Now is the time to go to work!

The Word was founded almost 10 years ago to fight the erasure of our communities and to build a space where we can all show up as our fullest selves. In that time we’ve seen the impact of programs that build pathways to publishing with access to authors, agents, and editors. We’ve heard the gratitude of program participants for providing spaces where they can build community, spaces where no part of their identities needs to be put away.

The overt attempt to erase our communities, our values, and our lives that we see today underscores the importance of this work — the work of uplifting voices that have been silenced. The rise in book bans from diverse voices across the country and the disappearing of people from our neighborhoods tells us why this work matters. Why books matter. Why the Word matters. 

I’m Chris Aguilar-Garcia, Program Director at The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary. I  remain committed to fighting this erasure and to building the spaces that truly hold our communities. With your support I know we can preserve the stories we need most.