Public Writing Workshop

Curious how your research can be communicated to the public? Have an op-ed in mind? Want to get published in a popular media outlet but not sure how? Join the Center for Civic Engagement’s virtual Public Writing Workshop for PhD students and post-docs!

Over the course of three sessions, participants are guided through the process of assembling, revising, and pitching a piece of public writing. The workshop taps the expertise of writers, reporters, and media specialists who offer advice on communicating to general audiences, writing a great hook, pitching editors, and building a professional network. You’ll also receive individualized feedback on your drafts from peers & experts.

The Public Writing Workshop typically takes place in Winter Quarter, via Zoom. Check out an outline of the 2025 workshop to learn more.

The Public Writing Workshop is open to graduate students & post-docs from all disciplines, but spots are limited—so register today!

Workshop participants have published in multiple venues. Here’s a selection of their work:

• Shannon Paige Clark, “‘Parents are not allowed in the classroom.’ Here’s why that’s a problem.” 3/1/2024, Chalkbeat.
• Nia Burrell, “Young Researchers of Color Need Better Mentors,” 12/18/2023, Scientific American.
• Andrene Wright, “Black motherhood shapes leadership in unique ways,” 05/07/2022, Washington Post.
• Mikala Stokes, “The 1893 World’s Fair excluded Black people and their history. Lessons from this mission persist,” 02/08/22, Chicago Tribune.
• Allison Hauser, “Behind the scenes with a counselor-in-training,” 06/02/22, Counseling Today.
• Carolyn Ramirez, “Renewable Energy Technology is Not Fully Helping the Communities That Need it Most,” 02/25/21, The Equation.
• Claire Arnold, “What My Dissertation Research Taught Me about Social Distancing,” 05/04/21, Perspectives on History.
• Emiliano Aguilar, “East Chicago’s Legacy of Corruption,” 7/17/2020, Belt Magazine.
• Rebekah Bryer, “Yes, D.C.’s Emancipation Memorial advances white supremacy,” 06/25/2020, Washington Post.

For more information contact Ruth Martin Curry.