10-Year Impact Survey - Results

In September, we asked Green Windows participants to respond to a survey to gauge the impact of our work since we began Green Windows in 2008.

The respondents exemplified the diversity of participants in our workshops:  

• Majority of respondents identify as queer or LGBTQ+. 
• 15% of survey respondents identify as non-binary.
• Over a quarter of respondents' educational background is "some college" and a third of respondents' educational background is a master's degree.
• Participants have a variety of roles in the community: cashier, psychotherapist, dog boarder, disabled, communications manager at a nonprofit, mother, songwriter, etc. 
• The largest share of respondents make less than 25k annually.
• 15% of respondents are over 65 and 10% started the workshops when they were below 18.​

70% of respondents participated in more than 10 workshops, with 39% attending between 11 and 50 and 31% attending more than 50.

Here's what we learned from them:

From all the comments to all the questions.

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1) Green Windows' participants increase their self-confidence in their creative expression and its authenticity.

100% of respondents agreed.

Where I initially thought writing was something I "could do," I now confidently see myself as a writer, as someone who creates through writing. GW gave me positive momentum to engage in my writing practice.

[Peggy] has helped me recover so many times from writer's block and from feeling more insufficient as a writer. She has also given me a bunch of techniques to help myself write which are so useful!!

It has been very helpful to hear positive feedback, if only to give me the confidence I need to pursue further development of particular stories...

I want to underscore how much Peggy's facilitation has encouraged me to trust and explore my creative voice, to really go all in (even if I don't know where it's going) rather than curtail myself. My writing has become much more experimental and honest, and I'm so grateful to GW for that. As someone who has historically had a lot of trouble starting/finishing what I write, GW has also helped me practice getting words on a page and being less precious about writing.

Peggy is great at reminding everyone that they have a unique voice worth sharing.

Writing about personal experience is a tool for self-reflection. Writing & sharing (if you choose) without judgement and only affirmative feedback, builds confidence in your abilities and the value of your voice & story. I have experienced all of this through working with Peggy & GW.

Reminding me of the personal benefits of putting some thinking into writing. It’s for me before it’s for someone else to read.

I also trust my voice and what comes up in my writing a lot more than before.

The use of free expression has left my creativity to a new level, one in which I can feel extremely confident in my writing.

It has given me confidence by creating a safe place to write and get feedback.

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2) Green Windows' participants increase their self-confidence within artistic and creative spaces.

96% of respondents agreed.

Now I feel more powerful behind my pen because I know I have a community behind me. More confident in reading my work in public spaces and having it published.


I go out and read my poetry to people, and I share my writing and stories with other people.

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3) Green Windows' participants increase their commitment to their personal creative expression and their identity as an artist.​

96% of respondents agreed.

I find myself jotting down vignettes (similar to the workshop prompts) at home, which is huge personal growth from a few years ago.

She [Peggy] also helps encourage the regular practice that builds confidence and skill.

I take my writing craft and practice more seriously.

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4) Green Windows Workshops strengthen community.

96% of respondents agreed.

I've been both Peggy's colleague and her student -- and her work and approach have always reminded me that writing is for more than just publication, impressing others, making money or 'keeping track'. It's a form of holy communion, with ourselves, with each other, with our neighbors. Peggy's approach is focused, nonjudgemental, and always based on encouraging fellow-writers to see and respect their talent and their voices, as well as the talent and voices of others. If there were more of her, we'd all be better off.

Her [Peggy's] workshop was very inclusive. I sometimes feel shy about my voice or telling stories but she makes it available and comfortable for anyone to write and share.

We become vulnerable together and that helps us heal each other and ourselves.​

Peggy has helped me get past awkwardness and shyness, as I've seen her do for many, to participate in events and activities that otherwise would be really challenging for me. Through this participation I have become closer to the community we work with.

Understanding by listening. Listening to the fact or fiction of other people’s bones... this is what it means to be in community.

The diversity of writers drawn to GW, along with the values of trust and respect for each other, are what makes GW workshops very meaningful experiences.

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5) Green Windows' participants develop the skill to appreciate rather than criticize.

100% of respondents agreed.

I am now curious about the stories that people I engage with have. Due to my work with GW I've begun the process of passing less initial judgement. I see more than the exterior and the expectations.

I think I have come to have more respect for many different types of writing that I previously thought I was uninterested in or didn't know how to appreciate. Peggy showed me through example how to listen for the really amazing things each writer brings in their unique style.

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6) Green Windows Workshops break down barriers between people different from each other.

100% of respondents agreed.

People are amazingly open in her workshops. I hear people I would not listen to otherwise.

When we have different people come to the group and hear each other’s stories/experiences, it makes me want to do more (for example, this year was my first pride parade). It makes me want to meet people from, and learn about, different cultures, upbringings, food, etc. It has motivated me to get more involved in protests and marches.

Our group has such diverse voices and experiences, as well as styles of writing.

I really appreciate the age diversity in the monthly writing workshops.

I've enjoyed the diversity of the group and learned from others sharing their life experience.

It's just nice coming together with other writers and people passionate about writing even when we're so different. Our writing is different, as are our perspectives, which gives a richness and freshness to the feedback provided and the space itself.

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100% of respondents
​would like to take another workshop.

100% of respondents
​recommend the workshop to others.​

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THANK YOU to everyone who responded to the survey! 
Check out Peggy's Creative Dialogues - you can bring her unique facilitation skills to your workplace! 
The monthly workshops rely on donations. Thank you for supporting this important work, if you can!!