Photo: Jill Newton Moore
Founding Principles
Updated June 2026
At the first annual CWC in 1997, the founders agreed on several principles to guide CWC as it grows, and they have been adapted over time. As was the custom at Goddard, we acknowledge and celebrate that CWC will be a “process” and we'll continue to re-visit these principles when appropriate.
At the first annual CWC in 1997, the founders agreed on several principles to guide CWC as it grows, and they have been adapted over time. As was the custom at Goddard, we acknowledge and celebrate that CWC will be a “process” and we'll continue to re-visit these principles when appropriate.
- CWC will continue the Goddard tradition of innovation by providing a place for writers to teach each other in a supportive, low-competition atmosphere. Our purpose is two-fold: to create an opportunity for Goddard MFA alumni to work and nurture their writing lives, and to provide a unique, ongoing community of writers for Goddard MFA alumni.
- CWC will reflect and draw from the deep talent of Goddard MFA program alumni. Many writing conferences are developed around specific teachers, “stars” who are well-known in the writing world. Many of us have benefited from those experiences and probably will continue to. CWC will provide another kind of experience; we will come to learn from each other—because we know what magic can happen here, and because we trust one another for inspiration.
- CWC will be accessible in terms of cost and disability.
- CWC will be planned and organized each year for Goddard MFA alumni by a committee of volunteers from the previous year’s conference.