The Chicago-based nonprofit, Stories Matter Foundation, is thrilled to unveil its first-ever Write Where You Are writing fellowship. This innovative, three-month program offers mentorship and education at no cost to those who are chosen to participate.

This fellowship is designed to nurture and elevate 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 is valued at $2,750 and is fully funded by the Stories Matter Foundation.

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Under the guidance of Dionna Griffin-Irons, the former director of talent and inclusion at The Second City, participants will learn from esteemed authors and instructors from StoryStudio Chicago. Additionally, Lookingglass Ensemble Members J. Nicole Brooks and Anthony Irons will contribute their expertise to the program.

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

The foundation plans to award 12 fellowships for the inaugural cohort, with classes commencing in early March.

“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,” says Jill Pollack, founder and board chair of StoryStudio Chicago and Stories Matter Foundation. “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.