Mission Statement
1. To expand the members’ literary experience by:
a. Reading quality works written about or by African Americans
b. Reading a selection of titles that vary in genre from; new and classic fiction, mystery, inspirational, romance, and autobiographies/biographies
c. To introduce members to both new and old authors
2. To encourage responsible writing and publishing of literature written by and about African Americans
a. Providing book reviews and letters of encouragement to authors and publishers
b. Supporting literary events and author book signings
c. Allow members an opportunity to correspond with writers and authors in the myspace group and black book club forum at http://groups.myspace.com/phenomenalwomenbc
http://blackbookclubs.ning.com/profile/PhenomenalWomenBookClub
3. To provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions by having monthly book discussions
4. To expose the African American community to literature written by and about African Americans by telling people about books the group has discussed in person, on our website, and other internet forums.
a. Having monthly book discussions
b. Private Myspace book club group area http://groups.myspace.com/phenomenalwomenbc
c. The Black Book Club site at
http://blackbookclubs.ning.com/profile/PhenomenalWomenBookClub
5. To expose members’ to new authors and different genres including:
· Anthologies-a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works by different authors.
· New author-Any fiction or non-fiction work by a previously unpublished writer.
· Novel-an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with the human experience through a connected sequence of events. Fiction
· Autobiographical/Biographical-the biography of a person narrated by himself or someone else. Non-fiction
· Classic-A fiction or non-fiction work of enduring excellence at least 20 years old.
· Short Story Collection-a collection of short fiction by the same author.
· Social Commentary/Cultural Criticism-A work of non-fiction addressing social and cultural issues of interest to people of African descent.
· Romance-A tale of love. Fiction
· Inspirational/Motivational-books that help the reader find meaningful points in their life that can flourish into true self worth and high esteem and motivate, illuminate and bring joy. Non-fiction
· Historical-A fiction or non-fiction work based on a historical event or a period of history.
· Mystery-A piece of fiction dealing with the solution of a mysterious crime or event.
Meeting Guidelines
1. Meetings will be 2 to 3 hours long
2. Kids will not be allowed to attend book discussions.
3. Out of respect for speakers, no loud cell phone rings. Please put ringers on low, vibrate or silent when meeting.
4. Respect members and their opinions. This group was purposely formed to include women of different ages (18 and up), religions and sexual orientation to be open to a variety of opinions.
5. Meetings can be held in a variety of locations. The book captain of the month decides the setting. Meetings can be at homes, restaurants, coffee houses, parks, library meeting rooms, etc.
6. There will be no smoking during discussions unless outdoors.
7. The book captain of the next month will determine which book will be read the following month no later than at the end of the month prior to their month’s discussion. This can be decided by the captain’s own choice or by pulling titles in the month’s genre.
8. Attendance is important. Please RSVP with the book captain ahead of time to allow the hostess a count.
9. When meeting at restaurants the book captain & co-captain will provide appetizers and refillable drinks but members will have to order and pay for individually ordered meals and/or drinks at the bar.
10. Information for meeting location, times, and directions will be provided to each member at least 2 weeks before meetings.
11. All members are expected to be prepared and finish the PWBC book of the month.
12. Members are encouraged to bring pictures, stories, poems that relate to the book or information about the author.
13. Be respectful of member’s homes and leave after scheduled meeting, do not block driveways, and no smoking.
Group Guidelines
1. We will organize other outings in addition to the monthly book discussions. Especially if books we have read or are reading will be turned into a movie we can see the movie as a group.
2. Meetings can have themes or include settings, foods or other things from the book. Members can even dress as their favorite characters from the book. We need to be as fun and imaginative as possible.
3. Potlucks are encouraged and welcomed.
4. PWBC membership dues are $50 per year and can be paid all at once or in 2 payments of $25 each.
5. All group members are expected to and encouraged to participate in discussion and voice their opinions.
6. www.bomc2.com is a great place to get your books for the month. The cost of all hardback books is $9.95 and shipping is free. Your only requirement is to buy 1 book per month; this 1 required book could be the PWBC book of the month.
7. The Phenomenal Women Book Club’s colors are Black, White and Gold.
8. The Phenomenal Women Book Club’s logo is
or
9. Club merchandise can be purchased online from the PWBC Store at http://www.cafepress.com/PWBC
Book Captain/Co-Captain of the Month Guidelines
1. Each month will have a Book Captain and Co-Captain of the Month to lead and assist discussions to give everyone an opportunity to participate.
2. The Book Captain is responsible for selecting the location for the discussion.
3. The Book Captain is responsible for hosting and providing refreshments (Unless potluck) and will be assisted by the Co-Captain. This includes making reservations for the expected number of attending members if held at a restaurant.
4. The Book Captain is also responsible for deciding which book will be read at the discussion prior to their month. This can be done by vote, picking titles from the bag or by the choice of the Book Captain or Co-Captain.
5. It is the Book Captain and Co-Captain’s responsibility to contact all members to notify them of the meetings information either by phone, mail, and/or email. Which includes materials needed for meeting, questions for discussion group, theme, directions of location, and if the meeting is potluck.
6. It is the Book Captain and Co-Captain’s job to keep the discussion and responses in order and to make sure too much time is not spent on one topic. Also to make sure all members have had a chance to speak.
7. The Book Captain of the Month must notify the PWBC Moderator
Also most books or publishers offer reading guides for books now try www.harpercollins.com, www.randomhouse.com, www.penguinputnam.com, and etc.
Meeting Format
Arrival of members
Have refreshments (20 minutes)
Welcome Prayer
Introductions-Name, favorite authors, favorite books, career (10 minutes)
Open Mic-favorite passages, stories connected to book, pictures connected to book, poems, about the author (15 minutes)
Discuss book (1 Hour)
Captain’s minutes (5 minutes)
Club business (10 minutes)
Next month’s Captain’s minutes (5minutes)
Closing Prayer
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