“To Wander with Words” is a new and developing group at VOX, in partnership with Charis Books & More/Charis Circle, lead by teens for teens. Being that effective expression is a necessary and critical tool to the development of the young mind, we want to provide a group that can lead teens in the right direction toward their future. In this group we want to help teens understand that writing can be a fun journey and not just an assigned task for school.

The topics are chosen by the teens themselves and are executed in a structured manner with the help of our peer leaders and adult curators. The focus of the group is to help teens develop their creative nonfiction writing for a variety of platforms using the tools of grammar, creativity and individuality. Writing can range from news to stories and even college admission or scholarship essays.

This group will demonstrate to teens that writing can be exciting, effective and executed properly. In this amazing group, name “To Wander with Words” by its founding participants, we are devoted to exercising extraordinary minds through writing, because writing provides a platform and identity for teens who are pioneering the future they will one day lead.

The free writing group is open to Atlanta-area teens (13 to 19 years old). Monthly meetings, co-facilitated by teen participants and Nicki Salcedo, a beloved Charis volunteer (pictured above), are held at VOX for teens who sign up in advance. The next session will be Tuesday, Sept. 27. For more information or to sign up, contact Susan.

Ayanna (pictured second from left) is a student at SCAD.