COLUMBIA WRITERS ALLIANCE

We aim to push forward the aspiring writer to dream big, believe in the vision, write the work and accomplish being a published author. We are reaching higher to go bigger and help more people realize their ambitions and abilities to tell a story and be published--even through self publishing as well as the traditional route. We want each writer we meet to own their story, tell it their way, learn how to write correctly, how to read projecting the voice of the characters, to engage the listener, speak to crowds, have a book signing, take the whole journey. We want writers to reach and obtain the top ring, be a best selling author, but work for it. At the same time, we want them to understand that it's not all in being on the best seller's list to sell their books, but sell an inspiration to help others to want to write, to follow you on a journey, or to just say this book made me feel good.

Have literary conferences, writer's retreats, and bring in keynote speakers. Continue to have essay competitions for high school seniors who will be awarded scholarship funding to further their education. We've partnered with various organizations, such as, the Richland County Sheriff's Department, One Columbia for Arts and History, and the United Way to educate the community on the importance of retaining literary skills and will continue to do so . Hire instructors to help engage in the arts that will inspire children and others to write about their experiences. Remain focused to motivate individuals through meetings and workshops to enhance their gift in literacy.

We work with a small budget. Through small grants and donations, we've met our goals described on our website such as, developing and promoting a setting where individuals can express their artistic talents, providing training and workshops geared toward improving literary and artistic development, creating an environment that invites and retains first rate talent, building a fund for underprivileged individuals to attend literary events and workshops, as well as have experienced leaders and teachers, writers and published authors that help through volunteer work or by assessing the members for a small fee. We still keep to our goals but with support we can do a lot more.

So far we have exposed many first time authors to large writing venues
- (i.e, The SC Writers Conference; program now closed).
- Partnered with the University of SC's Department of Psychology, Arts Institute, Art and Dance school in a project entitled, "Comparison of Single versus Interdisciplinary Art Forms in Undeserved Youth", a 5 month project with 20 at risk girls.
- Partnered with School District 1 and the City of Columbia to hold a "Stuff a Bus" Back to School Rally for homeless children
- Had 2 successful Statewide Writers Conferences
- Had a successful SC Christian Writers Showcase
- Supported homeless shelters with literary workshops and Christmas gifts to the children including books.
- Annually have a Black History Program (very diversified) promoting well being and togetherness among the community.
- Provide an annual high school senior scholarship award
- Continue our membership with Together SC