It’s coming up fast! That time of year when we’re scouting for members who would like to serve IWOC by serving on the Board of Directors. However this year, it’s a bit different. Without any arm-twisting, nine out of our ten current Board Members have opted to remain on the Board for the 2021-22 term. I am truly grateful, as they each are important contributors to the well-being of our organization. Plus they’re just great people to be around. Yet that still leaves us with one seat open. One seat! ready to welcome anyone who’s eager to help us keep IWOC strong, relevant and vibrant now and into the future. And have a good time in the process.

Are you willing to be The One to run? Or know someone who might be? Nominate them -- or even better, nominate yourself!  

As you mull it over, consider the following qualifications and benefits:

• To qualify as a candidate, having been an IWOC member for at least one year is preferred, but not mandated. Appreciating the value in IWOC and having the desire and viable ideas to make it even better are what matter most.

• Serving on the Board is not an onerous task. We meet for just one hour on the 2^nd Tuesday of every month right before the networking hour of our monthly program. Since we are resuming in-person meetings, that would be at 4:00pm.

• We have lots of laughs. Some disagreements. Such is the price of democracy. But the result is a satisfying sense of accomplishment towards the goal of creating a better IWOC.

• Most importantly, you’ll be able to have a real influence on how IWOC can help boost everyone’s writing career – including your own. 

Since 1981, IWOC has been playing a unique and vital role devoted to helping independent writers succeed. This is your opportunity to actively help morph IWOC into your vision of how it can best serves its members. Come join the Board. In doing so, I can almost guarantee one more benefit: You’ll find yourself growing in positive, unexpected ways. To my surprise, I know I did. 

Note: Please send your nominations to the Nominating Committee – either George Becht, Jeff Steele or myself -- by Friday, August 13. Questions? Contact any one of us.

-- Laura Stigler