DECEMBER 2017
December 13, 2017 – Identify and Build Your Brand
Marketing and copywriting expert Marion Hammon has promoted hundreds of books and brands for publishers such as Simon & Schuster and Wiley. She will explain what a brand is and how to express it in your marketing materials. Authors will have an opportunity to brainstorm with Marion about their work and develop hooks and descriptions that grab a potential customer.
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 8:30 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
December 2 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
November 28 – Damaged Virtues: A play by member Calvin Alexander Ramsey
NWU Member Calvin Alexander Ramsey‘s play “Damaged Virtues” will be on stage this November 28th at the
National Black Theatre of Harlem.
2031-33 Fifth Avenue
Cross Street: 125th Street and 126 Street
New York, NY 10035
“Damaged Virtues,” author / playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey’s fact based drama examining the patients and practices of Dr. J. Marion Sims – considered the father of modern gynecology – will be presented as a staged reading at the National Black Theatre (2031 Fifth Avenue) in Harlem on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 as part of the “Keep Soul Alive” Reading Series. The performance is scheduled for 7:30pm and the suggested admission / donation is $10.00. R.S.V.P. requested and for more information and reservations, go to:www.nationalblacktheatre.org.
November 13 – PBS Frontline documentary News War
Don’t Surrender: Organize!
Join the Women’s Press Collective for a forum featuring excerpts from the PBS Frontline documentary News War
Monday November 13, 2017 | 6-8 pm 256 West 38th Street, 12th floor (Offices of National Writers Union, UAW)
RSVP required. Please call: 718-222-0405
Organized by: Women’s Press Collective (WPC)
Since 1982, Building a Press that Works for Working People
November 8, 2017 – Learn Your Rights under the new Freelance Isn’t Free Law
Felice Segura and Alberto Roldan, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs Office of Labor Policy and Standards will give a training session on the city council bill. Learn how the new law, the first of its kind in the US, makes non-payment to freelancers a crime and sets a time limit to pay for work completed. Those found guilty can face having to pay double damages, attorney’s fees, and civil penalties..
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
October 21 –Hell’s Kitchen Writers Reading Series with NWU Member Barry Stewart Levy
NWU Member Barry Stewart Levy will be reading from his book “European Son: a novella,” in the Hell’s Kitchen Writers Reading Series on Saturday, October 21, at 7:00 P.M.
Manhattan Plaza’s Ellington Room
400 West 43rd Street, Second Floor.
Books will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.
Admission is free.
October 16 – Stomp Out the Muslim Ban
On Monday, October 16th, young women activists from the Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) will present “Stomp Out the Muslim Ban!”, an art protest and dance rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall in response to the current presidential administration’s travel ban, now in its third iteration, targeting individuals from 6 Muslim-majority countries, as well as Venezuela and North Korea.
“Stomp Out the Muslim Ban!” will feature a large-scale projection onto Brooklyn Borough Hall’s exterior of a video created by young Arab women showcasing dabkeh, a form of Arab step dancing. The video projection will be accompanied by a rally in which girls and young women are invited to share the impact the Ban and anti-Muslim bigotry has had on them and their communities. “Stomp Out the Muslim Ban!” will close with a performances from dance groups standing in solidarity against the ban, and a group dabke dance, celebrating Arabic culture while protesting bigotry. Read More
LOCATION: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, New York 11201
TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
October 11 – Learn about Low Cost Marketing with Social Media
Speaker: Lee Christine Brownlee will review a number of free or low-cost online applications writers can use to establish their brand and reach new customers..
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
October 7 – Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
SEPTEMBER 2017
To showcase your book(s) at the NWU booth, join NWU at nwu.org.
Email nwuny@nwu.org to make arrangements or with any questions about the NWU. Spots are filling up!
Bookend Events September 11 – 17, 2017
September 13 – How Do Publishers Read a Manuscript?
Timothy Sheard (editor, Hard Ball Press) and Andy Wentink (editor, Turning Point Press) will reveal what they look for in a manuscript, and in an author. Their approach has significant differences from how the writer reads the work. Find out what induces a publisher to accept a MS and what leads to rejection.
Fee: Free for NWU members. $5.00 Non-Members (Non-Members who join the union will be reimbursed the $5.00 fee).
