Support Creative Expression for Women in MCC

Empowering Voices: Writing Workshop Chapbook for Women’s Prison

Hello friends and loved ones!

As an author and writing teacher, I strongly believe in the power of stories to transform lives.

For the past twelve years, and on a volunteer-basis, I've been leading memoir-writing workshops at the Maine Correctional Center (MCC). This GoFundMe is dedicated to funding the culmination and the publication of a chapbook that showcases the voices and experiences of the lovely, strong, incredible mavens in my MCC writing group.

Why This Matters:

Many women in prison face isolation and stigma, but through writing, they can reclaim their narratives and express their unique perspectives. I believe my workshop provides a creative outlet to the women at MCC by exploring their lives with love, and by encouraging them share their stories with the world. I also believe it fosters responsible civic engagement among US when we help boost their voices and treat them with compassion and empathy.

Our Goal:

With my co-teacher Linda Holtslander, we aim to raise $6500 to cover workshop materials and the publication costs of the chapbook. Your support will help us find empowerment in their words and be able to share them with their friends and family--to be real authors and have their stories legitimized.

*IMPORTANT UPDATE! Our original goal was 1200, but after speaking with our publisher, I learned that this was quite optimistic and puny! To cover the cost of paying our designer, editorial, admin, printing, and distribution, I've had to up our goal, so please help spread the word of this fundraiser! We need all the help we can get.

The Impact:

By contributing to this initiative, you’re helping to uplift voices that are often unheard. We all do better when we all do better, and this project is a step toward fostering understanding, compassion, and community. The chapbook will be distributed to the women in our workshop, to their friends and families, allowing the women’s stories to reach a larger audience and spark important conversations about resilience and redemption.

*Donors with contributions of 50 dollars or more will receive a signed copy of the chapbook.*

How You Can Help:

Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Share: Help us spread the word by sharing this campaign with your network.

Engage: If you’re interested in volunteering or contributing in other ways, please reach out!

Together, we can help these women find their voices, share their stories, and contribute to a more empathetic society. Let’s empower them to turn their experiences into art and advocacy.

Thank you for your support! We all do better when we all do better.

We're in this together!

All my love,

Mira Ptacin