Programmes & Workshops at Fighting Words

A guide for volunteers about what happens, when it happens, where it happens, and what kind of time commitment is involved for workshops and programmes at Fighting Words!

Workshop in action at the Fighting Words Dublin centre

Fighting Words runs a wide range of creative writing workshops and programmes throughout the year. Some are short, one-off sessions; others run over weeks or months and allow volunteers to work with young people more closely over time.

This page gives an overview of what happens, when it happens, where it happens, and what kind of time commitment is involved, so you can decide where you might like to get involved.

The Year at a Glance

September – June: School Term Programmes

Most Fighting Words workshops take place during the school year. These include:

  • Primary and secondary school workshops
     
  • Longer-term projects based in Behan Square
     
  • Community and outreach programmes
     
  • Write Club and Word Warriors

Many of these programmes welcome volunteers on a drop-in basis, while others work best with a more regular commitment.

July – August: Summer Camps

During the summer months, our focus shifts to Summer Camps. These are lively, intensive programmes that ask for a higher level of volunteer commitment and are a highlight of the Fighting Words year.

Programmes Based in Behan Square

Behan Square is our main centre in Dublin and the home of many of our workshops.

One-Off & Drop-In School Workshops

Primary School Workshops

  • Run Monday to Thursday during the school term
     
  • Classes visit Fighting Words for a single workshop
     
  • Volunteers can drop in for individual sessions
     
  • No long-term commitment required

These workshops are ideal if you have limited availability or would like to volunteer occasionally.

Secondary School Workshops

  • Run on Mondays and Thursdays during the school term
     
  • Volunteers are welcome to drop in at any point
     
  • Workshops support teenagers to develop their creative writing

These sessions suit volunteers who enjoy working with young people in a focused, school-based setting.

Longer-Term Programmes in Behan Square

The Book Project

  • Runs weekly on Tuesday afternoons
     
  • A longer-term programme working with young people in Transition Year over time
     
  • Participants develop a story that is published as a book
     
  • The project ends with a publication launch in the school

This programme is a great fit for volunteers who are interested in building relationships with young writers and seeing a creative project through from start to finish. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged.

Community & Outreach Programmes

Word Warriors

Word Warriors runs during the school term in two blocks:

  • September to December
     
  • January to June
    (6–8 week cycles)

Locations:

  • Behan Square – Wednesday afternoons
     
  • Kevin Street Library – Monday afternoons
     
  • Citywise Education Centre, Tallaght – Tuesday afternoons
     

Word Warriors offers children from local communities a welcoming space to explore their creativity, supported by committed mentors. Volunteers play an especially important role in encouraging and supporting participants throughout the programme.

Write Club (Community of Teen Writers)

Write Club

  • Runs from September to June
     
  • Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons
     
  • Volunteers can drop in and out

Write Club supports highly motivated teenagers who are passionate about writing and keen to finish their projects. There is always an incredible sense of energy, focus, and creativity in the room, and volunteers are welcome to offer support whenever they can.

Offsite School Workshops

Offsite Primary School Workshops

  • Run on Mondays in Magennis Place, just off Pearse Street in Dublin 2: a two-minute walk from Pearse Station!
     
  • Delivered with local primary schools
     
  • One-off volunteer engagement possible

These workshops are well suited to volunteers who prefer occasional, short-term commitments outside Behan Square.

Outreach Programmes

Fighting Words also delivers a range of Community and Outreach Programmes, led by Colm Quearney, our Outreach Coordinator.

  • Programmes work with a wide variety of community groups, including adult groups and teens outside an education setting
     
  • The length and structure vary depending on the group, but typically run between two to six weeks
     
  • Volunteers are usually asked to commit to multiple sessions

These programmes benefit from continuity and are best suited to volunteers who can offer a more regular commitment for the duration of the project.

Summer Camps (July – August)

Summer Camps

  • Run from early July to late August
     
  • Four-day commitment requested
     
  • 10am–3pm each day

Summer Camps are energetic, collaborative, and hugely rewarding. Volunteers are asked to commit to the full four days of a camp, as continuity is important for the young writers. We always need a supportive, encouraging team to help make these weeks special.

Time Commitment at a Glance

Drop-In / Casual Opportunities

  • Primary school workshops (Behan Square)
     
  • Secondary school workshops (Behan Square)
     
  • Write Club
     
  • Offsite primary school workshops

Regular / Ongoing Commitment

  • The Book Project
     
  • Word Warriors
     
  • Outreach Programmes
     
  • Summer Camps

Finding the Right Fit for You

You don’t need to do everything. Many volunteers start with drop-in workshops and later choose to get involved in longer-term programmes, while others prefer to volunteer occasionally when their schedule allows.

Your availability may change over time - and  that’s completely okay. The volunteer coordination team is always happy to help you find opportunities that suit your interests, energy, and availability.

If you’d like to get involved or have questions about any of these programmes, please get in touch with the volunteer team.

Check out our Volunteer FAQ here!