contact@womenwritingbloomington.org
+1 812-269-6801
318 South Washington Street Bloomington, IN 47401
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Mission and Values

  • Mission and Values

Mission and Values

“It feels good to stare at my words and know that those were the words people chose as their read back line. It warms my heart.”
Young Woman
“Gifts: Hearing my lines read back (and hearing all the other girls'). Drumming all together. Having fun!"    
Young Woman
“The gift was being able to share my writing with so many people and hearing all that great reading.”  
Young Woman
“As a circle member, I was nervous but excited to share my words. I loved hearing the other girls’ best pieces.”    
Young Woman
“…I’m kind of a shy, perfectionist kind of kid, so I was nervous at the beginning. But when I sat on the comfy pillow and welcomed myself into the room, I was so happy I almost cried…”  
Young Woman
“Hearing the writers be courageous in sharing their words was a treasure. The drums and music in the beginning brought joyful tears to my eyes. It inspires and motivates me to hear others share their written words.”
Parents and Supportive Others
“Seeing these daughters grow into confident writers is a real gift. Thank you.”  
Parents and Supportive Others
“The peace of mind and joy I have in my heart knowing that this camp experience for my daughter has been safe, enriching, soulful, fun, loving, and will stay with her as a flicker of light in her childhood. Thank you.”  
Parents and Supportive Others
“Wonderful outlet for creative energy. You are all such a blessing to these young women.”  
Parents and Supportive Others
“I am astounded by the higher-level thinking taking place in this room. What an amazing gift this program is.”
Parents and Supportive Others

Our Values

Our values inform all of our programs and provide the foundation of our approach with everyone we serve both in house and in our community and outreach collaborations.

We are a culture of welcome, hospitality and accessibility.

We value the presumption of good will and confidentiality.

We honor boundaries and agreements that support:

  • A non-judgmental approach to individual learning and creative exploration.
  • Processes to promote the interconnectedness of people.
  • The inner authority of individuals to ask for what they need when they need it.

We value the needs of the individual and the needs of the community.

We aspire to create safe space where diversely held viewpoints can be expressed without fear of reprisal or diminishment.

We value responsible and sustainable fiscal practices and communications.

All Are Welcome

Our writing circles for women and girls adhere to an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female”/”girl” and “young woman”.

As such, our women’s circles welcome any female-identifying person. We are committed to making sure any woman, including, but not limited to, trans women and non-binary women feel welcome within our community.

Our all-gender circles welcome any individual seeking safe space for their writing no matter how they identify on the gender spectrum. We welcome racial, ethnic, and religious diversity and believe in the rich possibility of honoring one another’s stories and creative lives.

Women Writing for (a) Change of Bloomington continues its commitment to programming accessibility, both in-house and in community outreach in order to ensure that our programs are accessible to the widest possible audience.

Accessibility

Our building is wheelchair accessible, and our staff can and will adapt programs and discuss any accommodations or support needs in advance of registration. Questions may be directed to Contact@womenwritingbloomington.org. (812) 269-6801.

Mission

Our mission is to create safe and inspiring learning opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue the art of writing as a tool for growth and change. We believe in the power of writing to connect people to the deeper parts of themselves and to one another. We believe that creative and conscious communities hold the key to positive transformation in our world. We provide an attentive setting in which every voice is honored, nurtured, and celebrated.

History

Women Writing for (a) Change was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1991 by Mary Pierce Brosmer. For “herstory” and broader context for our affiliate work, please visit WomenWriting.org. The Bloomington affiliate, established by Beth Lodge-Rigal in 2004, carried on a tradition of creative writing programs that empower the individual voice.

In 2014, Women Writing for (a) Change became a not for profit to help better serve our youth and outreach programs.

Environment

Ours is a non-competitive environment where writers of all abilities are welcome. Our classes, or circles, as we call them, provide an attentive setting in which every voice is honored, nurtured, and celebrated. We welcome published writers, and writers working toward publication, in our circles. That said, our focus is on process. We believe writing and sharing in a non-competitive space enhances our art as well as our creative lives.

Programs

All of our programs provide structure for both generative/exploratory writing and the development of projects over time. We teach deep listening and ways of responding that support each writer’s authority to ask for what they need. We also help people expand their capacity for giving the kind of feedback that has been asked for.

We welcome published writers, and writers working toward publication, in our circles. That said, our focus is on process. We believe writing and sharing in a non-competitive space enhance our art as well as our creative lives.

Sister Schools

Cincinnati, Ohio, Lisa Rocklin

 

Indianapolis, Indiana, Mindy Weaver Flask

 

Burlington, Vermont, Sarah Bartlett

 

Jacksonville, Florida, Jennifer Wolfe

 

Dayton, Ohio, Lisa Hess

Accessibility

Women Writing for (a) Change of Bloomington is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience. We are currently working to increase access and usability of our website and in doing this, adhere to the most current standards and guidelines for technical accessibility.

WWf(a)C in the Media

Women Spin a Common Thread from the Inside, Out, WFIU ArtsDesk, December 2014

Women Excel Bloomington Awards Ceremony, Creative Director Beth Lodge-Rigal, honoree (video, start at 24:40), July 2013

Community Minute Radio Spot, WFIU Radio, May 2013

The Happy Benefits To Writing Their Lives, WFIU ArtsDesk, August 2011

Wise words of girls create inspirational week at summer camp, Herald Times, July 30 2009

Getting ‘unstuck’, Herald Times, June 1 2008

I hope they take their journals with them wherever they go, Community Column, Herald Times, March 2007