Want to learn to lead writing workshops and become certified to use the Amherst Writers & Artists method?

The AWA Training Program is a comprehensive program that provides instruction in leadership skills, experiential learning, ways to develop craft, and practical information  on how to form successful groups for writers at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.

Initial Leadership Training Description Initial Leadership Training Sample Schedule Post-Certificate Training Description Location & Cost Information Trainings Scheduled for 2013

We provide guidance for starting a business for general groups or working with specific populations, such as those in prison, low-income youth, the chronically ill, or seniors. This training establishes the tools and confidence to begin and succeed.

The AWA Training Program teaches individuals to become strong, effective writing workshop leaders using the AWA method.  The ideal candidate has experience with this method through membership in an on-going workshop or through a series of retreats.  Although the method’s approach is simple, its application is subtle and complex.  Applicants are accepted based on their ability to demonstrate their prior experience with the AWA method and their potential to be an effective workshop leader.
AWA has taught over 1,000 people how to lead workshops that support the writer in all of us. 

Application 2013 (91.7 kB) (requires free Adobe Reader)

Initial Leadership Training Description

The initial leadership training is a five-day intensive course focused on instructing individuals in the AWA method. It is not a writing retreat. The writing that occurs is targeted toward aspects of the method, and exercises are used to generate understanding and to experience the depths that each component of the method contains.

Although the practices are easily outlined, they are deceptively simple.  Putting these practices into use during a workshop requires common sense, compassion and skill.

The guidelines and practices that shape AWA writing groups are specific, and the leader's in-depth understanding of them is vitally important to the effectiveness of the group. This training prepares people to lead groups for the general population and for traditionally silenced people in places such as public housing, shelters, hospitals or prisons.

Once trained, each Affiliate is independent in establishing, leading and setting costs for her or his own workshops, retreats and events.  An AWA Affiliate is not an employee of AWA, but an independent business owner or social agent.  AWA maintains the quality of affiliate workshops through the Affiliate Program.  In this way, affiliates can express their own creativity and interests while staying true to the principles of the AWA method.

 In addition to the specific AWA practices, the following skills are taught:

• Creating and maintaining a safe and hospitable writing environment.
• Choosing effective writing exercises and prompts.
• Being a clear, supportive leader.
• Running workshops as a business.
• Awareness of craft in all writing
• Leading a manuscript review
• Handling emotionally charged writing
• Structuring the group to accommodate diverse people.
• Understanding that writing for healing is not therapy.
• Inviting experimentation and growth in participants' writing.

  "The wealth of information that was offered was impressive... It would be hard to improve the quality of communication, the delivery of information, the accounting for complications that naturally arise in any group. It was one of the best run presentations/trainings I have ever attended." --RW

AWA Leadership is learned by experiencing elements of the method in a simulated workshop environment, experimental writing sessions, talks by experienced leaders, group discussion, role playing, film, and guest speakers to give participants a full experience of the AWA method as it is actually used. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a thorough understanding of the AWA method, AWA practices and guidelines, and will be able to convey these effectively to their workshop members.

For further information about the trainings and an application, please write to amherstwriters@gmail or call 413 253 3307. You can also download an application here.  

Initial Leadership Training Sample Schedule

Day 1

• Introduction to AWA Method
• Modeled AWA Writing Group
• Discussion of AWA History 
• The Importance of ListeningTreating Everything as Fiction
• Confidentiality 

Day 2

• Writing Across Difference
• Writing Exercises & Discussion
• Responding to Writing Practice
• Responses
• Leadership & Practical Aspects
• Experimental Writing 

Day 3

• Practice Sessions
• Craft Exercises and Discussion
• Prompts: Diversity & Resources

Day 4

• Practice Sessions
• Individual Conferences
• Manuscript Review

Day 5

• Establishing a Business
• Working with Other Agencies
• Affiliate Benefits & Responsibilities
• Certificates and Closing Ceremony 

 

Post-Certificate Training Description

The Post-Certificate Training is a secondary course of training for workshop leaders who have been leading workshops for at least one year and is led by Pat Schneider.

This training provides experienced AWA workshop leaders with the opportunity to further their knowledge of the AWA method. Like the initial training, it is not a retreat, but a re-immersion into what makes a successful AWA workshop. Topics include in-depth discussion and practice in the teaching of craft, manuscript review, publicity, working with emotionally charged writing and group dynamics. This is an extraordinary opportunity for AWA-trained workshop leaders to share their questions, experiences and writing with each other and with a long-standing leader of the AWA community.  Each Post-AWA Training is tailored to the individual concerns of the attendees.

Email us at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions. To register, please fill out the Post-Certificate Application Form and send it along with a $300 deposit.  Check the 2013 Training Schedule to see upcoming dates.

Training Locations & Cost

Locations

AWA trainings are held in self-contained locations conducive to a positive and focused group experience.

Please check the 2013 Training Schedule for this year's training sites. The training sites require either shared rooms or off-site accommodations, and all have comfortable meeting space and delicious food. Many offer silent space indoors and/or out, exercise areas, and a walking labyrinth.

The Post-Certificate Training is held in Pat Schneider’s home, a hundred-year-old farmhouse near Amherst center, and a short walk to Emily Dickinson's grave and homestead.

Cost

Residential Initial Leadership Trainings are $2,000 for shared accommodations.  We offer no single accommodations.  The cost includes tuition, training materials, accommodations for four nights, meals, and a year’s Affiliate status within AWA.

Non-Residential Initial Leadership Trainings are $1,500 and the cost includes everything listed above except accommodations for four nights. 

The Post-Certificate Training is $850 and is non-residential.

Trainings Scheduled in 2013

Initial Leadership Trainings in 2013 

May 20-24 in Malibu, CA

June 26-30 in Ossining, NY

July 10-14 in Alamo, CA 

September 11-15 in Chicago, IL


Post-Certificate Trainings in 2013

TBD in Amherst, MA

Application 2013 (91.7 kB) (requires free Adobe Reader)

For more information, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   or call 413 253 3307.