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 a past workshop to learn more.

The Public Writing Workshop is open to graduate students & post-docs from all disciplines, but spots are limited. Check back in late Fall 2023 to apply for the Winter 2024 workshop.

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.