In my last communication I thanked you for your membership in the Alabama Writers’ Forum, and in spite of the gloomy economic outlook, I predicted a continuing upward trend for the literary arts in Alabama. While the national economy is just now showing a few signs that the worst might be over, I am happy to report positive returns on your investment.

For example, our work with young authors in the Alabama Department of Youth Services schools recently received the Impact Award for Innovative Curriculum from the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education. The fine work in Writing Our Stories, made possible through a contract since 1997 with DYS, continues to touch young lives and inspire teachers.

In a similar vein, the High School Literary Arts Awards and Scholarship Competition continues to recognize outstanding students in grades nine through twelve throughout our state. Visit our Programs page to see winners present and past.

Our members stay current on literary matters through our print journal First Draft, mailed twice annually; our Literary News Online electronic newsletter, e-mailed monthly; and our First Draft Reviews Online, updated and archived each month. The Scrolling Calendar on our Homepage keeps you up-to-date on literary events in your community.

Members of our Board are actively involved in a variety of areas, including ensuring the immediate financial stability of AWF, facilitating the transition of the Alabama Center for the Book from Auburn University to AWF, evaluating programs and activities, planning new initiatives, and increasing our membership base.

I also should recognize our small but dedicated staff for its fine efforts in facilitating our activities, managing our finances, and providing benefits to our members in such a way that the quality of our programs and services continues at a high level during this time of financial exigency. Without its willingness to do more with less, we would not have been able to make good on our pledge not to increase dues.

All in all, the Alabama Writers’ Forum continues to maintain its level of excellence through difficult economic times. Under the leadership of founding Executive Director Jeanie Thompson, we hope to continue to provide you with the services, events, and information you have come to expect from us.

Tell a friend.