Friends of Writers | Our Story | Non-Profit

Our Story

A non-profit 501(c)(3) independent organization since 1991, Friends of Writers provides scholarships to MFA students and fellowships to MFA grads.

In addition to this, FOW provides scholarships and financial support to an annual conference of alumni from the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. Friends of Writers has supported the production of five writing anthologies, whose editors and contributors donated 100% of each book’s advance and royalties to Friends of Writers’ scholarship funds.

All donations to Friends of Writers flow directly into the scholarships and support of the literary community, and toward literature that reflects and represents our diversity.

Your support helps to make all of this possible

FOW solicits donations from individuals within and beyond the WWC MFA community. It does this through periodic mailings, by letter and e-mail, to its growing list of past, present, and potential donors. A recently-established network of class agents is working to foster ongoing connections within the MFA Program’s community and to seek support for incoming and current students in the Program.

SUPPORT US THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Board Composition & Governance: Overview

Executive Committee

Elizabeth T. Gray, Jr., (2010- ) Corporate Secretary

David Haynes (2010-) Member

Ellen McCulloch-Lovell (2013- )Treasurer

Martha Rhodes (1991- ) Vice-President

Abigail Wender (2010- )President

Eleanor Wilner (2006- )Vice-President

Directors

Debra Allbery, Ex Officio (2010- ) Program Director MFA Program for Writers

Sarah Audsley (2020- )

Natalie Baszile (2019- )

Christine Kitano (2021- )

Caroline Mar (2013- )

Barbara Murphy (2019- )

Ashley Nissler (2020- )

Peter Schireson (2017- )

Ann Folwell Stanford (2019 -)

Angela Narciso Torres (2020- )

Ellen Bryant Voigt (1991- )

Rolf Yngve (2012-2017) (2021- )

Founding Directors

Joan Aleshire 1991- 2010

Helen Fremont 1991-1996

Louise Glück. 1991-1994

Martha Rhodes. 1991 —

Ellen Bryant Voigt 1991–

Former Directors

Dean Bakopoulos (2017-2020)

Cheryl Baldi (1995-2014)

Catherine Barnett (2004-2010)

Jasmine Beach-Ferrara (2006-2011)

Catherine Brown (2012-2017)

Shannon Cain (2006-2009)

Gabrielle Calvocoressi (2015-2018)

Michael Collier (2000-2006)

Janet Crossen (2014-2017)

Nan Cuba (2005-2014)

Maudelle Driskell (2008-2014)

Judy French (2006-2009)

Sharon Gelman (2017-2020)

George Higgins (2018-2021)

Melissa Hotchkiss (1999-2006)

Annie Kim (2018-2021)

Maeve Kinkead (2011-2018)

Peter Klank (2011-2018)

Geoff Kronik (2012-2018)

Vyvynne Loh (2007-2013)

Jynne Martin (2007-2010)

Mike Puican (2012-2015)

Emily Sinclair (2015-2018)

John Skoyles, ex-officio (1994-2000)

Daniel Tobin (2005-2019)

Cammy Thomas (2005-2011)

Mary Jo Thompson (2012-2018)

Peter Turchi, Ex Officio (2002-2011)

Larissa Vidal (2017-2020)

Maria Walsh (1994-1995)

C. Dale Young (2007-2010)

The Board of Directors consists of 15-20 members, whose three-year terms are renewable.
The full Board meets twice yearly. Between Board meetings, committees and task forces meet in person or by phone, and project reports are circulated quarterly to keep all Board members apprised of progress in various areas.
FOW’s Officers consist of a President, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary, and a varying number of Vice Presidents.
FOW is committed to a strong presence on the Board of the alumni and faculty of programs our fundraising benefits, and to 100% active participation by all members.
Currently the Warren Wilson MFA Program Director holds an ex-officio appointment on the FOW Board, and, upon leaving that position, is eligible to serve for a subsequent regular term on the Board.
The Board is empowered to establish any internal or adjunct committees, task forces, or working groups it needs to carry out its activities. It currently has an Executive Committee (consisting of the corporation’s Officers), a Nominating Committee, and a Finance Committee.
As needed, the Board establishes non-voting advisory panels, whose members’ skills, experience and active participation in FOW projects further FOW’s mission.
A 2/3 vote of the Board is required to dissolve FOW. Upon dissolution, any and all residual assets will be paid to a charitable 501(c)(3) organization with a similar mission.
The complete version of FOW’s By-Laws are available upon request.

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