About AIW
AIW’s mission is to:
- CREATE an open and inclusive community of authors, journalists, and other writers;
- INFORM, EDUCATE, and SUPPORT its members in the business and craft of writing and help them succeed in a rapidly changing environment; and
- ADVOCATE for writers on key local and national issues.
AIW members write and edit fiction and non-fiction, short stories, poetry, and screenplays. Some specialize in magazine or newspaper writing, while others write through contracts with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
- The annual Philip M. Stern Award for outstanding service to AIW and its members;
- Courses through the prestigious Smithsonian’s Resident Associates Program, on writing genres such as historical fiction, biography and children’s literature;
- Pubspeak gatherings–informal talks at local hostelries, on various topics with major writers;
- Seminars and workshops on technology, business management, genre issues, and other topics;
- Interaction with the Writers Center of Bethesda, Md.;
- Membership in the Cultural Alliance of Washington;
- Endorsement of the Film Biz Happy Hour networking event;
- A website to get the word out about services and programs to an ever-expanding audience; and
- The GoogleGroups-based AIW Discussion list, an electronic community in which members and other writers can exchange experiences, advice, resources and opinions.
