Voices of Our Nations Art Foundation

VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) is the only multi-genre workshop for writers of color. VONA centers and honors the traditions and aesthetics of writers of color to provide a space for their work and learning. Through our focus on this expanded definition of craft, VONA fosters the open and honest expression of personal and political writing often marginalized almost everywhere else. Our organization and writing classes engage the work of social justice and build a global community of writers of color.

Our staff and board align around the following organizational values:

Community

We believe in the power and creativity of writers of color. Our shared purpose centers the lived experiences and individual voices of people of color and our diverse cultures.

Empowerment

We believe in the work, traditions and aesthetics of writers of color. Members of our community have access to renowned writers/teachers of color who promote mastery and build writers’ confidence.

Excellence

We are committed to the development of the excellence of writers of color; focusing on the unique combination of craft and regard for our backgrounds as people of color.

Respect

The VONA community is based on mutual respect across all organizational roles. We recognize that learning is optimal when everyone feels safe enough to lean into their growing edge.

Integrity

Integrity sustains the VONA community with clear expectations and communication regarding roles, responsibilities, policies, protocols, logistics, and fiscal accountability.

Justice

We believe that literature can be an essential tool in the pursuit of social justice and racial equity and that writers can pursue artistic excellence and social activism.