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Pongo Goals

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Pongo Publishing Teen Writing Project supports self-expression by distressed teens and publishes their written work, for three purposes: First, to help the teens understand their feelings, build their self-esteem, and take better control of their lives. Second, to help the community understand the familial and social conditions that affect these youths. Third, to help established charities and agencies whose work benefits these young people.

A FEW BENEFITS OF THE TEEN WRITING PROJECT:

• Teens learn to see themselves as people who have had difficult experiences - gaining a perspective beyond the hurt, depression, and sense of responsibility they feel
• Teens feel listened to
• Teens feel proud of their work and of the possibility of publication
• Teens enjoy the writing process even when they write about sad and traumatic events
• Teens exercise insight and sensitivity
• Teens understand, support, and are respectful of the mission to foster community understanding of teens
• Teens learn and use language skills and editorial judgement

A FEW FEATURES OF THE TEEN WRITING PROJECT:

• The prospect of publication for teens
• The opportunity for teens to read other teens' writing about personal experiences
• A welcoming and appreciative attitude toward teens' writing, choosing appropriate times and individuals for critique
• A clear statement that teens are encouraged to write from the heart about who they are, and that a purpose of the writing project is to foster understanding within the community toward teens
• A flexible approach that welcomes independent effort but that provides ideas, interviews, and collaborative input as necessary to facilitate the creative process
• A willingness to take dictation often, converting spoken words to written content
• An emphasis on honesty and a de-emphasis of spelling, grammar, censorship
• A skilled effort to produce writing in every session
• A sensitivity to the points at which teens need to hold back, a willingness to follow up with individuals about their feelings after they write
• An ability to provide teens with nice copies of their work to keep, read, and share
• A focus on teen' written work and not on counseling or easy answers to problems
• A belief in the value of listening and compassion