Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for our community, Just Buffalo Literary Center has postponed a number of events, and we will follow the guidance of Buffalo Public Schools in terms of Just Buffalo Writing Center programming.

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About the Writing Center

  • Joel Brenden chapbook making workshop

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) opened its doors in April of 2014, creating an entirely new nucleus for all of Just Buffalo’s education programs which have served schools throughout Western New York for more than 45 years. The Writing Center is a creative space where young writers ages 12-18 are welcomed after school for free writing workshops, literary events, and individualized assistance with writing projects.

5 Reasons You Should Come to the Just Buffalo Writing Center

1. BE HEARD.

Your voice matters. At the JBWC, we get you. Come share your ideas. Tell your story on the page, on stage, or just one-on-one.

2. BE INSPIRED.

Come learn different ways of writing. From poetry and prose to comics, songwriting, and so much more. Come find the words you’ve been looking for.

3. BE YOURSELF.

Come be whoever you want to be in a safe and supportive space. Our doors—and minds—are open to you.

4. BE CONNECTED.

Come make friends! You’ll meet creative people just like you and all different types of writers—famous novelists, journalists, local poets, songwriters, and book artists.

5. HAVE FUN!

Come to feel inspired. Come to laugh. Come for the snacks. Whatever your reason, just come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for a workshop?

Registration is NOT required for our youth writing workshops. From Tuesday to Thursday at 4:30 p.m., anyone can show up for the workshops.

Can my child just drop in and get help with writing or homework from school?

Writing workshops take place on Tuesdays to Thursdays between 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Wednesdays are open workshop sessions where anyone can drop in and get one-on-one assistance with any kind of writing.

Can my child get one-on-one help?

Of course! Anyone that needs one-on-one help will be accommodated as much as possible.

Testimonials

  • "There's always something fun for you to do, whether crafting poetic lines together, trying your hand at comics or filmmaking, or getting inspired to revisit an old writing piece from when you were 12."

    Lucy, student

  • "Just Buffalo is an organization that wants to see youth succeed; they give us incredible opportunities, prepare us for college, help us find a place in the world once we have to leave the nest."

    Sage, student

  • "At a time when opportunities for young people to express themselves seem to grow slimmer, the JBWC is a place that offers hope because, whatever race, class, or identity, we come together and create—all inhibitions are gone."

    Ates, student

  • "The JBWC is a lively, diverse, collaborative community of young people with amazing ideas and voices all their own."

    Parent

  • “The JBWC provides a friendly atmosphere for young writers to express themselves freely, without judgment.”

    Cheryl, volunteer

  • "It's an amazing program with a kind of access to working writers of all stripes that exceeds what is available at many writing colleges. It's made her a better person and given her great relationships."

    Parent

  • "Because of the JBWC, I am a global citizen. I can think and write outside my comfort zone, to speak about issues larger than myself."

    Trinity

  • “The JBWC introduced me to other people with similar interests. Now I actually have people who will listen to all my crazy ideas.”

    Carson, student

  • "The JBWC has challenged my daughter intellectually, and helped her gain confidence and become a more expressive writer."

    Parent

  • "The first time I read one of my poems out loud I felt powerful. I felt like after years of sitting in solitude, I was finally free to voice my thoughts and dreams. JBWC gave me that power."

    Hemingway, student

  • "I can't imagine a better incubator for creativity."

    Stacy, parent

  • "Before coming here I had never let anyone outside of my family read my writing. The JBWC gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques."

    Reatha, student

Wordplay Mural - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Wordplay: Student Anthology

Check out the best works written by Just Buffalo Writing Center students from over the years in our annual anthology of student writing.

Made-To-Order Poems - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Made-to-Order Poems

Order a poem on a topic of your choosing and support Buffalo’s next generation of literary voices. All poems are written by students of the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

John Cale Youth Writing Workshop - Just Buffalo Writing Center

Our Teaching Artists

Just Buffalo’s teaching artists represent the best of Western New York’s literary presence, from poetry and fiction to playwriting, non-fiction and beyond.

Become a Teaching Artist

Are you interested in becoming a Just Buffalo teaching artist? Find out what it takes to get involved in our creative writing workshops.

Volunteer

Want to help guide young writers? Sign up to work with teens 12–18 on writing and more during open hours at the JBWC.

Donate

We believe in the power of the literary arts to change individual lives and communities. Help us put that vision into action.

Where?

Virtual via Zoom
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14203

When?

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Youth Writing Workshops begin at 4:30 p.m.

Who?

All workshops are FREE, aimed at young writers aged 12–18, and limited to 12 participants.