Hire Us to Lead A Customized workshop
The Sacred Writes team is available to lead customized versions of our public scholarship training for graduate students, professionals, religious leaders and other interested groups. Please see below to learn about the units of our curriculum and the format options for the training (online, in-person and hybrid), and testimonials from leaders in the field. To learn more about pricing, group size, and costs, please email Sacred Writes Director Liz Bucar or Associate Director Brook Wilensky-Lanford.
about our public scholarship training programs
The Sacred Writes training program consists of eight scaffolded instruction units, beginning with four units of reflective content around the risks and rewards of public scholarship and how to think about your expertise differently; the last four units are more concrete and practical: how to write an op-ed or explainer, navigate social media, give great interviews, and build a public scholarship action plan. We find that scholars often need some of both: time to think expansively about what they want to offer, and to which public(s), and the practical skills to do so effectively.
Each unit includes multimedia content and an applied learning exercise designed to build toward writing and pitching a short piece of public writing. To that end, the full training also includes three additional months of mentoring time with our staff or trainers, who will read drafts and pitches, and connect scholars directly with relevant publications. Whether delivered in person or online, the Sacred Writes training is also designed to foster cohorts that serve as networks of support for the often-isolating work of writing for the public.
curriculum units
WHY GO PUBLIC?
What is public scholarship on religion and why does it matter? This lesson focuses on why scholars might choose to share their research and expertise with the public. We address some common misconceptions about public scholarship and survey the potential impact of public-facing work.
RISKS, REWARDS, & RESPONSIBILITIES
What makes doing public scholarship worthwhile? This lesson focuses on the risks, rewards, and responsibilities (r3) for scholars doing public-facing work. We provide some examples of what can make public scholarship both rewarding and risky for scholars, and ask you to consider to whom you are accountable when sharing your work with the public.
RETHINKING YOUR EXPERTISE
What do you have to say to audiences outside academia? This lesson challenges you to expand your understanding of your own expertise, in order to establish and leverage your credibility outside the academy. We show you how to reflect on, expand, and translate your expertise for the public.
COMMUNICATING WITH THE PUBLIC
This lesson outlines strategies for effective communication with the public. We encourage you to develop your own voice and style; explain the importance of building and maintaining relationships with media professionals; help you identify possible venues for your work; and get you started with pitching them.
SOCIAL MEDIA
This lesson gives a brief overview of how and why social media platforms can and should be part of your public scholarship, despite their many risks. We encourage you to find your voice on social media platforms, familiarize you with platform-specific conventions and language, and practice writing a high-impact social media post.
OP-EDS AND EXPLAINERS
This lesson focuses on two frequently published genres of public writing: explainers and op-eds. We will discuss the goals and structures of both types, to help you determine if one of them might be a good fit for you. We also help you identify points of entry into public conversations (“docks”), such as current events, anniversaries, holidays and other news hooks.
INTERVIEWS
Interview requests are some of the most frequent and high-impact opportunities for public engagement available to scholars. But they are also unscripted–so how do you prepare? This lesson walks you through the basics of core messaging, provides tips for productive collaborations with journalists, and helps you strategize ways to make the most out of any interview, no matter the length, format, or medium.
NEXT STEPS
In this lesson we’ll encourage you to make a plan to operationalize this training. Wereview some of the building blocks of the Sacred Writes approach to public scholarship. Then we encourage you to create both a values statement to guide your public engagement and a concrete calendar-based plan to make it happen. And we end with some advice about cultivating networks of mutual support and accountability.
training packages
FULL TRAINING (8 modules)
In-person option: 2 hours online of pre-work for participants, 3 full days of in-person training with 2 trainers, and 3 months follow-up mentoring.
Hybrid option: 4 units offered online spread out over 6 weeks, 4 units offered in person (in 1.5 days), and 3 months follow-up mentoring.
Fully online option: all 8 units offered online, spread out over 2-3 months.
PARTIAL TRAINING (2 modules)
In-person one-day option: any 2 units of the curriculum.
Comes with 1 trainer for 1 full day (7 hours, 5 hours of training and 2 hours of optional one on one mentoring meetings).
Hybrid options: offered online, spread out over 7 days.
any 2 training units
any 4 training units
any 6 training units
Endorsements
“Inspired. Prepared. I finally see myself as a writer. These are just a few of the words scholars of color used to describe the impact of Sacred Writes following a writing workshop. Dr. Bucar and her team of facilitators provided an experience that affirmed and equipped scholars to imagine their writing in and beyond the academy!”
Patrick B. Reyes, PhD, Seminary Dean, Auburn Theological Seminary and former director at the Forum for Theological Exploration
“Sacred Writes goes far beyond training participants in how to write for the public, and delves into what it means to understand the role of public scholarship in the world and explore questions of vocation and purpose for those who chose to engage this work. It is an unforgettable experience that will help participants discern the ways they want to be public and the impact they want to have.”
Brie Loskota, Inaugural Executive Director, the Martin Marty Center, University of Chicago Divinity School
“Sacred Writes is doing an incredible job of helping to ensure that scholars have the right skills and strategies for enhancing their impact and serving the public.”
Simran Jeet Singh, Executive Director, Religion and Society Program, Aspen Institute
“Sacred Writes prepares scholars to be useful in a world where specialized knowledge of religion can literally change, perhaps even save lives. This is a new way to teach. What a wise investment in our collective future.”
Mary E. Hunt, Co-founder and co-director, Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER)
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about customizing our training for your needs? Please email Director Liz Bucar or Associate Director Brook Wilensky-Lanford for more details.