“THE FUNCTION OF FREEDOM IS TO FREE SOMEONE ELSE.”

The Writing Circle came about after I attended a similar event held by InsideOut Writers, an event that had a profound imprint on my psyche and precipitated the chain of events that led here.

InsideOut Writers mission is to reduce the LA juvenile recidivism rate by providing a creative writing classes, re-entry and case management support that evolves to meet the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated youth and young adults. Using creative writing as a catalyst for personal transformation, young people are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully re-integrate into our communities, becoming advocates for their future.

I was particularly struck by two things; first that in the US, the national recidivism rate is 75%, but for any individual that goes through the IOW program, the recidivism rate is only 10%. Their results prove that proper resources and a non-judgmental community of support can, and does, cause lasting change. 

And second, it costs an astounding US$233,600 per year to incarcerate one youth, while IOW services one youth at just US$2,272 per year.

Completely underfunded, I felt compelled to find a way to support them, but my reasons for doing so truly run deeper. My younger sister attended the first IOW circle with me and it was here that I witnessed her own catharsis; from one who had cancer to one who once had cancer. Her transformation inspired me to find a way to support IOW and thus proceeds will go to their organisation. Read more about my personal experience < here >

THE WRITING CIRCLE PROMISES 4 THINGS

FLOW

Learn how to tap into your creative energy, access your subconscious and effortlessly channel your thoughts and feelings onto the page, discovering your voice through written expression.

GROW

You will be prompted to confront that first ‘gasp’ of resistance - the doubt about what you might or might not have to say or if you can even put pen to paper. It is in that moment of discomfort, that we transform through the friction of going against our nature. We find growth in our expanded capacity to express ourselves.

DISCOVER

judgmental space. It isn’t about the words that come from your mind or your mouth. It is about the words that flow from your subconscious, streaming down your arm out onto the page, revealing ideas that cannot be articulated by our minds, clarity that we couldn’t grasp in our thoughts, and even truths we were not aware of, or willing to ever say out loud. You will surprise yourself.

COMMUNITY

By partaking you will support the freedom of incarcerated youths, and join a community of like-minded, conscious, caring people.

I TO ILLNESS. WE TO WELLNESS. UNITY TO COMMUNITY.

My vision is to create the first writing circle, which, like a stone in a pond will enable others to form. I will my share the monthly format with those called to hold this space, and they will create a writing circle of their own. Words will be voluntarily published, or anonymously posted on The Writing Circle diaries so you can break through the fear of others reading your work and so that others may be inspired to join. To honour of the lineage of this idea, we will continue to support IOW and help to heal adolescents who deserve all that their freedom has to offer them.