R/W
Writing Fluency & Resiliency for Teens
FAQ
What is Reader/Writer? A nonprofit initiative that pairs public school adolescents with writing-proficient adults, each who serves as a real-life audience for one or two students in a writing exchange conducted through the mail.
How does it work? Short personal essays written by youth in English classes are mailed two-three times a month during the school year to volunteers who read, comment on, and return writings in provided self-addressed stamped envelopes to participating school sites.
Why does it work? Nothing motivates adolescents to write more than having someone on the other end fully receive what they say. The more they write, the more they develop their skills and voice and discover the power of expressing through writing.
Who participates? Last school year 149 volunteers read almost 3,000 essays for about 250 middle and high school students. Readers come from several professions, many from law.
What’s the benefit? Youth improve crucial writing skills and vastly increase their fluency; Readers enjoy engaging with and supporting youth…right from their own desk.
How much time does it take? Most readers say they spend about one hour a week on R/W, which works out to be about 15-20 hours a year.
What are the student writers like? Students generally are highly relational, engage eagerly with readers and share freely about their lives. Many need much practice in writing, especially immigrant students who make up about a third of all writers.
Is there orientation? A short session at your work site (or a local coffee shop) is recommended for understanding student needs and how to respond effectively. However, many Readers orient themselves with materials received through email and on the website.
For more information please contact Lia at liavenchi@readerwriter.org or visit the website at readerwriter.org.