The ever-honorable President Mack Beers called the Tuesday meeting to order. Guests were welcomed, we pledged to the flag. Sakura Takano brought us thoughts for gratitude and reflection on this most auspicious day, honoring women across the world, through the words of the late Maya Angelou that will always echo true.
Announcements:
Connor Miller Next week will be the acknowledgment of those with perfect attendance, despite this past year’s difficulties.
The March Madness Tournament challenge is coming up…Selection details will be available at next week’s meeting.
Michele Howard (Board Member of NWS) introduced this week’s program with Jillian Manning, Executive Director, of the National Writer’s Series. Manning gave us the bird’s eye view of the past year’s activities and a look forward for 2021 into 2022 and acknowledging the many changes that resulted from COVID’s dampening influences. Despite this NWS has remained a vital part of the national culture within the sphere of Traverse City. At the same time, the strong virtual presence has certainly made its imprint on an even wider audience as NWS continues to raise its profile nationally and internationally.
A quick overview of what NWS does:
Author Events: From the beginning these have been the centerpiece of NWS, offering conversations with innumerable bestselling and award-winning authors
Education: a key pivot point for the organization locally have been its youth literacy and writing programs throughout the region
During COVID time, NWS has offered its author programs Live from the Virtual, with two events monthly via ZOOM. These are mostly Free and presented in partnership with other non-profits as able. By this coming May, the end of the NWS season, 29 renowned authors will have been presented. They have seated over 10,000 virtual attendees. An added feather are the three simulcast events with IPR this year. IPR continues to present other events later as well. Through their many efforts, NWS has influenced the sale of thousands of books through local booksellers.
The NWS Literacy programs are virtual now as well. Battle of the Books had a record 350 students despite…or because of the pandemic. Creative Writing workshops continue online. The Front Street Writers @ TBAISD continues along with virtual author visits, including some Masterclasses. And Poetry Workshops have been held at Blair and Traverse Heights. Additionally, there is the annual Literacy Journal, Scholarships in collaboration with Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and the NMC College for Kids collaboration.
Looking toward the future, NWS has just launched its own podcast, available through all major podcast outlets. They are also developing new exploration avenues, including a Young Adult author series, and new creative writing opportunities. The summer ‘21 series will be virtual, but they are looking to resume live in the autumn, when they return to the City Opera House…however, all live events will include a virtual option, and some will be solely virtual.
BOOK NERDS UNITE! Thanks NWS!
