Letter from VONA Alums to VONA Alums

Dear VONA Alums:

            We are writing because you are a VONA alum and because you share VONA’s mission of bringing more writers of color into the world. As you are probably aware, VONA runs on a shoe-string budget. Despite its incredible growth, from 35 applicants out of 50 in 1999, to almost 500 applications and 132 students in 2009, its two founders, Diem Jones and Elmaz Abinader have efficiently managed it out of their dining room tables.

            For the past several years, even as our world has experienced economic upheaval, VONA’s tuition has maintained relatively stable, including in 2010. However, this year, post-budget and after the workshops were announced, USF increased its fees for space. They said they’d generously reduced rates in the past. However, the increase means that VONA will no doubt run at a deficit. This isn’t like other government deficits that might be rolled into next year’s budget; unless we make up this money, Diem and Elmaz will need to pay the difference. We can’t allow this to happen to VONA’s co-founders.

            We are writing to you to ask for help. We are each pledging between $25 and $100 to VONA this year and invite you to make a monetary contribution to VONA in any amount you choose. Whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated.

            Though our main reason for writing is this year’s costs, there’s more at stake. For most of us, VONA has been a gift – a launching pad to our first publications, new careers, MFA programs, not to mention an unmatched connection to an expansive and culturally diverse writing community. We cannot imagine an arts community without VONA.

            But more importantly, we want to pay it forward by becoming an integral part of VONA’s future. As VONA alum, we have had the privilege of working with brilliant faculty. We want to make sure that VONA remains viable to new and young writers of color who are searching for their voices, who have never published, who are rich with raw talent but poor in skill and funds – writers who are looking for a home.

            To ensure this continues, VONA needs to grow more robust. And it needs us to grow. With our help, VONA will thrive. We can already see evidence of it in our updated website, Facebook page, and newsletter. Elmaz and Diem anticipate incorporating VONA as a non-profit organization, creating its own board and removing administrative fees. Imagine VONA with programs, mentorships, a literary magazine, and the long-awaited anthology. The possibilities are endless...

            We have big dreams, but why shouldn’t we? 

            Can you be a part of our dream? Can you help us grow VONA? The easiest way to give is to go to the website, click on Giving & Volunteering and pay through Paypal. Go to http://voicesatvona.org/giving.html. 

You can also send a check to the following address: Voices of our Nation Arts Foundation, c/o Community Initiatives, Inc. 354 Pine Street, Suite 700, San Francisco, CA 94104

All donations are tax deductible. Remember, no gift is too small or too big; anything you give now will help. And please, send this email to your families, colleagues, as well as other artists and friends who appreciate the written word by writers of color. We’d like this letter to circulate widely. Finally, whether you send a check or donate through Paypal, please take a minute to let us know. Send May Chan a message at: info@voicesatvona.org or call her at 866-202-6152 to confirm how much you are planning on donating.

            Thanks in advance for your help. Peace and best wishes on your writer’s journey.

With much gratitude,

Sharline Chiang – alum since 2003

Sara Campos – alum since 2004

Teri Elam – alum since 2002

Miriam Louie – alum since 2004

Andrea Walls – alum since 2008