Program Details: 6 pm light refreshments; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com, 917-428-1352
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
September 9 – New York Labor Day Parade
AUGUST 2017
Bring your family and friends. Bring food and drink to share. Meet and Picnic with other NWU members family and friends.
Date Sunday, August 27, 2017
Time 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location Riverside Park
The entrance is at approximately 68th Street. Proceed down the stairs.
There will be signs posted to identify the “NWU PICNIC”. At the bottom of the staircase turn left and follow the arrows posted until you reach the “LARGE” NWU Banner… you’ve arrived!
Additional information on the LOCATION:
By Bike: There is a bike path throughout the park. Look for the NWU Picnic signs and follow them to the site.
By Train: Take the 1, 2 or 3 lines to 72nd Street. Walk toward 68th Street where the stair case is that leads down to the park from the street traffic. Follow the NWU signs to the picnic.
By Bus: Take the M72 cross-town to W 70th Street and Riverside BVlvd. (last stop) Walk South to 68th Street and take the stair case down to the park area. Follow the NWU signs to the picnic.
If you get lost, send up a flare and we’ll find you, or call 347-880-1806, and we will direct you to the party.
August 26 – DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL, Day 2
Day 2 of the Dissident Arts Festival this year is fused with the New Masses Nights series which is also produced by John Pietaro. This evening also serves as a fundraiser for the family of the late guitarist BERN NIX, whose final performance was on the New Masses Nights stage in late May. Bern was a great friend to the series and it with this in mind that we pay him tribute. ALL PROCEEDS OF ADMISSION WILL BE DONATED TO HIS FAMILY’S FUNERAL EXPENSES.
Line-up is being finalized but it will include:
THE BERN NIX TRIBUTE TRIO (3/4 of Bern’s Quartet)
RAS MOSHE’S MUSIC NOW
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH, 2017
DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017, Day 2, Winston Unity Hall
DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017, DAY 2 – 7 pm
New York New York 10022
August 19 – DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017: Day 1
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH, 2017
DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017: Day 1, 5C
DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 – 7 pm
New York New York 10009
(21
DISSIDENT ARTS FESTIVAL 2017: the fight for free speech in the age of Trump
AMINA BARAKA & THE RED MICROPHONE
TRUDY SILVER’S WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE
CRYSTAL SHIPP
BERNARD BLOCK
RAYMOND NAT TURNER
The Writer’s Digest Annual Conference program is designed to give you a balanced education in both the craft and the business of being a writer—all in an encouraging, inspiring environment. Customize your experience by mixing and matching sessions among these core tracks: Craft, Getting Published, The Business of Being an Author, Platform & Promotion and Genre Studies.
Click here for Conference Schedule
August 15 – #NYC1u: All About Insta!
The #NYC1u Digital Media Training Series returns with a session on a platform that has gained a lot of recent attention: Instagram. During this conversation, we will discuss the ins and outs of Instagram including InstaStories, Instagram Live, and Collections. Additionally, we’ll cover what makes a good photograph, techniques for better photographic composition, re-posting, scheduling posts, and why hashtags matter.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate. If you do not already have an Instagram account, please create one prior to this #NYC1u training.
Tuesday, August 15, 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Consortium for Worker Education
275 7th Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Seating is limited! Register today.
Jocelyn Mazurkiewicz will lead this session.
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
JULY 2017
July 15 – Harlem Book Fair
Join the National Writers Union at the Harlem Bo
ok Fair
NWU Members can sell their books at our booth.
Reserve your place by Friday by emailing nwuny@nwu.org.
- To learn more about the Harlem Book Fair, visit harlembookfair.com.
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
JUNE 2017
June 27 – July 10: Killens Review: Call for Submissions!
DEADLINE: Saturday, July 10th, 2017
Are you a longtime fan of the Killens Review, yet have been hesitant to submit your work? Is this your introduction to the Killens Review and would like to take up the challenge? Are you a student writer and/or artist seeking to step into the literary world? Here is the chance for all!
We seek submissions of creative nonfiction, fiction, essays, poetry, memoir, and artwork in which writers and artists create works on the subjects of family, community, and unity in narratives that tell of healing, nurturing, cleansing, and reflection in the times we live in.
For more information and submission guidelines, check out www.centerforblackliterature.org!
June 24 – NEW MASSES NIGHTS
SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2017
Henry Winston Unity Center
NEW MASSES NIGHTS – 7:30 pm (doors open 7)
New York New York 10011
US
NEW MASSES NIGHTS, a NYC performance series featuring the unique heritage of liberation arts in the United States rooted in the struggle for progressive change.
