What is Veteran Women’s Voices?
VWV is a writing group that offers female veterans in the Northern California area a way to express their unique experiences within a community of compassionate peers. The leaders are veterans themselves, and they deeply believe that through writing, we can individually and collectively grow.
Who can join?
We welcome female veterans from all branches of the armed services, and from all countries.
Do members need prior writing experience?
No. Members don’t need to have previous writing experience — just an open heart and a desire to share their memories, thoughts and feelings with like-minded women.
Is there a cost to become a member?
No. There is no cost to become a member.
Is there a cost to attend retreats?
All retreats are provided at no cost to participants, thanks to a generous grant. Our weekend retreats are currently held at: Gaia House Retreat Center, 14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, California, 95959. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged. Public transportation is available to Nevada City.
What kind of programming does VWV offer?
Our hallmark events are retreats that include facilitated writing prompts, meals together, optional yoga and meditation, nature walks, optional reading one’s writing out loud, and an opportunity for relaxation. In addition, we will offer quarterly day-long writing retreats. We follow the same writing schedule and process that Maxine Hong Kingston – the activist and award-winning author of many books, including the highly acclaimed “The Woman Warrior” — developed more than 20 years ago. This method is so powerful that it has inspired thousands of veterans and their families across the nation to create or participate in veteran writing groups.
Who funds VWV?
Individual Donors and Organizational Grants fund the retreats VWV offer. We are a non-profit organization whose monies are administered through fiscal-sponsorship agreements. All monies received are for direct costs associated with retreats and administration. VWV pays no staff members. Facilitation, administration, and fundraising are accomplished by volunteers.
Donors
California Arts Council – Veterans in the Arts Award
Anonymous Fund of the East Bay Community Foundation
Cynthia Donovan Family Trust
TaylorFillebrown Trust
In-Kind Services Donations
Present Tense Productions, (Berkeley, Ca)
Esther Campi Public Relations
Tom Fillebrown Graphic Design
Fiscal Sponsors
Women Veterans Giving
Dharma Friends (Maui, HI)
How can I get involved?
Reach out to us through our contact form here on the website. You can also directly apply using our Retreat Application.