ABOUT WORD WORKS

Founded in 1974, The Word Works, a nonprofit literary and educational organization, publishes contemporary poetry in collector's editions and presents public programs. An all-volunteer organization, our record of achievement continues to grow as we add new accomplishments to serve the American public. We maintain an archive at George Washington University. We adhere to a policy of nondiscrimination. Volunteers are welcomed to help us whenever possible.

• Accomplishments
• Archive at George Washington University
• Mission Statement
• Policies
• How to Help

ACCOMPLISHMENTS include:

• Publication Record: 70 book titles (May 2010).
• The Washington Prize awarded to 29 American poets (1981-2009).
• 34 years of continuous free summer programs at the Joaquin Miller Cabin in Washington, DC's Rock Creek Park (summer 2009).
• Presentation at the Miller Cabin Poetry Series of 44 high school students as winners of the Young Poets Competition (1987-2009).
• Publication of 22 outstanding titles in the Hilary Tham Capital Collection, an invitational book series for Washington-area writers willing to help develop the Word Works (1989-2010).
• Publication of four outstanding titles in the International Editions series, an invitational book series for bilingual work (since 1999).
• Arts Retreat in Tuscany, Italy (1996-2003).
• Presentation of programs and publications of significant social and cultural content, including:
  • "In the Shadow of the Capital," an African-American oral history project that culminated in a two day program at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
  • A three day workshop in Washington, DC's main shelter for the homeless. Project included publication of COOL FIRE, a chapbook of poetry by participants.
  • THE STONES REMEMBER , an anthology of contemporary Israeli poetry.
  • CROW'S EYE VIEW: THE INFAMY OF LEE SANG, KOREAN POET , a translation of the poetry and fiction of the international modernist Lee Sang.
• Presentation of programs and publications featuring nationally known authors and innovative formats, including:
  • THE UNICORN AND THE GARDEN
  • The Gunston Arts Center Poetry Series .
  • The Poet-Editor Series.
  • The Miller Cabin Poetry Series (1976-present).
  • Poet's Jam, a performing arts poetry series.
  • Cafe Muse, a performing arts literary series (1999-present).
• Establishment of a Membership Program in 1998.
• Establishment of a literary archive at the George Washington Gelman Library.
• Grants from prestigious national and international organizations.

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LITERARY ARCHIVE

To access the Word Works archive, contact Special Collections, the Gelman Library at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Call 202-994-7549 to arrange access.

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MISSION STATEMENT

THE WORD WORKS is a nonprofit literary and educational organization dedicated to the support and perpetuation of contemporary poetry and literature for the cultural enrichment of humankind. It is a volunteer organization operating without discrimination regarding gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any classification protected by State or Federal discrimination laws. The Word Works carries out its mission through book and World Wide Web publication, competitions, special projects, and public programs. Developing audience for poetry is a critical goal in its effort to promote and support outstanding literary work.

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POLICIES

The Word Works Nondiscrimination Policy

It is the policy of the Word Works to invite cooperation between authors, artists, volunteers, and patrons. The Word Works does not discriminate in employment or service to people based on gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any classification protected by State or Federal discrimination laws.

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HOW TO HELP

• Establish an Endowment.

  For a private appointment with a Word Works board member, please contact us through electronic mail or write to: Dr. James Beall, The Word Works, PO Box 42164, Washington, DC 20015.

• Donate Funds.

  Donations to the Word Works can be directed to particular programs or projects, such as the Miller Cabin Poetry Series or the Capital Collection book signature. We acknowledge all funding categories in our printed literature where possible. Funding categories are: Friend, up to $99 Donor, $100-$499; Patron, $500; and above. For questions, please contact us through electronic mail. Donations may be sent to The Word Works, PO Box 42164, Washington, DC 20015.

• Volunteer.

  The Word Works is a nonprofit organization with no salaried staff. If you would like to volunteer to help this organization, please contact us through electronic mail or write to: The Word Works, PO Box 42164, Washington, DC 20015. We are currently looking for help in marketing and promotion, grant writing, administration of the archive, and maintaining our book storage unit.

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