This month, New Masses Nights presents music and poetry to rock the rafters and your soul, from outside to deep blue. All of that and we will host the ALBUM RELEASE PARTY, NEW MASSES STYLE, OF AMINA BARAKA’S DEBUT CD! You cannot miss this one…
****June 24:
–AMINA BARAKA & THE RED MICROPHONE: In honor of the release of Amina’s very first album as a leader, the poet and her band will perform select works from the CD and offer some discussion between Amina and the audience about the poetry. Copies of the CD–Amina Baraka & the Red Microphone (ESP-Disk, 2017)–will surely be available. Let’s make this one a real PARTY
— STEVE COHN TRIO: composer, multi-instrumentalist Cohn has gathered a special trio just for our series, and we are anxious to hear where this sound journey they take us. Steve’s piano, shakuhachi and trombone will match wits with celebrated studio and jazz bassist LISLE ATKINSON (you’ve heard him with Nina Simone, Wynton Kelly, Hazel Scott, Thad Jones, many more) and burning drummer MARVIN BUGALU SMITH, a veteran of Sun Ra, Chet Baker, Archie Shepp and Charles Mingus’ bands.
This series is inspired by the cultural/political magazine of the 1920s-40s, “New Masses.” Here’s a powerful concept, simultaneously old and new: a monthly community gathering in the Henry Winston Unity Hall on the 7th floor of 235 West 23rd Street.
On the last Saturday of each month, surround yourself with the art of the streets, working-class culture and radical human community. THREE SETS; DOORS OPEN AT 7. Join us as the cultural workers speak…
June 20 – Turkey, the Kurds and the Growing Middle East Crises!
The Erdogan government has purged more than 140,000 people from their jobs since a failed coup last summer. About 45,000 people have been arrested, including more than 175 journalists. Journalist/activist Ahmet Sik is in jail for allegedly posting a “terrorist tweet.” An equal number of media sites have been shut down. Recently the government held a “referendum” giving Erdogan even more authoritarian power. And as the region sinks into a wider war, Turkey announced they are sending troops to Qatar. Erdogan is a close ally of Trump and Turkey is a member of NATO, and has been a staging area for US air strikes into Syria.
Speakers:
Sedat Bozkurt / Journalist – Fox Turkey Ankara Representative
Mücahit Bilici / Professor – Author: “Turkish Islam and the Kurdish Question”
Mutlu Civiroglu / Journalist – Kurdish Affairs Analyst
Food will be served.
Please RSVP to nwu@nwu.org as space is limited.
June 15 – Freelance Isn’t Free Act Webinar
The Office of Labor Policy and Standards will be offering two webinars on June 15 to inform freelance workers and hiring parties on their rights and responsibilities. For more information and to register, go to bit.ly/freelancersweb.
Left Forum at the Black Box Theater
NWU members Raymond Nat Turner and Zigi Lowenberg, founders of UpSurge! request your presence at their upcoming event…Saturday, June 3, 2017
12 noon – 12:45 pm
Session 2: room L2.83
Left Forum at Black Box Theater
John Jay College of Criminal Justice,
The City University of New York
524 West 59th St., New York, NY, 10019
June 3: Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
June 3 – THE WRITER AS REVOLUTIONARY: Literary Resistance, Past and Present
John Jay College of Criminal Justice,
The City University of New York
524 West 59th St., New York, NY, 10019
MAY 2017
May 6: Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
May 5 – 6: ASJA’s 46th Annual Writers Conference
Become An ASJA Member and Reap the Rewards
During our popular Client Connections event (check out our list of participating editors) on ASJA Member’s Day, Friday May 5, ASJA members (who apply for the event via a lottery) get to meet with top editors, agents and content agencies who are searching for experienced freelancers.
Click here for more information.
Pivot. Publish. Prosper.
Join us in NYC for two days of education, connections; tips, tricks and strategic moves from seasoned journalists and authors, plus top social media and website experts, PR pros, editors, agents, content buyers, and more.
