Advocacy

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) amplifies creative voices by providing a range of resources to help writers direct their advocacy. AWP supports equal pay and publication opportunities for writers from marginalized communities, calls for fair working conditions and requirements for creative writing instructors, and promotes consistent and adequate funding of the arts at academic institutions. AWP also participants in worldwide advocacy efforts to protect copyright.

Advocacy for Professional Standards

AWP’s Professional Standards Committee provides letters of support, policy statements, advice, and assistance for the programs and faculty of AWP. The committee coordinates AWP's advocacy of fair treatment of writers in academia, including adjuncts, professors, and instructors. AWP has published guidelines that set high standards for the development of creative writing programs and establish the MFA as the appropriate terminal degree for the writer who teaches in higher education.

If you or your program need support, please reach out to your regional representative on the AWP Board directly or email [email protected] with your request, and we will put you in touch with them.

 

Advocacy for Intellectual Property Protections

AWP is an active member of the Human Artistry Campaign and the Digital Creators Coalition and acts as signatory on public comments to government agencies to continually advocate against the exploitation of writers’ intellectual property by AI developers. 

Advocacy for Literary Arts Funding

AWP belongs to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), whose mission is to “build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts,” which includes the literary arts! Membership in AFTA helps AWP join forces with other organizations as a larger united body to advocate for sustainable arts funding at the federal, state, and local levels, benefitting both our individual and organizational members.