Published: June 22, 2020
The OpEd Project

Stock photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Is your voice underrepresented in public conversation? If so, you’re encouraged to apply for a spot in “Write to Change the World,” a workshop created by the OpEd Project and brought to campus by the College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI).

“The OpEd Project was founded to increase the range of perspectives and quality of ideas in the media,” said CMCI’s Founding Dean Lori Bergen. “We’re partnering with them to elevate the research, voices and influence of CU Boulder scholars of color and other groups who are underrepresented in thought leadership.”

The workshop will take place online over one and a half days, which includes a full-day session on Tues., July 21, followed by a morning half-day on Thurs., July 23.

Participants will be asked to write a quick first draft of a commentary, op-ed or public facing essay, of about 500-800 words, between the first and second sessions of the workshop. 

Up to 22 CU Boulder scholars will be accepted to the program. Participants’ registration fees of $650 will be covered by CMCI, in partnership with CU Boulder’s Leadership Education for Advancement and Promotion (LEAP); the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (ODECE); the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA)'s Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Grant; and the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA).

The workshop challenges dominant ideas of credibility and expertise, shares the tools of powerful public argument, and empowers participants to frame their knowledge and research to create large-scale social and cultural impact. Participants will emerge with drafts of public-facing articles and commentary, concrete strategies for pitching and placing these in the media and other forums of influence, and up to three months of one-on-one mentoring to assist in completing a polished piece.

A short application is required and must be completed by July 6 at midnight.

As required by the OpEd Project, preference will be given to participants with more robust trajectories of research expertise, specifically faculty, post docs, and advanced graduate students of color. At least half of workshop participants must identify as women (cis, trans, etc.). Scholars from other communities underrepresented in public conversation are also welcome to apply.

For questions, contact Christine Larson, assistant professor of journalism.