The Artist as Advocate: Writing to Change Our World - Áine Greaney

  • Tuesday, February 09, 2021
  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Digital Village

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90-Minute Workshop


The Artist as Advocate: Writing to Change Our World
Áine Greaney


  • It’s been said that art and politics don’t mix. Yet, all of us can remember (or recite) a piece of writing that changed our world view or understanding.  In this seminar, we will examine the role of the writer as advocate.  We will discuss if, why and how writers can or must join the movement for social change or equity in our world. Slides will be available for three business days after the live seminar. 

    Projected Learning Outcomes. Participants will …

  1. Share their own stories of literature or writers or theater that/who changed their personal world view
  2. Discuss and share experiences when they wrote or performed advocacy or opinion-style pieces
  3. Learn how to weave data or research into first-person writing in a way that informs our readers while keeping them engaged in the story
  4. Suggestions for non-creative outlets (opinion writing) in which to advocate for social justice and equity 
  5. 3 short, optional group writing exercises


Áine Greaney is an Irish-born author who now lives in Massachusetts. In addition to her five books, her essays and stories have appeared in Creative Nonfiction, NPR/WBUR, The Boston Globe Magazine, The New York Times, Salon, Litro, The Wisdom Daily and other outlets. Her most recent book, GREEN CARD & OTHER ESSAYS was published in 2019 and is available in print and digital (Kindle) formats.

Greaney’s awards and shortlists include a citation in “Best American Essays” and a Pushcart Prize nomination.  Her novel, DANCE LESSONS was chosen as a great group read by the Women’s National Book Association.

Áine has led creative and expressive writing workshops at various venues, colleges and conferences, including the Writers Digest Conference, Emerson College, The Cape Cod Writers Conference and The Examined Life Conference.

She currently teaches at the Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop and the Narrative Medicine Certificate Program at Baypath University.

She’s a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild.

Her website is at www.ainegreaney.com.