The Chicago-based nonprofit, Stories Matter Foundation, is excited to introduce the Write Where You Are writing fellowship. This inaugural program offers a distinctive three-month mentorship and educational experience at no cost to selected participants.

This fellowship is designed to uplift and empower diverse voices throughout Chicago. It features a variety of classes, including creative writing, poetry, nonfiction storytelling, and improvisation, in collaboration with the Lookingglass Theatre Company. Each fellowship, valued at $2,750, is fully funded by the Stories Matter Foundation, allowing participants to benefit from this opportunity without financial burden.

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The instruction for Write Where You Are is spearheaded by Dionna Griffin-Irons, the former director of talent and inclusion at The Second City. She is joined by a talented team of esteemed authors and educators from StoryStudio Chicago, as well as Lookingglass Ensemble Members J. Nicole Brooks and Anthony Irons.

Applications for the Write Where You Are fellowship are currently open and will be accepted until January 30. Interested individuals can find further details and submit their applications by visiting storystudiochicago.org/write-where-you-are-writing-fellowship.

For its inaugural cohort, Stories Matter Foundation will grant 12 fellowships, with classes set to commence in early March. This initiative not only supports emerging writers but also fosters a sense of community and creative confidence among participants.

Jill Pollack, founder and board chair of StoryStudio Chicago and Stories Matter Foundation, emphasizes the program’s mission: “This new fellowship program gives those who may not think of themselves as writers but who have important stories to get out into the world the opportunity to learn in community, gain skills and creative confidence, and know they are ready to make a positive impact by using their voice.” She adds, “We are committed to doing what we can to combat racism and stand alongside those who are fighting for social justice for themselves and their communities.”

The Write Where You Are writing fellowship will support a distinguished cohort of writers representing Chicago’s multicultural neighborhoods. The program aims to amplify underrepresented voices across the city, including writers who identify as BIPOC, ALAANA, and/or LGBTQ+.

“As a performer and instructor, I’ve always been interested in deepening community voices and showing transformation on the page and the stage-it’s how we heal and build empathy,” says Griffin-Irons. “I’m delighted to join Stories Matters Foundation to support and expand its inclusion efforts, as we create opportunities for new voices and empower others to own their story and tell their truth.”

Griffin-Irons is also a teaching artist for the Chicago Stories Project, the community programming arm of Stories Matter Foundation, which works to amplify voices from underserved communities across Chicagoland through free classes, library partnerships, scholarships and more. The new Write Where You Are writing fellowship program is an expansion of this work.