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Core Values
Enthusiasm
The VWC is passionate about the process of creating and propagating the written word and encourages others to share in this fascination. VWC, its Board of Governors, officers, chapters and members act in concert to meet common goals.

Respect
The VWC cultivates an atmosphere of mutual respect for individuals and organizations within the Club and with those external to the organization.

Tolerance
The VWC is an inclusive organization that welcomes members without discrimination of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability. The club accepts, recognizes and fosters a diversity of intellectual and artistic written expression.

Integrity
The VWC's credibility rests on a foundation of personal and professional ethical standards that include accountability, transparency and effective management.

Strategic Goals
Foster literary talent and achievement by providing channels of encouragement, opportunity and learning.

Develop and maintain management practices and controls that promote efficient and effective operation of the VWC.

Build and Sustain a positive image that enhances our partnerships and elevates our influence with both public and private like-minded organizations and with government bodies concerned with the literary arts.

Increase membership by establishing viable programs that attract qualified writers, corporate sponsorship, and other champions of the literary arts.

History

In the words of Samuel T. Schroetter, Jr., former president of The Virginia Writers Club:

"The Virginia Writers Club, founded in 1918, is an interesting and flourishing association of published writers in various fields for the promotion of exchanging ideas and stimulating the art and craft of professional writing.

"Perhaps the greatest attraction, value, and potential of the Club is bringing together writers of various sorts... poets, fiction writers, essayists, scholars, journalists, editors, and a scattering of specialty, technical, and publicity writers. Writers in different disciplines and from different localities get to know each other, to compare, exchange, and share experiences; well-known authors meet their most devoted and understanding admirers, reviewers, and promoters; fledgling and flagged craftsmen meet and learn from expert practitioners, through programs and conversation. A poetry society, a historical association, an organization of women, black, Christian or Jewish writers, a purely local group does have the advantage of focus, but a more general writers' club has that of breadth and interchange."

Membership Categories

ACTIVE MEMBER: Those who have a) written a book, play, movie, or other script which has been published, produced, or broadcast; b) edited a published anthology or other writings; or c) written and sold to a magazine, newspaper, book publisher, or other communications medium, two poems, one short story, or an article. Other writings may be considered on their merits at the discretion of the Board of Governors. (Voting member)

ASSOCIATE MEMBER: Those who have not yet fulfilled the eligibility requirements for active membership. (Voting member)

CORPORATE MEMBER: A business or philanthropic organization that supports the mission and objectives of the Club. (Nonvoting member)

SUPPORTING MEMBER: An active or associate member who wishes to make an additional annual contribution to support the Club. Added benefits include:
         One (1) business card size ad per year in the Newsletter
         Supporting member recognition in the Handbook (member directory)
         Supporting member recognition on the Website (with link if available)

LIFETIME MEMBER: An active or associate member who wishes to make one major contribution to the Club with the added benefits of:
         Paid luncheon at each annual meeting
         Seating with speakers and officers at each annual meeting
         Lifetime member recognition in the Handbook (member directory)
         A Lifetime Member Certificate
         And, never having to pay dues again!

CORPORATE SPONSOR: A corporate member that wishes to make an additional annual contribution to support the Club. Added benefits include:
         Quarter page ad in Newsletter throughout year
         Quarter page ad in Handbook (member directory)
         Corporate sponsor recognition on Website (with link if available)
         Listed sponsor of Young Writers Conference
         Display table at annual meeting
         Ten minute presentation at one Club meeting