Since 2010, the Nonfiction Writers Conference is the only event of its kind, exclusively for nonfiction writers at all experience levels, conducted entirely online! We feature 15 speakers over three days and the entire event is conducted via teleseminar–no travel required!May 1 – August 1: THE DEBRA E. BERNHARDT LABOR JOURNALISM PRIZE 2017 CALL FOR ENTRIES
Debra E. Bernhardt (photograph by Jane Latour, 1995)
THE BERNHARDT PRIZE is an award of $500 given to an article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people. Articles focused on historical events AND articles about current issues (work, housing, organizing, health, education) that include historical context are both welcome. The work should be published — in print or online — in a union or workers’ center publication or by an independent/freelance journalist.
TO ENTER visit LaborArts.org/Bernhardt
Deadline: Tuesday August 1, 2017
The winner will be announced at the Tamiment Library on Thursday October 12, 2017, 6 – 8 pm.
The award is sponsored by the New York Labor History Association • LaborArts • Metro New York Labor Communications Council • NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO • Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at NYU’s Tamiment Library
Contact Info:
APRIL 2017
The New York chapter of the National Writers Union is hosting a screening of Kathleen Foster‘s 2004 documentary Point of Attack. Discussion will follow.
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
MARCH 2017
March 10 – LIVESTREAM PANEL: Trump vs. Freedom of the Press
Trump vs. Freedom of the Press
Friday, March 10, 6-9 PM
256 W. 38 St., 12th floor
UAW Conference Rooms
New York, NY 10018
Our panelists will be:
Trudy Lieberman – Columbia Journalism Review
Bill Fletcher Jr.- The Nation, Black Communicator
Liza Fetherstone – The Nation
On Feb. 24, CNN, Politico, BuzzFeed, HuffPost and the New York Times were banned from the West Wing press briefing at the White House! Current attacks on U.S. media workers bear a striking resemblence to those in Turkey and other countries. We are now in the world of “alternative facts,” and the President of the United states has declared the press “the enemy of the people.” Read more
March 4: Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, Mar. 4, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
FEBRUARY 2017
Join award-winning journalist Reese Erlich as he discusses his new book, Inside Syria: The Backstory of Their Civil War and What the World Can Expect.
February 5 – ONE DROP: DEAD OR ALIVE! (Rehearsed and Staged Readings)
ONE DROP: DEAD OR ALIVE!
(Passing Tales of White-Skinned People Whose Bloodline Dips Below the Sahara)
“Invisible Negro,” “One Drop: Dead or Alive,” and “What Mongrel-Baby?”
(Rehearsed and Staged Readings)
Written by: Ms. J. e Franklin
Directed by: Eric Coleman
Sunday, February 5, 2017 – 3:00 PM
The World Premiere Screening of Malika Nzinga’s
THAT’S WHY THEY CALLS US COLORED
Starring: Rod Bladel and Vinie Burrows
The Dwyer Cultural Center
258 St. Nicholas (Enter on 123rd Street)
New York, NY 10027
(Train: A,B,C,D; Bus: # 3, 100,101 to 125th Street)
Limited Seating! To Purchase tickets visit www.eventbrite.com
Donation: $20 – (Includes Reception)
February 4: Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
JANUARY 2017
UAW Region 9A has 10 buses going to the March. NWU Member Seats will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in traveling with us, submit your name, address, phone and email to nwu@nwu.org ASAP.
The Women’s March on Washington
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Round Trip Buses Leave NYC:
Leave- 5:30 AM and Return- 10:00 PM
256 W. 38th St. NY, NY 10018
(between 7th and 8th Aves)
If you join or rejoin NWU now, we can reserve a seat for you and your guests on the bus to Washington. Seats will be reserved on a first come, first served basis for NWU members and guests. Join NWU online at nwu.org, or call 212-254-0279.
You are invited to attend Beware of Fake News! A Kapihan Series by the Filipino Press Club.
Find out how to tell if the news you’re reading is True or Troll, how not to fall prey, how to not contribute to its spread, etc.
Panel speakers include writer-journalist Ninotchka Rosca, and Jessica Robinson, an author and expert on cyber security risks.
Forum will be moderated by Marivir Montebon and Jeanette Marco.
Please RSVP to Jeanette Marco at edmarcoart@gmail.com before January 8.
Seats are very Limited.
When: January 10, 2017 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Oak Room, 2nd Floor, 4W. 43rd St., (Bet. 5th and 6th Ave) NYC
January 7: Good Old – Old School Open Mic (Plus)
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.
Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE
January 2 – First Monday Monthly Meetup: Let’s Talk about the Business of Writing
