Current USC PEP Volunteers: Readers' Circle

The Readers' Circle is a volunteer-based editing network that pairs USC students and faculty with incarcerated writers seeking feedback on their creative and non-fiction work. Part of the USC Dornsife Prison Education Project (PEP), the program allows Volunteer Editors to directly support the work of underrepresented writers while fostering creative and intellectual exchange between the university and diverse groups in our community. California’s correctional facilities are filled with writers (authors, playwrights, screenwriters and poets) passionate about sharing and improving their work, yet this writing rarely circulates outside of prison walls. Drawing on the diverse skills and educational experiences of the USC community, the Readers' Circle seeks to address this need, giving incarcerated individuals the tools and encouragement they need to get the most out of their writing.

As a Volunteer Editor, you will have the opportunity to read and edit manuscripts from a variety of genres and perspectives while providing a much-needed creative outlet to those impacted by the criminal justice system. You are free to decide how much time you want to commit to the Readers' Circle and what kinds of texts you want to work with. As an undergraduate volunteer, you will also have access to ongoing support from our team of Readers' Circle Mentors. No prior editing or volunteer experience is necessary - just the ability to be a supportive and enthusiastic reader!

Calling all students and faculty! Whether you are able to commit to an ongoing editorial exchange with your writer or simply offer feedback on short pieces as and when your schedule permits it, we would love to have you in our pool of Volunteer Editors. 
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If you’d like to get involved, click here to register your interest.
Once registered, you will be notified of any incoming manuscripts that match your interests and given the opportunity to accept or decline the project. 
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Faculty and Graduate Students may also opt to assist USC PEP’s undergraduate volunteers by overseeing their editorial projects in our Editorial Mentorship program (select in survey).