Colibri Writing Circles

Colibri Writing Circles are weekly writing workshops to help support first-generation Latinx graduate students through a holistic approach. As the UC’s mark a historical moment in admitting the largest number of Latinx students this incoming school year, Ph.D. Latinx students still make up only 11% percent of the graduate student body. Interventions through programming that foster community and a sense of belonging are crucial for graduate Latinx student body. In addition, as we face a global pandemic, racial uprisings, job market instability, and an array of inequality that has exacerbated the most vulnerable communities, Latinx graduate students are now more than ever in need of intentional, tangible, and holistic support. Through our weekly writing circles, we not only offer a space that offers a structure for writing, but we also offer a space that fosters community with other Latinx graduate students.

Colibri Writing Circles (CWC) are intended to support the vast diversity of the Latinx graduate student body. Many of the attendees come from a large range of disciplines, which also includes the international student community. International students that have attended CWC are able to connect with a community of other international students, as well as receive support in their writing which is an area they have reported to need the most support. During our weekly writing circles, we offer holistic practices to support mental health, while also turning to each other for feedback on various research projects. Workshops and resources that are centered on writing development such as research design, writer's block, and editing services are the most requested. In addition, workshops that support Latinx graduate students' mental health are also needed. Through Colibri Writing Circles, we offer a holistic approach to the unique needs of the Latinx first-generation doctoral community at UCSC.