Poem of the Month

Words Without Borders

The Online Magazine of International Literature

Even Small Donations Make A Big Difference at Words Without Borders
December 17, 2008

Dear Friend of Words Without Borders,

Thank you for your support of Words Without Borders and its unique role in bringing literary voices from around the world to English-language readers. It has been an exciting year. As the premier forum for literature in translation, we marked our fifth anniversary with bold efforts to expand our circle of talent to include more professional staff dedicated to strengthening the organization and enhancing its offerings, more volunteers, more educators enriching the minds of more students, more active board members, and most important, more involved readers!

Please join us in our continuing efforts to publish and promote the world’s best literature through a highly accessible and completely free online magazine, public events, education initiatives, and print anthologies. In 2008, with tremendous support from our donors, WWB:

• Published 139 works translated from 30 languages by authors from 47 countries, including Horacio Castellanos Moya (Senselessness), Nobel Prize winner J.M. G. Le Clezio (Étoile Errante) and Brazil’s Jabuti Prize winner Cristavão Tezza (The Good Son).

• Published an important selection of Chinese poetry and prose never before seen in English and co-presented a panel discussion on Chinese literature with two of its most prominent figures, dissident writer Ma Jian and writer/filmmaker Xiaolu Guo.

• Presented a discussion in NYC with the Grand Prix in Angouleme winners (the most prestigious award for graphic novels) Phillip Dupuy and drawing partner Charles Berberian.

• Curated, with the help of a highly competitive grant from the New York Council for the Humanities, a five-part discussion series on contemporary works of international literature featuring award-winning translators and writers, including noted writer Francisco Goldman and Natasha Wimmer, translator of Roberto Bolaño’s posthumous masterpiece, 2666.

We have even bigger plans for 2009. We will co-publish a special issue on international nature writing with Orion Magazine; publish an anthology and issue celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall; expand our education initiatives; provide in depth coverage of world literature through our blog; and curate more events both in and outside of New York City.

But to do this we need your help. We must continue our work knowing dedicated readers like you expect it and appreciate and understand its importance. A gift at this time, no matter the amount, will make a significant impact on our small organization and will contribute to creating a global community that is based on mutual understanding and respect. We look forward to hearing from you.

We wish you a joyous holiday season!

Warm regards,

The Staff and Board of Words without Borders

First Person Arts – Philadelphia

Three ways to enrich yourself in 2009
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Put in your 2 cents

Fill out a survey about the 2008 First Person Festival!
Your feedback helps us plan the 2009 Festival and deliver compelling memoir and documentary art that YOU want to see. Plus, it doesn’t even really cost you 2 cents, and, when you fill it out, your name is entered into a drawing for a pair of StorySlam or Salon tickets!
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Be a Joiner
The First Person Arts community depends on your continued financial and participatory support. Help us continue the tradition in 2009:

• Become a Member of First Person Arts. When you do, we’ll hand-pick a memoir and send it to you!

• Buy a six-pack of StorySlam Tickets. They make a great gift at just $40.

Get in the Act
Find creative outlets in artistic communion with like-minded lovers of memoir and documentary art.

• Present your work of memoir or documentary art at a Salon.

• Tell your 5-minute true story at a StorySlam. (You know you want to!)

• Apply to be a First Person Arts Intern!

…and have a lovely holiday season!

Your friends at First Person Arts:
Vicki, Dan, Eva, Nick and Andrew
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