LUNCH WITH LIT NYS PODCAST

National Book Foundation with
Ruth Dickey

Hot Takes on Literary Prizes & How Literary Organizations Enrich Everyone's Lives

You may know about the National Book Awards, but did you know that the Foundation hosting them has created free literary programming in all 50 states? They also provide grants to other literary organizations—including Girls Write Now—to foster strong, connected communities. In this episode, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation Ruth Dickey covers the many ways that NBF is spreading access to literature across the nation and why literary organizations are vital to creating opportunities for writers and readers.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Prompt of the Week

By Donna Hill,
Friday Night Salon Artist

You meet your dream mate at work, but it's against policy to "fraternize."
Write a scene where you almost get caught.

All is fair in love—or is it? What if your dream job was snatched out from under you by your ex? So what if your heart still skips a beat when you see them? Join mentor and bestselling author Donna Hill as she leads us through the intricacies of writing about love, romance, and the workplace.

VALENTINE'S GIFTS FOR GOOD

Diamonds Are Girls Write Now's Best Friend

Buy a Gift for Your Special Someone and
Support Girls Write Now

If you're looking for a Valentine's or Galentine's Day gift that spreads love to Girls Write Now, take a look at the beautiful and sustainable jewelry from Pavé the Way! For any piece, you can select Girls Write Now to receive 100% of the proceeds. When you buy from collections like Empowerment Tools or My BFFs, your gift will inspire your loved ones as it supports the next generation. Use code GIRLSWRITENOW. 

SPRING CYCLE

Spring 2025 Journey Orientation Dates

February 10-21

We're excited to meet our new mentors and mentees! We will inform you of the Journey you have been enrolled in during mid February. At that time, you'll also be introduced to your Journey Staff Lead and receive your orientation registration link. 

Required for mentors and mentees in the
Spring Cycle

SPECIAL EVENT

STARS Youth Summit

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10 AM-4 PM ET, In-Person
Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr, NYC

This year's STARS Summit "Self-Care to Community-Care: WE Got US!" will highlight the transformative power of community-care, building on the success of our #SelfCareSaturday initiative, and inspiring attendees to uplift one another to drive change in their communities. Girls Write Now will be tabling and leading a poetry workshop, so feel free to say hi!

Open to all mentees and youth in NYC

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Managing Through Crises (or Hard Times Require Furious Dancing)

February 27, 7-8:30 PM ET, VIrtual

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing...
Inspired by the words of Alice Walker, we invite you to join us for a conversation where we’ll share wellness recommendations, like what you do to find and maintain balance, where you find credible news, and what you’re doing, or desire to do: volunteer, raise money, canvas, make phone calls.

Open to all mentors, mentees, members, and the public.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Zando

Publicist

Zando, a nimble independent publisher, is seeking a full-time Publicist to join their growing and dynamic team. Reporting to their Director of Publicity, the Publicist will be involved with publicity campaigns for titles across their imprints, spanning literary, commercial, and genre fiction, YA, narrative nonfiction, and serious nonfiction. They will participate in all aspects of developing dynamic publicity campaigns for a variety of Zando titles and Imprint Partner titles. This is a full-time position based in New York, NY.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

National Book Foundation

Communications Coordinator

The National Book Foundation (NBF), presenter of the National Book Awards, is seeking a full-time Communications Coordinator to join their small and dynamic team. The Communications Coordinator position reports to the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, to support NBF's year-round marketing and communications activities across Awards and honors, education and public programs, and development and fundraising efforts.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY

American Friends Service Committee

Emerging Leaders for Liberation (ELL)

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is proud to open the application for the Emerging Leaders for Liberation cohort. This program is open for young adults looking to deepen their social justice and leadership skills. As part of the program, cohort members will be required to complete an action learning project in their community. This project will demonstrate cohort members'  newfound community organizing knowledge and will be funded up to $1,000. 

Due Date: March 9, 2025