About Us
Rachel's writers is a Raleigh, NC based creative writing and mentoring organization that spotlights the power of the pen. At Rachel's Writers, we match teens ages 13-19 with writers who mentor them in creative writing. Every year, plan on holding dozens of workshops, panel discussions and special events to help young writers get creative, get through high school and get to college!
Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly creative writing workshops, these adolescents are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional and highly skilled writers. Throughout the year we have Workshops and mentoring sessions that explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, play-writing, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.
Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly creative writing workshops, these adolescents are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional and highly skilled writers. Throughout the year we have Workshops and mentoring sessions that explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, play-writing, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.
Our Mission Statement
Rachel's Writers is a creative writing and mentoring organization that promotes creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills to empower adolescents from the ages of 13-19
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Rachel’s Writers is a creative writing and mentoring organization that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills to empower adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19.
Our goal is to provide teens with nurturing one-on-one relationships and community support, which in turn allows each of them to develop into their full potential, knowing the value and power of their voice, and capable of speaking out and sharing their stories and perspectives.
Rachel’s Writers does not charge any fees to participate in the program and we encourage any interested teen may apply. The application includes an interest survey, which will help us learn more about you so we can make a suitable match with an available mentor. All of our mentors undergo a rigorous screening procedure and training seminar prior to the matching process.
Once both parties agree to the match, a time is scheduled for an introductory meeting. A staff member of Rachel’s Writers will facilitate this introductory meeting including the mentor, teen, and parent/guardian. If anyone is uncertain, the parties are given time to consider the match further. If everyone agrees to move forward with the match, an agreement is completed and signed by all parties.
We encourage teens and mentors to meet at least twice per month and maintain weekly contact by phone or email. In addition to the one-on-one mentoring, Rachel’s Writers offers monthly creative writing workshops where participants are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional men and women writers. Workshops and mentoring sessions explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, playwriting, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.
Rachel’s Writers also holds public readings where teens read their creative writing at book festivals, writing conferences, and an end-of-year event for members, parents and guests. Each year, we publish anthologies that showcase the work of Rachel’s Writers teens and mentors. Just imagine your short story, poem, lyrics, or play being published and available for sale for all to read!
This is a simplified version of the process to help teens and their parents/guardians understand how the program works. If you have questions, please ask! We welcome questions from anyone interested in Rachel’s Writers.
WHY MENTORING?
We often hear the saying that children are our future. But what happens when children take the troubled path, succumbing to crime, drug addiction or self-destruction? If children are our future, isn’t it our responsibility to shape our future by shaping our youth? We can do that through mentorship.
Mentors may not be able to force a teen to make certain decisions, but mentors can share their worldviews, experiences, knowledge, support and advice, as well as provide a positive influence. By introducing them to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help adolescents avoid negative behaviors and achieve success. For example:
Rachel’s Writers works because it combines a comprehensive long-term program of mentoring with a rigorous, yet fun and engaging creative writing curriculum, embedded in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Rachel’s Writers is always looking for mentors! If you or someone you know is interested in mentoring, follow the volunteer application link or feel free to contact us with questions. Rachel’s Writers provides initial and ongoing training, a supportive environment, and recognition opportunities.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH RACHEL’S WRITERS
VOLUNTEER
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
RW Volunteers
BECOME A MENTOR
Write. Create. Mentor.
Apply your professional skills, explore your personal passions, and make a difference in a teen’s life. All you need are tenacious communication skills, a love of writing, and the willingness to show up. Rachel’s Writers needs both men and women from diverse backgrounds to mentor our teens.
Rachel’s Writers provides comprehensive training to all volunteers, preparing them to navigate the complicated and often challenging life circumstances that many teens face: poverty, mental health concerns, unstable home situations, neighborhood or family violence. We provide support for volunteers including: initial welcome training with curricula provided, in-service trainings, regular surveys, an annual recognition event, and an open-door policy for checking in on concerns.
Not only is mentorship beneficial for mentees, mentors gain from the experience. Mentors learn about themselves, enhance their resumes, improve interpersonal skills, develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of youth problems. Most importantly, mentors gain a sense of accomplishment by positively impacting the life of another person; the process of helping youth achieve their potential and discover their strengths is rewarding in itself. If we are able, we should pay it forward, and then in turn, mentored youth will pay it forward and mentor others. They can shape our future, all by us mentoring and shaping theirs.
HOW TO SUPPORT RACHEL’S WRITERS AND BRING THE PROGRAM TO YOUR SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY
Along the journey of adolescents to adulthood, there are few organizations that assist teens in mentorship, communication skills and confidence – Rachel’s Writers is one of them. We believe all teens can benefit from participating in our program, which is why Rachel’s Writers does not charge any fees. We depend on the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and mentors to sustain and grow the program. Without the help of our volunteers, who graciously donate their time and talents, Rachel’s Writers wouldn’t exist.
