Writing   

Class Overview

Are you interested in learning how to write a book but need more information and support to get it done and make it a success? Learn the art of publishing your own book, from writing, to editing, design and final publication. This class will include two parts. In Part 1, focus on writing your book and consider all of the questions needed to create excellent content. What is the story you want to tell and how do you tell it? Who is your audience and how do you approach your audience and readers?
 
Learn about storytelling, refining your topics, the editing process, and all of the steps and considerations for writing your book. How do you want the final product to look and feel when it is complete and being held and read? Consider the visual aspects of your book, including layout, illustration, design and your book's cover.
 
In part two, work towards final publication, including choosing a publishing house, book promotion and online retail selling. You can publish your book in your native language, whether it is English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi, Farsi and Amharic. Instructor Georgetta Gancarz, explains, "I want students to express themselves in their identity and culture. For me as an artist, freedom of self-expression, including cultural, is necessary to be true and creative."  She has written and published 20 books to date, and also teaches multiple art classes for Continuing Education.

What You Will Need

Students must have access to a laptop or computer and internet access for this class. You will need to install some free writing programs on your device.  

Learning Objectives

• Understand the steps needed to write a book
• Gain skills in thinking about your audience and future readers
• Acquire knowledge in executing your book, including topics such as: storyline, creating chapters, choosing a title, referencing and documenting sources, and editing
• Gain knowledge in creating the visual aspect of a book, including design, layout, illustrations

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in publishing a book.
   

Class Overview

The world of grant seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the skills to become a successful grant writer either as the head of an organization, program manager, or as a fund developer. Learn a series of key skills related to project design, development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting as an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within the eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

***FREE INFO SESSION on Tuesday, 9/27; 6-7pm***

Interested in this field but would like to know more? Come to a free online information session. Ask questions and meet the instructor!

REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

Class Overview

The world of grant seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the skills to become a successful grant writer either as the head of an organization, program manager, or as a fund developer. Learn a series of key skills related to project design, development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting as an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within the eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

***FREE INFO SESSION on Tuesday, 9/27; 6-7pm***

Interested in this field but would like to know more? Come to a free online information session. Ask questions and meet the instructor!

REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

Class Overview

Start telling your life story! In this class, gain the support and motivation to get started, and continue to move forward, writing the story of your life. 

From ideas to notes, to messy first drafts and the final polish, we'll cover the basics of writing. Learn how to find and develop your own unique voice, and how to discover your story through writing. Explore the tools of the trade, some of which memoirists borrow from fiction writers, others from journalists, and still others from poets.

This class will provide you with time and focus for writing together in class. You will also be expected to write between classes, in order to develop your practice, although there will be no fixed amount of writing required. Sharing will be encouraged, but is always optional. Learn and practice the art of giving and receiving supportive, insightful feedback.

There will be handouts and/or reading suggestions offered in class.

Learning Objectives

• Overcome fears about writing and get started
• Find your voice and learn to write comfortably and confidently as yourself
• Discover your story through writing
• Learn to treat your writing seriously and with respect
• Think, observe, interview and read as a writer
• Become comfortable sharing your writing with others

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• This class is for anyone who wants to write about their lives
• Open to writers at all levels
• No experience is needed; everyone is welcome!

Class Overview

Would you like to write a compelling memoir, essay, or travel article that will fully engage your readers? Learn the art and science of writing creative non-fiction. 

In this class discover how to incorporate elements of fiction into your non-fiction to create a dynamic narrative. Explore how to navigate passages of writing a memoir that might be especially grueling, how to approach an essay from different slants, and how you can write a travel story that will lead readers to pack their bags and go.

Elevate your writing in this fun, supportive, and encouraging class.

Suggested Materials

• No Text is required. However, some books which will be helpful include:
• Philip Lopate's The Art of Personal Essay
• Tristine Rainiers' Your Life as Story
• An article in NY Book Editors, “Tips for Writing a Travel Memoir” 

Learning Objectives

• Understand the meaning of effective creative non-fiction 
• Ability to write creative non-fiction well
• Obtain tools to overcome obstacles such as “writers block” in order to complete your project

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who wants to learn the how to write engaging non-fiction essays, travel pieces, or memoirs
• Writers who would benefit from new approaches, ideas and inspiration