I'm sure by now some people know that Romance Writers of America has been in the news lately. I try to stay off Twitter and hide in my corner of the woods under a rock, but even I have felt the ripple effects of all of the turmoil.

I am not in possession of all of the facts, and though I've tried to keep up with what has happened, I have found sorting through it all daunting, overwhelming, and sad. Here is a source from Claire Ryan that I have found helpful, and was also recommended to me by others.

Yesterday, my local chapter, the Virginia Romance Writers, held their annual state of the chapter address, during which time, they hosted a robust conversation about what is going on at the national level of the organization, how that affects the chapter, and ways the chapter can do better. The conversation did not shy away from difficult topics. A plan was laid out to send out surveys in the coming days to collect feedback from members on a variety of topics.

I want to point out that while many people are leaving RWA, and thereby also saying goodbye to their local chapter (and I don't blame them given the nature of the issues swirling around right now) there are many who have decided to stay because of the local chapter. As it stands right now, I am staying with my local chapter, and they have brought me so much insight, experience, and great programming. At Virginia Romance Writers, everyone is welcome, treated equally, speakers are compensated, and the conversation revolving around how we can do better is not new.

I haven't been a member very long, but in that short time have been lucky enough to have had a positive experience overall. I know not everyone has the same experience, and not every chapter is the same. I was deeply upset to hear of some of the stories of discrimination, racism, microaggressions, and hateful behavior and language that have occurred over the years in the national RWA organization. By retaining membership, I can act with my vote and plan to do so in the coming elections.

All of that being said, a quote has stuck with me through the past few weeks from Alexa Day, an author who I admire and met in VRW. A few weeks ago she so profoundly said, "The work must continue." With that as a mantra, I've edited more in the past few days than I have in the past few months and have no plans of slowing down.

Onward,

Kathryn