awareness
- Recognize the value of their individual perspectives and stories
Creative writing is about much more than what appears on a page. When young people learn to articulate their ideas, explore their experiences, and confidently communicate what they think and feel, they develop skills they can carry into the classroom, their relationships, future careers, and leadership opportunities.
Adapting and Moving Forward
Unexpected circumstances are also opportunities to adapt.
Although the facility closure prevented us from delivering the summer workshop as planned, it has not stopped us from thinking about how Developing Voices can continue reaching young people in meaningful ways.
We are empowering minds, developing voices, and creating opportunities—and we’re just getting started.
Learn more about our Developing Voices Mentoring Program!