We want to help more teens in more counties in North Carolina, but we simply do not have the funds to expand. While we regularly apply for grants, this kind of funding is not consistent and extremely competitive. Rachel’s Writers depends on the generous donations from people in our community to carry out every aspect of our program. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference and we are grateful for your support.
How can I help?
There are several ways you can help Rachel’s Writers succeed in its mission to mentor adolescents through creative writing. Remember, any gift made to Rachel’s Writers is 100% tax deductible.
Rachel’s Writers also welcomes accepts in-kind donations. We are always in need of supplies, such as journals, pens, Sharpies, white boards, markers, file folders, printer paper, and lap tops. We also appreciate donations of food and drinks for our workshops and volunteer training seminars. Rachel’s Writers hosts at least one event a year to thank our mentors for their hard work and support, as well as recognize the accomplishments made by the teens in our program. We collect small items, such as gift cards or baskets, to present to our volunteers and participants at these events.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Your donation gives us the staff and resources we need to produce high-quality educational workshops and materials to inspire teens to succeed. It costs approximately $1,800 per teen each year to participate in the Rachel’s Writers mentoring program and creative writing workshops. These costs include mentor training, educational materials, community outreach activities, marketing, and more.
Rachel’s Writers is worthy of your investment, big or small. We need your help to keep Rachel’s Writers thriving. Your donation makes an immediate, measurable and lasting impact on the life of adolescents. You are helping teens write their way to positive futures.
Your Dollars at Work:
$25 provides writing workshop materials, including journals, for 3 teens
$50 provides comprehensive training manuals for 5 writing mentors
$100 provides presentation materials for one complete full-day workshop
$200 provides a nutritious lunch at a RW workshop for 20 participants
$500 supports the development and presentation of 2 full-day workshops
$1,000 provides a year’s worth of writing and teaching supplies for up to 100 teens
$2,500 provides substantial support for the annual publication and presentation of our work at a public reading
$5,000 helps sustain Rachel’s Writers as a powerful force for change in our community
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Rachel’s Writers is a creative writing and mentoring organization that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills to empower adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19.
Our goal is to provide teens with nurturing one-on-one relationships and community support, which in turn allows each of them to develop into their full potential, knowing the value and power of their voice, and capable of speaking out and sharing their stories and perspectives.
Rachel’s Writers does not charge any fees to participate in the program and we encourage any interested teen may apply. The application includes an interest survey, which will help us learn more about you so we can make a suitable match with an available mentor. All of our mentors undergo a rigorous screening procedure and training seminar prior to the matching process.
Once both parties agree to the match, a time is scheduled for an introductory meeting. A staff member of Rachel’s Writers will facilitate this introductory meeting including the mentor, teen, and parent/guardian. If anyone is uncertain, the parties are given time to consider the match further. If everyone agrees to move forward with the match, an agreement is completed and signed by all parties.
We encourage teens and mentors to meet at least twice per month and maintain weekly contact by phone or email. In addition to the one-on-one mentoring, Rachel’s Writers offers monthly creative writing workshops where participants are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional men and women writers. Workshops and mentoring sessions explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, playwriting, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.
Rachel’s Writers also holds public readings where teens read their creative writing at book festivals, writing conferences, and an end-of-year event for members, parents and guests. Each year, we publish anthologies that showcase the work of Rachel’s Writers teens and mentors. Just imagine your short story, poem, lyrics, or play being published and available for sale for all to read!
This is a simplified version of the process to help teens and their parents/guardians understand how the program works. If you have questions, please ask! We welcome questions from anyone interested in Rachel’s Writers.
WHY MENTORING?
We often hear the saying that children are our future. But what happens when children take the troubled path, succumbing to crime, drug addiction or self-destruction? If children are our future, isn’t it our responsibility to shape our future by shaping our youth? We can do that through mentorship.
Mentors may not be able to force a teen to make certain decisions, but mentors can share their worldviews, experiences, knowledge, support and advice, as well as provide a positive influence. By introducing them to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help adolescents avoid negative behaviors and achieve success. For example:
- 59 percent of mentored teenagers earn better grades.
- 27 percent of mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol.
- 52 percent of mentored youth are less likely to skip school.
- Teens with mentors have increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, increased social and emotional development, and improved self-esteem.
Rachel’s Writers works because it combines a comprehensive long-term program of mentoring with a rigorous, yet fun and engaging creative writing curriculum, embedded in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Rachel’s Writers is always looking for mentors! If you or someone you know is interested in mentoring, follow the volunteer application link or feel free to contact us with questions. Rachel’s Writers provides initial and ongoing training, a supportive environment, and recognition opportunities.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH RACHEL’S WRITERS
VOLUNTEER
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
RW Volunteers
- Work one-on-one with teens
- Plan and lead group workshops
- Develop curriculum and writing experiments
- Reach out to parents through our Mentee Communication Team
- Meet with their mentees weekly at places convenient to their mentees
- Assist with fundraising, public relations, event planning and more
- Guide teens to college through the Rachel’s Writers Education Support Team
- Review and edit submissions for Rachel’s Writers anthologies
- Help RW develop partnerships within the community
BECOME A MENTOR
Write. Create. Mentor.
