B.J. Hollars
In February 2016, when a group of us first conceived of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, we knew our kickoff event had to be held at the perfect location. We wanted a place that people were familiar with, a place that was accessible to all, and, if possible, a place with some darn good A/V and lighting, too.
The Local Store—Volume One’s home turf—welcomed us with open arms. Four years later, Volume One is still welcoming us. Again and again and again.
In the 20+ events we’ve held there—from craft talks, to 6x6 readings, to Barstow & Grand release parties—we’ve always had fantastic (if not magical!) experiences. People come, they enjoy a wonderful event, and then they go home with a free, top-notch arts & culture magazine to boot. In what universe is all of this given to us for free?
Beyond their hospitality in their physical space, Volume One is doubly generous on the page. For over 400 issues, they’ve supported the local arts community in innumerable and immeasurable ways. How many of us have had our work featured within its pages? And how often have we enjoyed reading other writers’ work? In addition to supporting a staff of 20, V1 also pays freelance writers for features and open letters. Which is to say nothing of the mentorship they’ve offered hundreds of writers over the years, further professionalizing them as they continue moving forward in their careers.
Whenever I get a big idea, Nick Meyer and the Volume One team are the first people I call. Not only because I know they can make the idea better, but because I know they can help transform the idea into a community-wide endeavor. Volume One is the conduit that allows all of us to collaborate. They’re the binding for the book our community’s writing together. And we need that binding now more than ever.
credit: Mike Lunderbrek
Why do we support Volume One? Because Volume One supports us. And because we know that the future of our community depends on deepening and strengthening our connections, not losing them.
Volume One inspired our town to grow into what it’s become today. The best way to say thank you is to ensure that it can continue to inspire us for many years to come.
Please, if you’re able, join us in supporting V1’s Reader Membership program. The future of our community thanks you.
-BJ Hollars
Executive Director, Chippewa Valley Writers Guild