History of the Nebraska Writers Guild
What do Willa Cather, Mari Sandoz and John Neihardt have in common?
They were all members of the Nebraska Writers Guild, one of the oldest writers' organizations in the country. Founded in 1925, the guild's charter members included Bess Streeter Aldrich, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Louise Pound and A.E. Sheldon. In its first year, two members of the guild were included in the Saturday Review of Literature's list of the ten writers most representative of American life.
Our members have always represented a lively cross-section of Nebraska life. Guild activities have traditionally centered on one or two annual conferences, held in larger communities around the state. Novelists and historians, poets and journalists, agents and publishers, editors and columnists all have shared their insights on the art (and business) of writing at these conferences.
Mission, Vision and Values
OUR ORIGINAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
FROM 1925
The purpose of the guild shall be the promotion of good fellowship among Nebraska writers; to encourage the recognition of professional writing and writers in the production of fine literature; and to foster the development of the talent of those who desire to write and who show definite possibilities of authorship.
OUR CURRENT MISSION
Nebraska Writers Guild is a nonprofit (501c3) organization dedicated to empowerment and individual growth through involvement with a community of writers and related professionals; promoting authors and the craft of writing through events and publications; and, advancement through professional development.
OUR FUTURE VISION
Nebraska Writers Guild will:
· Advocate for literary causes;
· Nurture creative community;
· Expand organizational outreach;
· Foster personal growth through education; and,
· Increase exposure for members.
OUR CORE VALUES
Nebraska Writers Guild holds a set of values that provide the foundation for its leadership in honoring its original purpose and achieving its current mission and future vision. These include:
· Community, through
o Acceptance
o Advocacy
o Appreciation
o Compassion
o Cooperation
· Creativity
· Learning
· Motivation
· Professionalism
