credit: Justin Patchin
B.J. Hollars
Executive Director
Another #GivingTuesday is upon us, which means—in additional to our humble plea for the financial gifts that will ensure a robust year of programming ahead—it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the work we do and why we do it.
To my mind, there are dozens of reasons to give to the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. But in the interest of time (time is writing, after all!), I’ve narrowed the list to my top five reasons.
5.) People. First and foremost, the Guild is all about people. We’re here to connect you, collaborate with you, and build community with you. We’re here to celebrate with you, commiserate with you, and be a present and positive force all year round. Thank you for being you.
Credit: Justin Patchin
4.) Programs. Our wide array of programming is the best way to build our community. We’ve got something for everyone: the Sound & Stories series, Writers Anonymous, 6x6: A Reading Series, Barstow & Grand, Oddly Enough, and a multitude of craft talks. And have we mentioned our Weekend Writers’ Retreat at The Oxbow AND The Priory Writers’ Retreat? Taken together, this is the most robust literary programming I’ve ever been a part of. In their own way, each program contributes to our shared goal of improving our collective literary work. Our testimonials speak for themselves, including this one, which we received on the final day of The Priory Writers’ Retreat: “I have been writing for many years. I'm a college professor...and direct the writing center on campus. However, it was not until this retreat that I find myself as a writer, not just an academic. A writer! The type of writer I wanted to be when I was ten years old but lost sight of over time..." Welcome home, Writer!
Credit: Justin Patchin
3.) Partnerships. An organization such as ours is only as strong as its partnerships. As such, we make it our business to foster and grow our relationships with an array of literary-minded and arts-loving groups and businesses. We are so grateful to our partners, just a few of whom I’ll name below: the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation, Pablo Center at the Confluence, Wisconsin Arts Board, Eau Claire Community Foundation, JAMF Software, Royal Credit Union, Wisconsin Public Radio, Volume One, The Oxbow Hotel, Odd Humyns, Visit Eau Claire, Write On, Door County, Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Chippewa Valley Book Festival, Converge Radio 99.9, Brewing Projekt, Modicum Brewing Co, Shift Cyclery and Coffee Bar, Dotters Books, 200 Main, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s English Department, Chippewa Valley Technical College, NOTA, BANFF Film Festival, and more! In addition, we’ve also been named to the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, which provides us a seat at one of the most vital “literary tables” in the region. These partnerships create possibilities: we’re better able to do what we do because they do what they do. Thanks to all!
Credit: Justin Patchin
2.) Projects. We’re not just in the business of educating, we’re also in the business of creating! Some of our most rewarding experiences have come by way of community members reaching out and saying, “So I’ve got an idea…”. From there, the idea grows into reality! Barstow & Grand is a fantastic example. When B&G editor Eric Rasmussen first approached the Guild with his plan to create a regional literary journal committed to professionalizing our region’s writers (while also providing a great publication opportunity!) we jumped at the chance to join in. For the past three years, Eric’s overseen every aspect of the journal—from building a team of readers, to providing internship opportunities for students, to creating, promoting, and marketing three beautiful issues. (Buy yours today!). We couldn’t be prouder of the projects we’ve created together.
Credit: Luong Huynh
1.) Because this Guild is YOUR Guild. Without people, there are no programs, no partnerships, and no projects. Simply put, this Guild is yours, and everything good that comes from it is thanks to you. As such, we are all responsible for its financial stability. Let today be the day you give to our shared organization. If everyone reading this became a 5.00/month sustaining member, we would be able to meet our target goals for the coming year. Which include: creating a summer retreat scholarship for writers of color, enhancing our craft talk series, subsidizing ticket prices for all our paid events, and providing honoraria for our webmaster, editors, series leaders, and interns. All of this is possible with your help.
Here at the Guild, every member counts. And since we refuse to collect dues, we rely on your generosity, instead. Please prove that we can thrive on this model. Let’s keep it free by giving today!
In closing, a humble thank you for giving today. Let’s grow the Guild for all.
Be inspired, inspire others,
B.J. Hollars