STEPPING DOWN AS SCBWI CO-REGIONAL ADVISOR

After a decade of volunteer leadership with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Arizona region, I have stepped down from my role as Regional Advisor/co-Regional Advisor with a full heart, deep gratitude, and immense pride in what our community has built together. I’m also deeply honored to have attained the title of Regional Advisor Emeritus (RAE), a recognition that reflects not only years of service, but the relationships, collaboration, and shared commitment that made this journey so meaningful.

Ten years ago, I was asked to step into the RA role at a time when the Arizona region was struggling and in need of renewed energy, engagement, and connection. From the very beginning, I believed the path forward would come from community. I reached out to local members, listened carefully, invited participation, and encouraged people to step into volunteer roles. What followed was not the work of one person, but the rebuilding of a region through collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose.

One of the first priorities was creating stronger structures for shared leadership. We established a regional Planning Committee that expanded over time to include Co-PAL Coordinators, Co-SPARK Coordinators to support indie creators, a Social Media/Communications Manager, and an Equity & Inclusion Coordinator. By meeting regularly and working collectively, we created greater consistency, transparency, and momentum in how the region served its members.

Because Arizona is geographically large, fostering connection across distances also became essential. Through local gatherings called KidLit Mingles—and the creation of a dedicated KidLit Mingle Coordinator role—we built welcoming, low-barrier opportunities for members to gather, exchange knowledge, and develop lasting creative relationships. Those connections became one of the region’s greatest strengths.

During the challenges of COVID, our leadership team worked hard to maintain continuity through virtual programming, outreach, and educational opportunities. Even during uncertain times, the region remained active and supportive, helping members stay connected to both their creative work and each other. That sustained commitment also contributed to renewed regional growth and increased membership.

Together with our Regional Team and Planning Committee, we developed craft-centered programming, critique opportunities, conferences, workshops, and educational events designed to give creators practical tools and clearer pathways forward. I also worked to serve as a bridge between our regional community and SCBWI leadership, advocating for member needs while supporting the broader mission of the organization.

Perhaps what means the most to me is the culture we built together. My goal was always to help create a space where writers and illustrators felt welcomed, informed, encouraged, and genuinely connected. One of my proudest accomplishments was seeing long-time members return after years away because they once again felt supported and included within the community.

None of this happened alone. Every success was built alongside an extraordinary Regional Team, Planning Committee, dedicated volunteers, and the ongoing support of SCBWI leadership and headquarters staff. I remain profoundly grateful for every person who stepped forward to contribute their time, creativity, and heart to this region.

Volunteer leadership is rarely glamorous. It’s countless emails, planning meetings, problem-solving conversations, late nights, difficult decisions, and steady behind-the-scenes work. But it is also connection, mentorship, shared celebration, and the privilege of helping build something larger than yourself. Serving this community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life.

Stepping away from a volunteer position of this sort after serving for so long comes with conflicting emotions, but knowing the region is in strong, capable hands has made it much easier to take this step. Tanja Bauerle has already been leading beautifully this past year, with wonderful support from Assistant Regional Advisor Karen Chow, Illustrator Coordinator Michael Hale, and the rest of our fabulous planning committee and regional volunteers, and I have complete confidence the region will continue to grow and thrive under their leadership.

As I step into this next chapter, I do so with confidence in the future of the Arizona region and gratitude for the many people who made this journey extraordinary. Thank you to everyone who trusted me, collaborated with me, volunteered beside me, and helped shape this remarkable creative community.

It has truly been an honor to serve.

I often find that you get out what you put in, but I think that understates the value of volunteering in your local writing community. I encourage all writers to volunteer on some level within their community, if you are able to. You may be surprised at the rewards you reap.