The Word A Storytelling Sanctuary

The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary (founded in 2016) is a Colorado-based, nationally-serving nonprofit that fights for equity through the literary arts. The Word supports writers and publishing creatives identifying from marginalized communities across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and emotional and physical disabilities. Program offerings include: the Editor-Writer mentorship, regular community engagement and professional development programs, the BIPOC Bookseller Award, #MarginsBookstores Month and the [margins.] Conference. Through these programs, the Word fights the dehumanizing effects of cultural erasure by challenging outmoded practices within the publishing ecosystem.

The Word’s approach is grounded in six core values: cultural equity; respect for self-identification; growth and forward progress; work in service of marginalized communities; listening, and cultural humility.