Since 1997, Lighthouse has evolved from a workshop space for aspiring writers into an organization that also champions the role of creative writing in enhancing individual and communal well-being. Over the last four years, Lighthouse has:
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Consulted with and completed staff training with Creative Strategies for Change, whose mission is to mobilize arts and education for social justice. The board of directors participated in two equity and inclusion training sessions during this time.
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Gathered extensive community feedback on equity and inclusion efforts at Lighthouse to inform future efforts.
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Established staff and board EDIA committees that are dedicated to forwarding Lighthouse’s equity-based initiatives and engaging with feedback from the Lighthouse community.
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Designed a building that is fully ADA compliant and engaged with community members about accessibility in classrooms, events, etc.
Our journey is one of constant striving. We remain committed to providing a platform where every voice is not only heard but valued and celebrated. Here are just a few initiatives we’ve implemented to support these values:
Young Writers
Writing programs for youth began in 2002 and expanded to reach young writers who might not otherwise have access to creative writing workshops. These workshops take place wherever youth gather, including shelters for youth experiencing homelessness, centers for LGBTQIA+ young people, residential treatment centers, and alternative schools.
Nonprofit Partnerships
Lighthouse has fostered collaborations with fellow nonprofits and art organizations since 2011, delivering free community engagement programs for anyone who wants to explore the written word in a constructive and welcoming space. This includes people experiencing homelessness, veterans, cancer patients and their caregivers, and people transitioning out of incarceration.
Writing Communities
In 2018, we introduced Writing in Color and Queer Creatives. Designed to nurture diverse communities and perspectives within Lighthouse, these programs actively foster more comprehensive and equitable writing communities through workshops, readings, social activities, fellowships, and retreats.
Amplifying Voices
The heart of our EDIA efforts is to celebrate and amplify the voices of diverse authors and writers. We've hosted countless renowned authors, and are committed to include a wide spectrum of perspectives and voices within our community.
One example of these efforts occurred in 2017 when we facilitated a conversation with author Claudia Rankine and representatives from the Denver Mayor’s Office and local police leadership, delving into police violence and racism within the Denver community. This initiative was part of the Big Read, a broader effort to engage the entire city in reading and discussing Rankine’s groundbreaking book, Citizen.
Words are our most common means of connection, and artistic experiences enable ways to learn our truths and enable necessary conversations. This event was the first of many, and has percolated into our ongoing efforts in all programming.