Promoting Involvement through the
National Day on Writing Initiative When the NCTE Executive Committee
decided to embark on a campaign to establish a National Day on
Writing (October 20, 2009) and a virtual National Gallery of
Writing, we knew a few things about the project:
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If the project were to make a lasting
difference for writers and teachers of writing, it would have to
attract mass participation.
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We had very little money to spend.
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Most people still
perceive writing as hard
work, and a school-based skill.
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Many people feel vulnerable
about their writing and are not inclined to share it in a public
venue.
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Acting alone, the National Council had little chance to succeed.
Now that may not sound like a propitious set of
circumstances in which to launch a national campaign. But four powerful counter-facts
helped influence the Executive
Committee to move forward:
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So let's not act alone; let's
reach out to involve as many organizations as possible in
building a National Gallery of Writing, and to as many members
as possible in creating local galleries and supportive resources
for those seeking help with writing.
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So let's attract mass participation. Let's
set a wide open criteria -- any kind of composition that is
important to you -- and allow writers to conveniently upload
work to a space that can be visited by a wide audience. Further,
let's provide easy access to the kinds of useful tools and
advice for writers that so many of our members have already
created.
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It's not about money, it's about
resources. With just a little bit of technical assistance, we
can provide a dignified virtual space -- like a museum gallery
or library display -- where thousands of writers will be proud
to voluntarily display their work.
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Writing is hard work, and getting better at
writing is a lifelong journey. But it certainly doesn't stop
at the classroom door. In fact, we can raise awareness of the
amazing diversity of purposes that writing is used for today,
lower inhibitions about writing, and showcase what we know and
need to learn more about by building this "citizen's gallery"
of personal compositions.
Fortified by these arguments, the campaign to
establish a National Day on Writing and a National Gallery of Writing got
under way. Below I've provided a more detailed status report on what
has been accomplished, a timeline of milestones for the initiative,
and some ideas to promote participation. But first, since many of you are striving to build membership
organizations in these challenging times, let's reflect for a
moment on what mass involvement projects like this can mean to *any*
membership organization.
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Non-profit sector research shows that people
remain loyal to organizations that share their values, that
provide them with an outlet for participation, and that
celebrate their accomplishments. Starting a gallery of writing
or hosting a community, state, or regional event to highlight
literacy accomplishments can be a real loyalty-builder.
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Building a reputation as a reliable and
competent collaborative partner can lead to new opportunities
for any non-profit group. That's why reaching out to groups
outside the education sector -- service clubs, after school
programs, community groups, or unions/civic/religious
organizations -- is essential in a time of diminishing
resources. This is particularly true when your organization can
contribute essential knowledge to help others pursue goals
they care about -- like improving literacy practices.
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Projects like these can be a leadership
development gold mine. Let's face it, any organization has only a limited number of key elected roles at
one time. But
when you take on a scalable project -- one that can find a home
in even the smallest of social groups -- you can provide "on
the ground" leadership experience to every mentor or team
leader who helps you build grassroots participation.
Read
More about the Current Status of the
National Day on Writing Initiative and National Gallery of Writing
How
You Can Get Involved There are many ways to contribute to this effort.
Here are just a few ideas:
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Submit something you’ve written to the National Gallery.
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Start a local gallery site for your affiliate, school, or a community group; volunteer to serve as one of its curators.
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Contact your U.S. Congressional representative to
ask for support of a resolution to establish October 20, 2009, as the National Day on Writing.
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Encourage your students, and where appropriate, their parents to participate in the National Day and to contribute to the National Gallery.
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Write to journalists or school board members in your community about the initiative, and about what you know about the teaching of writing.
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Reach out to teachers of other subject areas in your school or institution and encourage them to participate in the National Gallery or National Day initiatives.
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Host an event that focuses on writing on October 20; celebrate writing by posting samples or encouraging authors to read from their work.
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Ask local authorities in your community to recognize October 20 as a Day on Writing.
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Read through submissions to the Gallery and help parents and non-educators notice the range and depth of pieces submitted.
Assembly Approved by the NCTE Executive
Committee
Read about NCTE's new special interest group, the Early
Childhood Education Assembly.
Deadlines Near for
NCTE Executive Committee Awards
2009 Leadershift
Initiative: Encourage an
outstanding early career teacher of color to apply now for either
the
NCTE
Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award
Up to 6 participants will be selected to participate in a
three-day summer retreat to help early career teachers (first 5
years of a teaching career) plan and carry out projects to
advance literacy education. The application deadline is April 1, 2009.
or
NCTE
Early Career Teacher of Color Award of Distinction
Provides up to 2 early career teachers (first 5 years of their
teaching career) a national forum for professional collaboration
and development by attending the NCTE Annual Convention (year
one) and by presenting an NCTE convention session (year two).
The award funds annual convention expenses for both years. The
application deadline is May 1, 2009.
Also, submit a nomination
for the
Advancement
of People of Color Leadership Award
Established in 2007 and first presented in 2008, this special
award recognizes an NCTE member of color who has made a
significant contribution to NCTE and the development of our
professional community. Victor Villanueva, Washington State
University, received this award in 2008.
Nominations may be made by any member on an individual basis.
Nominations should not be submitted on behalf of constituent
groups. Award may be given to a deceased person. The award nomination
deadline is April 1, 2009.
In addition, don't forget your nomination for the 2009 NCTE
Distinguished Service Award: The NCTE
Distinguished Service Award
is given to a person or persons, either volunteer or staff, who
have exhibited valuable professional service (within the Council
and outside) including scholarly or academic distinction at any
level, distinguished use of language, and excellence in
teaching.
Nominations may be made by any member on an individual basis.
Nominations should not be submitted on behalf of constituent
groups.
Award may be given to a deceased person. The award nomination deadline is April 1, 2009.
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