About NY Writers Coalition
NY Writers Coalition Inc. (NYWC) is one of the largest community-based creative writing programs in the world. We partner with public and private institutions, social service agencies, and social justice organizations to provide unique, empowering ongoing weekly creative writing workshops throughout New York City. Our workshops are particularly targeted toward underserved people, including youth, seniors, women, LGBT communities, people living with disabilities, people who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, or others with specialized needs. Writers participate in NYWC’s readings and their work is published in NYWC’s high-quality publications.
Since we launched in 2002, more than 12,000 NYWC workshop participants have been served in hundreds of New York City locations. Our workshop members have been widely published, been accepted to prestigious high schools and universities, and have had work presented in Carnegie Hall, in the NY Times, on NPR, and in major venues across NYC.
NYWC also offers other free and low cost workshops and events that are open to everyone. We welcome writers of all genres and experience levels. Our work has deep roots in the Amherst Writers and Artists writing workshop method, created by Pat Schneider and described in her book Writing Alone and With Others. Click through our website to learn more about NYWC’s public programs, annual Write-A-Thon, current drop-in workshop schedule, and NYWC Press publications.
We Believe
- That everyone is a writer, regardless of prior writing experience and formal education.
- That through encouragement and support, people grow as writers and artists.
- In the value of the uniqueness of every individual’s voice.
- That each person’s experiences are a source of strength and power as a writer and an artist.
- In creating and maintaining a non-judgmental, open and respectful community where everyone is encouraged to support and listen to each other and to take risks and grow as writers.
- That each person, through writing, can shape and influence the lives of others.
- We can achieve social change by providing access and opportunity for all writers, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, sexual orientation and physical ability.
