Writing clinics

The Progressive Media Project conducts one-day op-ed writing clinics for participating writers and foundation grantees. The workshops explain the role of op-eds in policymaking and provide tips on how to write an op-ed, including hands-on practice and individual tutorials. The Project also regularly presents shorter op-ed writing workshops at conferences.

The clinics have proven extremely popular with participants, who overwhelmingly evaluate them favorably and leave excited to write op-eds.

After each clinic, we work with participants to get their op-eds written and successfully placed in their hometown newspapers or through our service. We continue to provide past clinic participants with technical assistance. In 2006, clinic attendees from the Center for Public Policy Priorities and Center for Community Change successfully placed op-eds in their local papers. We also provided editing assistance to other organizations, including the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

“[I] learned a tremendous amount! Everything was so clearly presented in a most useful manner. Also good to know I can abandon my 7th grade teacher’s rule on [not starting sentences with] ‘and’and ‘but.’ I’m eager to work on more op-eds and letters to the editor and help others in our organization!”

“I am now more inspired and determined to convert my pedantic writings into punchy, short op-eds,thanks to this fun, well-organized workshop. Thank you for inviting me. I promise to apply what I’ve learned and avoid tempting clichés.” “This was a hands-on training (which is rare) and really gave me exactly what I needed. I am actually leaving a training knowing twice as much about op-ed writing. It exceeded my expectations.”

“I feel inspired, equipped, and unleashed!”

2006 Participating Organizations Include:

ACCESS/National Network for Arab American Communities
ActionAid International USA
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Border Network for Human Rights
Center for Community Change
The Center for HIV Law and Policy
Center for Public Policy Priorities
Gays in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.)
Housing Works, Inc.
Institute for Community Peace
Katrina Information Network
Liberty Education Forum
Mautner Project, The National Lesbian Health Organization
Miami Workers Center
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
National Association of Latino Elected and
Appointed Officials
National Black Justice Coalition
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
Public/Private Ventures
Southern Echo
Southern Education Foundation
Union of Concerned Scientists
Women's Sports Foundation