I'd Like to be BC's Regional Director of the Professional Writers' Association of Canada (PWAC)

The BC Regional Director position with the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) has become vacant, and I've decided to throw my hat in the ring.

Why? Because I think I can help provide a fresh perspective on the issues surrounding PWAC.

I'm always following the discussions that go back and forth on the PWAC business listserve, and the thing that keeps coming up again and again is the need for writers to gain recognition as respected professionals, and to be treated as such. What's needed in a lot of ways is a change in perspective, as contractors need to recognize the value of professional writing and aspiring writers need to recognize the value of their own talents.

There are too many bad contracts (see badwritingcontracts.ca), too many disrespectful editors, too many rights-hungry publishers and too many starving writers wiling to prostitute themselves for a byline.

Although I've spent time as a freelance journalist, I now run a full-time copywriting business. As a marketer, I think I may be able to provide some insight on how PWAC could better promote the respect of professional writers. And hey, if I'm able to contribute in other ways, that would be icing on the cake!

I'm not saying that I could necessarily do a better job than other PWACers who may be considering the posting. I'd just like the opportunity to try. I don't have a lot of board experience, but I have worked with a board of directors as marketing coordinator with Comox Valley Tourism and I did sit in on several Tourism Vancouver Island board meetings. I also started up a nationally incorporated charity several years back.

I'm excited about the opportunity to become more involved with PWAC and I really think this could be a great opportunity to give back.

I'm currently seeking nomination by two PWAC members, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.




To learn more about my professional copywriting services, visit my web site at www.ryanparton.ca.