MENA Writing Solidarity Zoom Group

Professor Lisel Hintz of Johns Hopkins University started this group soon after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria as a post-disaster solidarity community to help students and scholars from the region focus on writing wherever they are. Professor Hintz later expanded the group to include scholars working on/from the MENA region. She also now works with several co-hosts to offer multiple sessions per week across time zones. The purpose is to create space for writing in a virtual communal atmosphere that boosts motivation and productivity.

After an introductory chat, it’s a silent working space: a place to work for however much of the session you’re able to join. The group has participants from many disciplines and professional levels join, and many report getting good writing done.  The group has had 24 members complete and defend their PhD dissertations, and many participants complete articles, chapters, job applications, grants, and more. Some participants have joined one session, some have joined more than 200 sessions.​

See Professor Lisel Hintz’ website for more information.

Currently in Week 160 (May 2026)!
Who is the group for?
*Students and scholars from and/or working on the MENA region
*Open to all levels, undergrad to full prof
*Open to all disciplinesWhat are the benefits for participants?
*Structured schedule and increased accountability for writing
*Community and solidarity to overcome solitary nature of academic writing
*Network-building + professional development through “hidden curriculum” sharing in chat

How does it work?
*Two-hour silent writing sessions, cameras optional (seeing other people working can be motivating!)
*Host welcomes participants with a brief chat at the beginning of each session
*Participants can join and leave at any time during the session; we use the chat box so that later joiners can let the group know what they’re working on (and to make connections and share resources!)
*Host closes out session at the two-hour mark, announces next session
*Email sent each Sunday includes instructions, weekly schedule, and links to each session
*Never an obligation to join – members can attend according to their schedules

Is there a way to benefit for those who can’t join?
*Yes! My weekly email includes notifications of funding and professional development
opportunities as well as recent publications by members. We celebrate each other’s work!
*I also circulate a networking platform where members can post their research interests, share links to publications, and search for other members open to peer paper exchange, conference panels, etc.

How can I join?
Email Liselhintz1@gmail.com to get on the distribution list and ask any questions.

Sample Schedule
Week 148, Tuesday February 24
Session A 9:00am – 11:00am UK time/10:00am – 12:00pm CET/11:00am – 1:00pm Turkey time
Session B: 10:00am – 12:00pm ET/3:00pm – 5:00pm UK time/5:00pm – 7:00pm Turkey time
Session C: 2:00pm – 4:00pm ET/11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Session D: 5:00pm – 7:00pm ET/2:00pm – 4:00pm PT

Want data on what works and why?
Thanks for asking! Here’s a study I wrote based on establishing this group:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ps-political-science-and-politics/article/academic-solidarity-in-the-wake-of-disaster-blueprint-for-an-online-writing-support-group/F9E14DF7B7B260FF9AD1B1FAF15BE8D6