To help everyone get to know our new President, we've made this article from the June 2024 issue of our
members-only Journal available to the public for a limited time. Enjoy!
A Letter from the President
Hello Writing Sisters,
I’ve been part of Story Circle Network for more than two decades, but this is my first letter to you as president of our remarkable organization. I’m honored and excited to take on this new role. Many of you already know me through my years as editor of SCN’s quarterly Journal and our annual anthology. Those roles are now in the experienced and creative hands of Paula Yost and Shelley Johnson Carey. I want to begin by thanking them both for stepping into those tasks with wonderful expertise and enthusiasm.
I also want to thank Len Leatherwood for her generosity, wisdom, and hard work as the previous occupant of this office. She has accomplished a tremendous amount of growth for SCN. Luckily for all of us, she’ll continue to coordinate our online classes and international travel programs. And Len is an excellent advisor and friend to me in this new position.
Likewise, Susan Wittig Albert, our founder, has my gratitude for her confidence in my ability to serve SCN and to expand my skills as a writer and editor. Teresa Lynn, our administrator, and Liz Beaty, our program director, also have my deep appreciation as they provide truly invaluable support every day. In fact, I’m grateful to all the women who serve on our board, and thankful for every member who volunteers her time, energy, and heart to SCN. Although I’m diving into greater responsibilities, with the help of these women and all of the network, I hope to continue to fulfill our mission and enhance our community.
One place to begin that effort will be with your responses to a survey soon to be created by our new board member, Grace Sammon. Information about the survey and how to participate will be forthcoming later. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your experiences, goals, and ideas about Story Circle. You’ll be making an important contribution to the board’s ability to meet your needs and to plan for our future.
SCN members are scattered across the US and a half dozen other countries. We’ve become an international organization, and after twenty-seven years as a nonprofit, we have realized an enormous scope of accomplishments: from intimate writing circles to online classes to national conferences and webinars; from a photocopied annual collection to a series of self-published anthologies available to millions on Amazon; from a small group of women to our largest and most productive community thus far. We can all be proud to be part of such a group.
Our organization is effective because our mission is just as relevant as ever . . . We support women telling their stories. I will count myself successful as a leader if I’m able to sustain and expand this important resource for women. I hope you will help me to keep the Circle growing and thriving, and in the process find that you are personally enriched as well.
Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and productive summer,
Susan Schoch, SCN President
