Mary Simmerling and Meadow Jones facilitate Power of Story: Survivors’ Voices, a writing workshop for survivors of sexual violence on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM via Zoom.
In Summary
- Safe space to write, share, and heal in community
- Uses the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method
- Cost: $20 (scholarships available – email writewherewebelong@gmail.com)
- New participants: Required pre-workshop Zoom meeting with facilitators
What it is & who it’s for
This is part of AWA’s Power of Story initiative—a series of writing workshops designed to create safe, creative spaces for people whose voices are often marginalized or overlooked, such as survivors of sexual violence. In this particular session, the focus is on Survivors’ Voices, inviting survivors to reclaim and express their personal stories through writing in a trauma-informed community.
Facilitators
The session is facilitated by Mary Simmerling, alongside Meadow Jones, both of whom are trained in the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method. They guide participants through reflective prompts and lead group feedback, ensuring a supportive, affirming environment.
When & how
- 📅 Date & time: Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5:30–7:30 pm ET
- 🧭 Format: Virtual (Zoom) two-hour session.
- 💲 Cost: $20 per session, with bursaries available; capped at 16 participants.
How it works
Participants gather on Zoom. The session begins with a generative writing prompt to spark self-expressive writing. After around 60 minutes of writing, those who choose to share read aloud, while the group offers strength-based feedback, focusing on how the writing moves them rather than critiquing grammar or style.
- Healing through expression: Research, including work by James Pennebaker and Bessel van der Kolk, shows that expressive writing helps trauma survivors gain clarity, process deep emotions, and reclaim agency.
- Communal support: Being part of a writing community diminishes isolation, fosters belonging, and reinforces that one is not defined by trauma.
- Amplifying voices: Writing produced in these sessions is often selected for publication. AWA has published two anthologies featuring work from survivors: We’ve Been Put Through Fire & Come Out Divine and We’ve Got Some Things to Say, highlighting the transformative, boundary-shifting power of these narratives.
What to expect
Expect a trauma-informed, non‑judgmental, and creatively nurturing atmosphere, whether you consider yourself a writer or not. Participants leave with a piece of writing shaped by personal voice, a sense of shared humanity, and emotional release. The group dynamic is crafted to encourage genuine connection, deep listening, and empathetic feedback.
Register: Amherst Writers & Artists Website.
