Book Dani McClain Media
Offerings
Dani McClain can bring a discussion of WE LIVE FOR THE WE: The Political Power of Black Motherhood to your school, organization, or community. She is also available to facilitate the following workshops:
The Story Behind the Story
McClain will share the findings of her reporting and news analysis and the process she used to move from idea to published piece. She is also available for conversations about current events related to the issues she writes on and to share lessons learned from her experience building a career in public interest journalism.
The Prose of Parenting
This workshop is an opportunity for people who are raising children to reflect on and write about their experiences. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents and others who care for young people (full- or part-time) are invited to reflect on the triumphs and tribulations of caregiving. Dani will share short passages from her book We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood to prompt participants’ own reflections on issues including education, building community and family formation. We will use writing to explore what values we are passing on to the young ones in our care.
Seeing, Listening, Telling: Intro to Reporting
Together we’ll demystify the work of news gathering and explore how journalists start with a burning question and end up with a report that weaves together interviews, research and observations. We’ll discuss how to choose sources whose storytelling and insights add depth to your work and how to structure an article once you’ve learned all you can about the issue you’re reporting on.
Speaking Truth to Power: Writing Op-Eds and Commentary
This workshop is for people who want their thoughts on that recent school board decision, the latest development project, or the upcoming city council race to reach a broad audience. Together we will practice writing news analysis and commentary that has the power to inform opinions and frame the news of the day. Participants will learn how to move from having an emotional response to breaking news to constructing a passionate, well-researched op-ed. Participants will also learn how to decide where they want their op-eds published and how to write compelling pitches to make that happen.