OUR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

The Palm Springs Writers Guild (PSWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing, and supporting established and aspiring Coachella Valley writers since 1979. Its current active membership stands at 254 members. We aim to provide a wide range of programs to all levels of writers based on a philosophy of inclusion and respect for the diversity of our membership. Toward that end, we offer members a place where they can advance their craft, find support and camaraderie through writing workshops, mentoring groups, writing contests, critique groups, and guest speakers. PSWG is also proud of its members paying it forward to the next generation of writers through supporting and facilitating the High School Writing Contests, Scholarship Fund, and Boys & Girls Club Writing Workshops.

Currently, PSWG is sponsoring the Coachella Valley High School scholarship writing contest, “The Power of Music.” Students from grades 9-12 submit their essays to the Language Arts teachers who determine the most deserving essays and submit them to PSWG volunteer readers. These volunteers judge the essays for first, second, and third place. PSWG honors the student winners on our website and at our next membership meeting held at the Rancho Mirage Public Library.

And the winners are:

EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

The Palms Springs Writers Guild education mission is to inspire and nurture Coachella Valley writers, including student writers, with a focus on English Language Learners. We believe in giving voice to students’ aspirations by offering a variety of writing workshops, contests, and scholarships.

WHY WRITING SKILLS MATTER

For the last two decades, there has been a steady decline in basic writing skills throughout the United States. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, three-quarters of both 12th and 8th graders lack proficiency in writing.

Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that poor writing skills influence both employers and their prospective employees. Strong writing skills are a requirement for people who aspire to a career in writing and also to careers as wide-ranging as education, engineering, IT, healthcare, the arts, politics, and business.