Story Studio Writing Society
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Mission Statement
Story Studio is an award-winning charity that inspires, educates and empowers youth to be great storytellers, transforming lives and strengthening communities.
About This Cause
[ Our Big Idea ] If a child picks up a musical instrument at an early age, there’s often a clear path for them: from beginner lessons to youth orchestras to the biggest stages. The same can be true for young athletes, who are supported through leagues, coaching, and scholarships. But it’s not always the same for young creatives. When a child shows a passion for creative writing and storytelling, they’re often without guidance, mentors, or a community to grow their talent. Regardless of barriers, we believe that all youth should feel empowered to tell their stories. Why? Because research shows that the process of creating and sharing stories yields a range of benefits, to the individual and society: improved literacy, better mental wellness, greater social connections. At Story Studio, we are building the essential infrastructure—the workshops, the mentorship, the community—that helps young writers find their voice and become confident, creative communicators for life. [ Our Core Programs ] We run programs from pre-school to high school. Early Years (Ages 0-5): Nurturing pre-literacy skills and supporting caregivers. Elementary (Ages 6-11): Providing free/subsidized in-class writing workshops to under-resourced schools. In the last year, we partnered with over 30 classrooms in the Capital Regional District. Teen (Ages 12-18): Offering online and in-person courses and a vibrant writing community for the next generation of authors. Resources for Adults: Equipping educators and caregivers with the tools to support young writers. [ Our Impact ] Since 2011, we have empowered over 12,000 young storytellers and have been recognized with two provincial awards for our innovative approach. Last year alone, we reached 1,228 youth—a 60% increase in our impact. We have seen firsthand the powerful impact of our programs. As one parent shared, “Story Studio has given [our daughter] a warm and beautiful community of passionate young writers and mentors.” Another wrote, “We so appreciate having had this lifeline of creativity during the pandemic.” These experiences have reinforced our belief in the importance of accessible, high-quality writing programs for youth. [ Our Big Plans ] However, despite the clear benefits of creative writing, support for young writers remains limited. While schools often prioritize STEM and traditional literacy skills, opportunities for imaginative, student-led creative writing opportunities are scarce—especially in under-resourced communities. Yet, creative writing is a proven tool for improving literacy, communication skills, and mental wellness. Studies have shown that engaging in storytelling helps young people develop empathy, problem-solving abilities, and resilience, while also providing a critical outlet for self-expression. Educators, particularly in public schools and afterschool programs, have repeatedly told us that they lack the time and resources to support young writers effectively. Many have asked for a “writer’s club in a box”—a simple, engaging, and structured way to encourage storytelling in their classrooms and communities on an ongoing basis. [ The Circle of Writers: Meeting the Need ] The Circle of Writers is our response to this demand. We will create an innovative online platform for educators, libraries, and community organizations, filled with: - Ready-to-use writing resources (lesson plans, prompts, and activities). - Pre-recorded guest author talks to inspire students. - Opportunities for young writers to submit their work for competitions and anthologies. As a one-to-many / remote solution, the Circle of Writers will help us build and support a network of young creatives across our region, across British Columbia and eventually across Canada. At the same time, we will continue to focus on local in-person, one-on-one programs, particularly for under-resourced families. [ Our Next Big Step ] As a registered charity, we rely on donations and grants. We are seeking funding for 2025/2026 to maintain our current local Early Years, Elementary and Teen programs on Vancouver Island, and launch a pilot project for the Circle of Writers. Please contact us if you'd like to discuss donating or sponsoring a program.