Workshop 2: Composing Public Good: Grant Writing as Rhetorical Strategy and Community Practice

Leaders: Rich Rice (Texas Tech University) and Lauren Maher (Texas Tech University)

Proposal writing is a powerful form of public rhetoric. Grant proposals define problems and translate evidence into action. They also shape which forms of research, care, teaching, and community work become fundable. This workshop invites participants to approach grant writing as rhetorical strategy and ethical public practice. Participants will learn how to analyze funding solicitations as rhetorical artifacts, develop persuasive proposal claims, revise need statements, and use review criteria as a tool for stronger drafts. The workshop addresses responsible uses of AI in proposal development, emphasizing solicitation analysis, compliance review, and reviewer simulation. Designed for faculty, graduate students, writing program administrators, and community-engaged scholars, the workshop offers a practical framework for writing and teaching grants. No prior grant writing experience is required. Participants will leave with tools for proposal invention, ethical representation, and rhetorical review.

Note from the organizers:

As per previous workshops, there may be pre-reading and pre-work required before June. Your leaders will reach out to you some time after registration with additional details.