The Federation of Worker Writers and Community
Publishers
wORking Press are one of around fifty member groups of the
Federation of
Worker Writers and Community Publishers. The FWWCP is an umbrella organisation for independent
writing workshops and community publishers.
Some 'FED' groups focus on particular areas such as adult literacy,
survivors of the mental health system or homelesness. Membership is
worldwide representing over 4,000 people who meet regularly to write;
offer constuctive criticism; produce books and tapes; perform and
share skills. Despite this diversity, member groups share a core
vision.
- To
make writing and publishing accessible to all
- To
develop and publish writing by and for working-class
communities.
(The Federation believes in a wide definition of
working-class)
- To
encourage people to take an active, co-operative and democratic
role in writing, performing and publishing.
- A
commitment to equal opportunities.
The Federation's core activities include
training, networking, sharing skills dissemination of information
through the FEDeration Magazine and the newsletter, and acting as the
representative voice of its membership. The Federation was formed in
1976 it has an executive committee annually elected by the membership
at an Annual General Meeting which takes place within a weekend
Festival of Writing. The Festival fully represents the diverse
nature and geography of the membership. The constitution and working
practices enable member organisations to take an active role in the
decision making process.
Over the past few years financial support towards running costs has
been given annually by the Arts Council of England. Achievements have
been notable, with many members winning awards such as The Raymond
Williams Prize for Community Literature. Membership is for groups and
workshops only. Individuals can play an important role by becoming
'Friends of the Fed' and subscribing to FEDeration Magazine.
For more information contact :
FWWCP
PO Box 540
Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 6DR
UK
fwwcp@mcmail.com
The activities of some member groups of the 'FED'
(The Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers)
can be seen on the following websites. Check them out!
QueensPark
Books 
Pulp
Faction
Commonword
Victorian
Federation of Community Writing Groups (Australia)
Ontario
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Canada)
Other member groups are establishing an electronic presence and can
be contacted by e-mail
Centerprise
For further links to WWW sites we like
go to LINKS
page