About Our Nonprofit Organization Capitol City Young Writers is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating and mentoring junior high and high school writers as well as avid readers. Our goal is to educate today's youth on the art and business of writing, so as to encourage and support their future career aspirations in the writing industry. Students are exposed to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, screenplay, broadcast radio, songwriting, and many other forms of creative writing to show the diversity of careers available to them.
Currently, membership to Capitol City Young Writers is free for youth (up to and including high school), educators, librarians or any other individual belonging to an organization that is directly involved with the education of today's youth. Members who are a senior in high school can remain a member for one year after graduation.
Membership benefits include:
Attendance and participation at any of our events or in any of our youth programs held in local communities and receipt of all communications and newsletters, as well as reduced rates for published books or periodicals produced by students. Capitol City Young Writers is a new and developing program which will continue to grow and expand, although we depend upon grant money and donations for the implementation of every program. Listed below are descriptions of programs currently in development and available. All new programs or events will be listed on the website and members will be updated via email.
Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops:
Currently, meetings take place in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Meetings are being professionally taped and when we receive funding, we will be able to edit and offer these workshops online to members.
We currently offer a N CA conference, but we are in the beginning stages of offering members a S CA conference.
At this time, events are only open to members in grades 6-12. In the future as the organization grows, workshops will be offerred to younger members. Younger members can still benefit from other services we offer such as the newsletter and blog, and eventually the taped meetings.
Summer conferences and workshop series will be offered at a minimal cost.
Literary Journal:
Members are able to apply to become an annual editor to the CCYW Youth Literary Journal. For those students who are writers, the opportunity to act as an editor will improve their own ability to write. Each editor will be mentored and trained by CCYW board members and professional volunteers in editing, evaluating character, plot, scene, etc., in critical reading and criticism, and in critical thinking skills. For those students who are avid readers, but not inclined to write themselves, this will provide an excellent opportunity to learn the job of an editor, which does not necessarily require the desire to write. These positions create the opportunity to develop leadership skills as well as skills necessary in the real world. There will be an experienced adult in the field of editing who will supervise and provide guidance in this project. The CCYW Youth Literary Journal will be published either in print or online form every year.
Youth Advisory Board:
Youth advisory board members serve under the board of directors. Students are responsible for researching and updating the blog for current writing contests, writing book reviews, providing a resource of CCYW members, and taking part in the decision making process as to courses offered in conferences and workshops. Youth advisors will also help decide which authors and professionals to invite to regular meetings. Advisors will undergo leadership and communication training as part of their voluntary service. If there is an opportunity for press interviews or photo opportunities, youth advisors will have the option to act as youth spokespersons for the organization, and write press releases and release blogs and other communications in youth social networks. This is an excellent opportunity for members to develop leadership skills and work as a team. Term is for one year and board members do not need to live locally in California. Board meetings take place 2-3 times per year and several board members are in attendance through a conference call. Open board positions will be filled each summer. If you are interested in applying to become a board member, please use the same application process listed under scholarships and send to verna@capitolcityyoungwriters.org.
Master Mentor Program:
Select members will be invited to participate in the Master Mentor Program. CCYW offers a diverse and distinctive group of published authors and professional writers to work directly with young writers in the Master Mentor Program. This program will match experts with members who have shown exceptional talent and dedication to the art and craft of writing in a diverse group of fields from fiction, journalism, screenwriting and more. The objective is to foster creative talents and develop professional skills. Invitation to this advanced mentoring program is by application and invitation only. Acceptance into this program and/or working with a published author is not a promise of representation or publication. This program is offered only to provide guidance and education. Visit the Master Mentor page for additional details.
Internship Programs:
Our “Day in the Life” internship program provides high school students the opportunity to explore various careers in the literary world without a long term commitment to either the sponsor or the member.These internships offer a glimpse that will provide insight into the realities of specific careers and the daily duties that accompany them.One day can make a lifetime impression for youth who are struggling with career choices, the college application process and choosing a major. These opportunities will provide an important, yet unique perspective they would not have otherwise had, providing the direction and guidance youth require. Visit the Internship page for additional details.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Several scholarships to writers' conferences are available to members each year in a variety of states. Members must be in high school in order to be selected for these opportunities. This is a great opportunity to meet published authors, editors, agents and other professionals in the industry and learn from the experts. Visit the Scholarship page for additional details.
Sponsors
Capitol City Young Writers will rely primarily on the generous support of individuals and public and private organizations. Sponsorship opportunities for annual events and specific programs are available, such as sponsoring the meeting location facilities, book acquisition expenses, website, conference events and training programs, our annual anthology, online training modules, or our newsletter – Whether it is a $25 annual sponsorship or a one time contribution of $100, 100% of your contributions go toward serving the youth and delivering programs. Sponsors will have the same access to programs and services as regular members and will receive regular updates about success and new growth opportunity.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO EDUCATORS
You are the gateway to our youth, to young, creative voices in our communities. We hope you will join, encourage your students to join, and consider getting actively involved. We are always looking for your expertise in program and curriculum development, at events, or as mentors.
