Fighting Words

Fighting Words was established in January 2009 in Dublin’s north inner city by author Roddy Doyle and Seán Love, (former Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland. The inspiration came from author Dave Eggers’ 826 Valencia project in San Francisco. There are now nine 826 centres throughout the US, and Fighting Words has itself helped to inspire another eight similar projects throughout Europe, in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Vienna.

Since launching in Dublin in 2009, Fighting Words has worked with 45,000 participants from all parts of the country. Over the first five years, a total of 90 primary schools and 45 secondary schools have taken part in Fighting Words workshops with participants showing increased levels of confidence, empowerment and self-efficacy and many kids report having discovered a love of writing.

What you can do

You can volunteer at an existing Fighting Words centre here or learn what's involved in starting a Fighting Words workshop in your community by downloading the step by step guide below.