I got a lot of writing encouragement when I was young. Being given a lovely little cloisonné pin that said “Best Writer” in my Catholic grammar school at age 12 might have been my writing Olympus. [Note: never let nuns pin anything on you.] Without encouragement, a writing seed might never sprout, and perhaps an Alice Munro would have become an accountant instead.
So, with trumpeting fanfare (turn up your speakers), I encourage you to contribute to the 50-for-50 program! Here’s what it’s about: WriteGirl is an organization “for high school girls centered on the craft of creative writing and empowerment through self-expression. Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly workshops, girls are given techniques, insights and hot tips for great writing in all genres from professional women writers.”
That’s a very good thing. Even better is that Colleen Wainwright, who is spearheading (ouch) the 50-for-50 fundraising, has promised to shave her happy head should the fundraising reach its $50,000 goal, which will happen on her 50th birthday. Go to the 50-for-50 site to see her hilarious video on the subject.
If you contribute, you can receive lovely gifts too—I got a download of TextExpander, which is a nifty piece of Mac software. So lay out a little dough for a great cause, and push Colleen a little closer to air-conditioning her head. There is less than two weeks left!
I’m all for it. The most influential teacher of my lifetime was my English/writing teacher in high school. And if you link your Ralph’s Rewards Card to WriteGirl (as I just did), Ralph’s makes a donation with each purchase.
Thanks! And apologies for just getting here now—your lovely comment pointing here got trapped by the spam sentries.
We are SO CLOSE it’s crazy, and it’s all b/c of the tremendous support of the community. So thanks, community! 🙂
Annie, I had an English teacher in high school, Mrs. Brown, who opened my eyes (and my paper) to a wider sense of what writing could be.
Good stuff that you’re working with Ralph to help WriteGirl (though I’m not certain I approve of that Ralph guy. Does he come from a good family?)
Colleen, thanks for stopping by. You have done tremendous work with this project, and I think you’re going to make it. Better start shopping for hats to cover that soon-to-be-shiny head!
Annie, thanks for the tip about linking a Ralph’s card to WriteGirl! Brilliant! I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner. xoxo
Donna, you’re involved with this Ralph guy too? Sheesh, the guy’s obviously a player. Oh well, if he’s into WriteGirl too, he must be OK.