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mothertongue is a community-based organization that works to create a safe space where all women may speak freely and powerfully and have their creative and artistic voices heard. Through monthly women's spoken word events and writing/performance workshops, mothertongue encourages women to use their voices, art, talents, and skills to build just and inclusive communities. Join mothertongue's listerv to receive updates on spoken word shows, writing workshops, other mothertongue news, and events going on in the DC-area by e-mailing info@mothertongue.org.

the events
Since October 1998, mothertongue has encouraged women in the Washington, DC area to share their voices through monthly open mic and spoken word events. These performances have become a staple in the DC arts and women's communities, providing much needed social and artistic space for women writers/performers and the people who support them. mothertongue continues to sponsor monthly open mic/spoken word events. The increased popularity of the events has indicated a need for even more opportunities for women in the Washington, DC area to showcase their own written work. We provide these spaces, as well as produce special showcases featuring invited guest writers from around the country.


the beneficiaries
mothertongue donates proceeds from its events to community-based nonprofit organizations (or projects of nonprofit organizations) that improve the lives of women and/or girls in the metro DC area. mothertongue is proud to have supported a diverse group of organizations, including the Black Lesbian Support Group, Dinner Program for Homeless Women, DC Rape Crisis Center, Hannah House, Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive, Lesbian Services at Whitman Walker, Tahireh, and Ophelia's House. A complete list of beneficiaries is available at . mothertongue continues this commitment to the women of Washington, DC. If your organization is interested in becoming a mothertongue beneficiary, e-mail sara@mothertongue.org.


the workshops
mothertongue offers writing and performance workshops to women in the community. These workshops are designed to foster the writing and performance skills of women in the DC area who share their work at mothertongue events. They also provide a space for women to write and share their writing outside of the show format. mothertongue also offers writing and performance workshops to the constituencies of women's nonprofits in the DC-area. These workshops focus on the voices and experiences of women who benefit from the services of our partner nonprofits and could culminate in the creation of a special anthology or showcase of the women's work. We are excited to share the transformative power of writing and performing with all types of women in Washington, DC.


the community
One of mothertongue's main goals is to create a local community that supports and promotes women's voices of all types. Through our website and our weekly e-mail newsletter, word from the mothertongue, mothertongue provides to the women's community free access to information about other events as well as community announcements.


the volunteers
mothertongue is created and supported by volunteers. We are staffed completely by volunteers … and there is a place for everyone!
If you are interested in donating your energy and time by working towards our goals, please drop us a line at info@mothertongue.org.