It’s not too often that women have the opportunity to tell the story of their lives and experiences in their own words, but the Center for Women in Church and Society at the Lake are providing just that opportunity with the Mujeres Writing Group.

The Mujeres Writing Group “is a group that helps women find their voices through sharing stories and experiences in a way that will impact others’ lives as well,” said Virginia Valenzuela, associate director of the Center for Women in Church and Society.

“We are composed of women from the community, from different parishes, different lifestyles, different pasts,” said Valenzuela.

The Mujeres write stories and poems of their lives, past experiences and about things that have brought them to each point in their lives.

“Our first book, ‘Encuentros de Mujeres: Women’s Collective Cultural Memory in San Antonio, Texas,’ has sold out, but our second book, ‘En Nuestras Palabras: In Our Words,’ is still available in the bookstore for only $7,” said Valenzuela.

The group was started in 2002 and since then they have published two books and received three grants. The latest project for the Mujeres involves reaching out to community and they have decided to work with “Women at the Well,” a half-way house for rehabilitating women who have just been released from prison. They help them find jobs, stay out of trouble, and regain their lives.

“We always keep our work in the light of spirituality,” said Valenzuela. The Mujeres have been successful because, not only do they write their own material, they also present their work. Some places where they have displayed their work have been at Barnes & Nobles locations, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, St. Mary’s University, the University of the Incarnate Word and Candlelight Coffee House.

The women have a series of events coming up. They will be on National Public Radio (NPR) as part of NPR’s nationwide tour of Story Corp. This interview will take place sometime between February and March.

Another upcoming event is their participation in the Literary Festival for the third consecutive year. “We are going to sign with Norma Cantu, a well-known Latina author. We have a contract for three workshops, this was part of our deal for our latest grant,” said Valenzuela.

Valenzuela encourages the faculty, staff and students to join the group. There are no requirements, as long as you like to write and want to share your stories.

“You don’t have to be a perfect writer or have previous experience in writing, we will help polish your work,” said Valenzuela.

The Mujeres meet every other Friday at the Elliot House at 4:30 p.m. It gives them the opportunity to catch up over some homemade food. Then the meeting resumes at about 5-6:30 p.m.

If you want more information about the Mujeres Writing Group, stop by the Elliot House or e-mail Valenzuela at valen@lake.ollusa.edu.