Write Chicago Teen Workshop by Urban Shake

Next Sunday, January 5th, Urban Shake will host Write Chicago, a “sicker than your average” writing workshop for teens in my hometown of Chicago!  I would have loved to attend a fun writing event like this when I was a teen.  I’m my thirties and still trying to learn how to write.  Write Chicago is a FREE event!  Perfect place for teens to explore creative writing for self-expression in music, mass media and more.

Here are the facts that birthed Write Chicago:
• Teens are not good at using social behavior and abstract thought skills yet so many view conflict as a type of self-expression and may have trouble focusing on an abstract idea or understanding another’s point of view.

• In adolescence, the frontal lobe of the brain, which aids in decision-making, is not even fully developed, causing teens to make impulsive decisions. And with 44% of teens saying that they can get guns if they want to, it’s no wonder that in 2013, 30% of homicide victims in Chicago have been between the ages of 13 and 19.

• Between the ages of 11 and 19, the brain makes huge leaps in development. Teens are still in a developmental period that will affect the rest of their life.  Their experiences at this age will shape them later, mostly following a “use it or lose it” strategy.

• Teens are dealing with a huge amount of social, emotional and cognitive flux and have underdeveloped abilities to cope. They need us – with the more stable adult brain – to help them by staying calm, listening, and being good role models.

Editor in Chief of Urban Shake, Arionne Nettles, says she feels that it is our duty, as adults and role models, to help teens find alternative forms of expression and to cultivate their innate talents and interests.  If you have a teen or know a teen please pass this on!  They will gain some valuable and possibly life changing knowledge.  In addition to great gifts for attending Write Chicago, there will be a giveaway for a Google Nexus Tablet to one lucky teen!  For more info and to sign up for this free event, click HERE! Space is limited so sign up asap!

If you would like to support this event please email [email protected]. Thank you!