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In the first class, we'll consider leadership strategies from influential activists such as Margaret Wheatley, Joanna Macy, Nina Simons and Adrienne Maree Brown. Together, we’ll explore effective ways to put your unique skills and experiences to work for the well-being of the communities you care about and the planet as a whole.

To inspire others, you must get their attention with a gripping story that galvanizes them to action. We'll consider different genres and stylistic approaches to activist writing, drawing on work by successful writer-activists such as Audre Lorde, Eve Ensler (now known as V) and Terry Tempest Williams. You'll reach deep into your own heart as you begin to draft the story only you can tell about the issues you care about most.

In this workshop session, you'll learn key techniques of oral storytelling as you transform your activist essay into a persuasive talk. You'll be inspired by talented writer-activists such as Wangari Maathai, Amanda Gorman and Greta Thunberg and draw on the collective wisdom of the group as you work individually and collaboratively to craft a lively speech that will open hearts and move your audience to action.

In our final session, you'll rehearse and present your speech to the group, leaving with a recorded talk to share and a toolkit of skills and tactics for leading a movement for transformational change. The pathbreaking work of writer-activists such as Bill McKibben, Eve Ensler (V) and U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo will offer strategies for bringing your vision strongly and meaningfully out into the world.