Community Listening Circles to Address Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity -- FREE
Image by Lisa Rocklin
Women Writing for (a) Change invites community members--from within and beyond our organization--to participate in one of our upcoming Listening Circles. We will write, share, and listen to each other for the specific purpose of deeper organizational work toward diversity, inclusivity, and equity within the Women Writing for (a) Change community. Each of the circles will be the same in content and design.
Facilitated by Lisa Rocklin FREE and Open to All Genders, 14+.
Mariama J. Lockington
Warmly Received
Our Annual Author Series, featuring YA author Mariama J. Lockington, was held September 25 and 26. By all accounts, both the reading and the workshop were true gifts to all who attended! Thank you to Mariama and the anonymous donor who made the weekend possible.
Reflections from the Friday evening reading: "Thank you so much Mariama, for this incredible evening of words and poetic prose and for sharing your inspiring writings and life with us. I can't wait to read your books. This evening was good balm in these challenging times."
Reflections from the Saturday morning workshop: "A superlative workshop--well-paced, well-planned, and full of useful strategies for using when I'm writing. I appreciated the multimedia presentation. I was so moved by the writing that participants shared; thank you to everyone who read."
You can still support Mariama by purchasing her debut novel, For Black Girls Like Me, through Blue Manatee Literacy Project. For every book purchased, Blue Manatee gives one new book to a child in Cincinnati! And they still have autographed bookplates to include in your order, while supplies last!
IRA Rollover Gifts
Are you at least 70 1/2 and need to take a Required Minimum distribution each year from your IRA account? Do you love and want to support Women Writing for (a) Change? You can make a gift to WWf(a)C and avoid increasing your taxable income with that portion of the distribution. Simply ask your IRA administrator to make a direct transfer to WWf(a)C. If the distribution is made directly to a nonprofit organization such as WWf(a)C, the withdrawal is excluded from your taxable income entirely.
Known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution, this transfer can be accomplished easily, and with great tax savings, by contacting your IRA account administrator for a direct transfer to WWf(a)C. As always, please consult your financial advisor regarding your individual situation. The funds must come directly from the IRA administrator to qualify.
Remembering Randy Weeks
Photo by Jane Pugliano
Hearing the news of Randy's passing brings deep sadness, alongside a sense of relief that the difficult work of the final steps of his journey is over. The loss of such a treasured member of our community leaves a gaping hole. In our Core Class circles, as well as many special events, Randy gifted the WWf(a)C community with his words and music, his stories and insights, his humor and especially his generous and heartfelt discussions. Always completely present with attentiveness, humility and humanity, he left lasting impressions on the hearts of so many. Randy lived with serenity and conviction, with an active and reaching out kind of love. Truly, the friends he leaves behind are legion, and devoted. All those hearts are now holding Randy's family, and especially Jane, the love of his life, during this time of transition.
In one of our class circles, we each shared our favorite poem. It feels right to close with these readback lines from our selections...
From Randy's: And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.*
And from mine: I carry your heart with me I carry it in my heart I am never without it**
Don't miss the first virtual version of Wine, Words & You! Come hear readings by featured guest Manuel Iris, along with WWf(a)C writers JJ Garnett, Lael Ingram, Anjali Nelson and Karen Novak.
Richard Goering of DEPS Fine Wines & Spirits will offer information sessions to learn about the wines and regions selected for the event. Various ticket levels include wine or wine and snacks for pick up. Delivery offered for Patrons and Sponsors. See ticket info here.
Raffle prizes: Bourbon Basket including Blanton's, a WWf(a)C Class Voucher, Journal and Pen, and an Event Wine basket.
Raffle Prize/Auction Info here. Silent Auction items include numerous food and drink offerings, handcrafts, arts, collectibles, writing/readings, and family fun. Raffle ticket sales and Silent Auction bidding will begin prior to the event.
Big thanks to event sponsors
Holly Julnes Dehner,
Noel Julnes Dehner and Joe Julnes Dehner
You Make it Happen
Women Writing for (a) Change is strong and vibrant because you--our champions and supporters--make all the difference! During this time of pandemic, your generosity positively sustains Women Writing for (a) Change. Gratitude to you!
Your gifts and your participation allow us to continue programs via Zoom circles until it is safe to return to in-person writing circles. They also give us the capacity to provide additional scholarships at a time when many face new challenges related to the pandemic.
You supported Summer Camps for youth, even as they were modified to be virtual. And most recently, you helped Raise the Roof, providing funds to shelter future in-person Women Writing for (a) Change circles under a brand new roof.
You are an essential part of Women Writing for (a) Change, its activities and its success. Thank you!
Image by Delila Ziebart via Unsplash
Our six Fall Virtual Youth Circles will be held on Sundays, from 1:30-3:00 pm ET on Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 22, Dec 6, and Dec 20. TWO OPTIONS TO REGISTER: Sign up for our 6-for-5 bundle of all six sessions or opt to Come As You Can and register for individual sessions based on your schedule!
Grades 4-6 (ALL GENDERS): Trusting Our Voices
Grades 7-9 (ALL GENDERS): Life Now
Grades 10-12 (YOUNG WOMEN & TGNC YOUTH): Navigating New Worlds
