About the Nashville Chapter
Since 1955, the Nashville chapter of the Women’s National Book Association has been promoting reading, supporting literacy, and advancing the role of women in the community of the book. We offer informative programs and networking opportunities from September through May, a book discussion group that meets six times a year, a literary society that meets six times a year, and various charitable and outreach activities.
WNBA welcomes women and men who share our love for books and our interest in the book world. Many of our members work in the book industry as publishers, authors, agents, editors, librarians, booksellers, or production and marketing specialists. Others simply love books. We invite you to visit one of our meetings to see what WNBA has to offer and encourage you to become a member of our dynamic organization. Check out the Programs/Events tab for information on upcoming events and chapter activities.
The original WNBA – the Women’s National Book Association – was established in 1917, before women in America even had the right to vote. WNBA is a vibrant national organization. There are chapters in eleven cities, individual network members across the country, numerous corporate sustaining members, and chapter honorary members in the world of books and beyond. WNBA is a broad-based nonprofit organization with some 800 members across the country, three distinguished national awards, and a history of lively events in chapter cities and elsewhere.
WNBA welcomes women and men who share our love for books and our interest in the book world. Many of our members work in the book industry as publishers, authors, agents, editors, librarians, booksellers, or production and marketing specialists. Others simply love books. We invite you to visit one of our meetings to see what WNBA has to offer and encourage you to become a member of our dynamic organization. Check out the Programs/Events tab for information on upcoming events and chapter activities.
The original WNBA – the Women’s National Book Association – was established in 1917, before women in America even had the right to vote. WNBA is a vibrant national organization. There are chapters in eleven cities, individual network members across the country, numerous corporate sustaining members, and chapter honorary members in the world of books and beyond. WNBA is a broad-based nonprofit organization with some 800 members across the country, three distinguished national awards, and a history of lively events in chapter cities and elsewhere.
The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) is a professional literary organization dedicated to supporting women and marginalized voices in the literary world; fighting against censorship; creating community around books; educating about books and the book industry, promoting literacy, and providing professional development.
At the February 2023 meeting, the board was interested in hearing your thoughts about WNBA. We asked four questions:
In terms of membership goals, there was less interest in growing numbers than in fostering community and engagement within the membership. Although everyone agreed a certain critical mass is necessary for a healthy organization, there was more interest in developing relationships within the organizations. For example, one newer member said her favorite part of the monthly programming are the conversations with fellow members before the program starts.
Finally, the group generally considers WNBA's relationship with the broader Nashville community as an opportunity to connect book-minded people with area opportunities. Because there are a good number of literary organizations in the city, we didn't want to try and take on what other groups may already be doing well when we could facilitate networking them instead. For instance, rather than raise funds to donate to another organization, our group preferred to use our funds for things like grants or
scholarships. An example given of the latter was working with The Porch to offer a writing scholarship, similar to the program WNBA used to do for Young Writers before it became virtual. And when it came to volunteering, our group really liked the idea of sharing volunteer opportunities with members but didn't think it was something WNBA needed to take on and organize itself.
As members of your Board, we appreciate the feedback and welcome your ideas and suggestions about WNBA. If you have any further input, please send it to us via the Contact Page on this website or email any board member.
At the February 2023 meeting, the board was interested in hearing your thoughts about WNBA. We asked four questions:
- As a member, what do you hope to get out of your membership?
- What vision do you have for WNBA?
- Is expanding the membership of importance?
- What ideas would you have for engaging the community through WNBA?
In terms of membership goals, there was less interest in growing numbers than in fostering community and engagement within the membership. Although everyone agreed a certain critical mass is necessary for a healthy organization, there was more interest in developing relationships within the organizations. For example, one newer member said her favorite part of the monthly programming are the conversations with fellow members before the program starts.
Finally, the group generally considers WNBA's relationship with the broader Nashville community as an opportunity to connect book-minded people with area opportunities. Because there are a good number of literary organizations in the city, we didn't want to try and take on what other groups may already be doing well when we could facilitate networking them instead. For instance, rather than raise funds to donate to another organization, our group preferred to use our funds for things like grants or
scholarships. An example given of the latter was working with The Porch to offer a writing scholarship, similar to the program WNBA used to do for Young Writers before it became virtual. And when it came to volunteering, our group really liked the idea of sharing volunteer opportunities with members but didn't think it was something WNBA needed to take on and organize itself.
As members of your Board, we appreciate the feedback and welcome your ideas and suggestions about WNBA. If you have any further input, please send it to us via the Contact Page on this website or email any board member.