Apply your professional skills, explore your personal passions, and make a difference in a teen’s life. All you need are tenacious communication skills, a love of writing, and the willingness to show up. Rachel’s Writers needs both men and women from diverse backgrounds to mentor our teens.
Rachel’s Writers provides comprehensive training to all volunteers, preparing them to navigate the complicated and often challenging life circumstances that many teens face: poverty, mental health concerns, unstable home situations, neighborhood or family violence. We provide support for volunteers including: initial welcome training with curricula provided, in-service trainings, regular surveys, an annual recognition event, and an open-door policy for checking in on concerns.
Not only is mentorship beneficial for mentees, mentors gain from the experience. Mentors learn about themselves, enhance their resumes, improve interpersonal skills, develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of youth problems. Most importantly, mentors gain a sense of accomplishment by positively impacting the life of another person; the process of helping youth achieve their potential and discover their strengths is rewarding in itself. If we are able, we should pay it forward, and then in turn, mentored youth will pay it forward and mentor others. They can shape our future, all by us mentoring and shaping theirs.
HOW TO SUPPORT RACHEL’S WRITERS AND BRING THE PROGRAM TO YOUR SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY
Along the journey of adolescents to adulthood, there are few organizations that assist teens in mentorship, communication skills and confidence – Rachel’s Writers is one of them. We believe all teens can benefit from participating in our program, which is why Rachel’s Writers does not charge any fees. We depend on the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and mentors to sustain and grow the program. Without the help of our volunteers, who graciously donate their time and talents, Rachel’s Writers wouldn’t exist.
We want to help more teens in more counties in North Carolina, but we simply do not have the funds to expand. While we regularly apply for grants, this kind of funding is not consistent and extremely competitive. Rachel’s Writers depends on the generous donations from people in our community to carry out every aspect of our program. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference and we are grateful for your support.
How can I help?
There are several ways you can help Rachel’s Writers succeed in its mission to mentor adolescents through creative writing. Remember, any gift made to Rachel’s Writers is 100% tax deductible.
- Donate by check or credit card through the PayPal link below
- Make a pledge through PayPal entering a certain dollar amount to donate each month. (This is an excellent way to maximize your gift to Rachel’s Writers, as you can give at a higher level making payments over 6 or 12 months until the donation is complete.)
- Many corporations offer a Matching Gift Program where they will match your donation dollar for dollar (usually up to a certain amount established by the company). We’ve provided a comprehensive list of companies offering matching gifts for your convenience. If your company is listed, simply ask the human relations department for a Matching Gifts Form, and you’ve doubled the donation to Rachel’s Writers!
- Make a gift in your teen’s honor to recognize his or her achievements or to encourage their participation in the program. We will send a personalized message to your teen, or any individual you’d like to honor, informing them that a donation was made to Rachel’s Writers especially in their honor. We will also list these special donations on our donor wall on the Rachel’s Writers web site (you can also choose keep the donation private or anonymous).
- A charitable gift annuity or trust is a long term vehicle for giving that benefits Rachel’s Writers AND the donor. Please contact us for more information if you are interested in pursuing a gift at this level.
- If you are a small business owner consider sponsoring a workshop, or a series of workshops, and Rachel’s Writers will promote your business on its web site, printed materials, and events. Your donation will not only help teens in your community, but help stretch your marketing/advertising budget as well.
Rachel’s Writers also welcomes accepts in-kind donations. We are always in need of supplies, such as journals, pens, Sharpies, white boards, markers, file folders, printer paper, and lap tops. We also appreciate donations of food and drinks for our workshops and volunteer training seminars. Rachel’s Writers hosts at least one event a year to thank our mentors for their hard work and support, as well as recognize the accomplishments made by the teens in our program. We collect small items, such as gift cards or baskets, to present to our volunteers and participants at these events.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Your donation gives us the staff and resources we need to produce high-quality educational workshops and materials to inspire teens to succeed. It costs approximately $1,800 per teen each year to participate in the Rachel’s Writers mentoring program and creative writing workshops. These costs include mentor training, educational materials, community outreach activities, marketing, and more.
Rachel’s Writers is worthy of your investment, big or small. We need your help to keep Rachel’s Writers thriving. Your donation makes an immediate, measurable and lasting impact on the life of adolescents. You are helping teens write their way to positive futures.
Your Dollars at Work:
$25 provides writing workshop materials, including journals, for 3 teens
$50 provides comprehensive training manuals for 5 writing mentors
$100 provides presentation materials for one complete full-day workshop
$200 provides a nutritious lunch at a RW workshop for 20 participants
$500 supports the development and presentation of 2 full-day workshops
$1,000 provides a year’s worth of writing and teaching supplies for up to 100 teens
$2,500 provides substantial support for the annual publication and presentation of our work at a public reading
$5,000 helps sustain Rachel’s Writers as a powerful force for change in our community