Washington Independent Writers (WIW), the largest regional writers association in the United States, will change its name to American Independent Writers (AIW) as of July 1, 2008.

This move was approved by the WIW Board of Directors on May 13, 2008, as part of the organization’s long-term plan to increase membership and expand services.

“Writers are an underrepresented segment of our society, despite their importance to our national discourse,” said Cecilia Sepp, 2007-2008 President of WIW. “We are fortunate to have a strong membership in the DC area and we regularly receive inquiries about membership from outside the area.  We are responding to a need that needs filling.”

“Actively pursuing national members is a logical next step,” continued Sepp. “Our bylaws have never officially restricted membership to any one area. The time to act on that opening is now.”

WIW currently has 1,200 members within the Greater DC area and 156 members outside the area.