The Practicing Writer 2.0: Mid-November Reminder
By popular request!
The votes are in. (No, not those votes.)
I’m talking about the November newsletter’s poll regarding The Artists Against Antisemitism (TAAA)’s second annual auction. The auction went live two days ago and remains open for bids until next Wednesday; when I published the newsletter a couple of weeks back, I asked readers to weigh in on the possibility of a quick reminder post.
With a healthy 60 percent of respondents requesting said reminder, I am now back in your mailbox earlier than usual. (I will take this occasion to remind you, too, that many of the opportunities listed in the November issue remain open, and that between monthly newsletters you can find additional fee-free and paying/funded opportunities for your writing practice posted every Monday on the Practicing Writing blog.)
But let’s return to the matter at hand.
Some background that I’ve taken from a press release:
With the surge of antisemitism worldwide—especially in the art world, where blacklists, harassment, cancellations, violence, review bombing, and letter campaigns have become trendy and mainstreamed, The Artists Against Antisemitism (AAA) is fighting back.
The organization, founded by bestselling authors and prominent artists in the wake of October 7th, is hosting its second annual auction from November 13-20th. Funds raised from this year’s action will benefit, in part, Project Shema, to help train facilitators to run antisemitism awareness workshops for companies and organizations across North America, as well as toward special projects to supply antisemitism awareness training sessions for bookstores, libraries, museums, galleries, studios, news outlets, and other arts organizations in need.
“This is our way to create a safe space for Jewish artists and allies to come together and be proactive. We’re offering connection, support, and a vibrant community joining together to make a difference,” says bestselling author and the organization’s co-president Jill Santopolo.
On the heels of the tremendous success of The Artists Against Antisemitism’s inaugural auction last December, raising more than $120,000 to fight antisemitism in the US, this year’s lineup features more than 300 fabulous items including goods, services and experiences from celebrities, bestselling authors, chefs, artists, athletes, and experts in their fields. Some of the hot ticket times include donations from Regina Spektor, Chelsea Clinton, Mayim Bialik, Henry Winkler, Lily Tomlin, Jenny Slate, Mark Feuerstein, Martin Fletcher, and Laraine Newman of SNL fame, plus VIP Tickets to the Tonight Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Bruce Springsteen, D.C. United (with a locker room visit), Broadway tickets (Left on Tenth, written by Delia Ephron, starring Julianna Margulies)—and of course, book club visits, fine art, signed books and sports memorabilia, unique experiences, and personal conversations and Zooms with bestselling authors and artists.
“In the days following Oct. 7th, this organization gave our 33 founding members strength and community when we felt hopeless,” explains bestselling author Alison Hammer, co-president of The Artists Against Antisemitism. “This auction is our way for the arts community to stand up to hate, and channel our pain into something productive to raise awareness and create a platform that combats antisemitism by spreading love and light.”
The Artists Against Antisemitism is a 501(c)(3) founded by a group of authors in the aftermath of October 7th, to raise awareness of antisemitism in the arts, promote education about Jewish history and culture, celebrate Jewish artists, and unite the artistic community to build a kinder, brighter, more understanding future.
As you may recall, I’m currently serving on the board of this organization, and I’ve offered up a couple of items for bidding myself. (One of them may be of particular interest to many of you reading this. Here’s a hint: It may really appeal if you happen to be among those who have inquired about advertising opportunities in this historically ad-free space.)
Please remember that you do not need to be Jewish (or, for that matter, an artist) to engage with or otherwise support The Artists Against Antisemitism. As the organization’s FAQ has emphasized:
Our extended community is for everyone: artists, creators, curators, and supporters from all disciplines—Jewish and non-Jewish, around the world. Anyone who wants to help stop the rise in hate crimes, prevent antisemitic acts, stand with the Jewish people through this wave of hatred, and strive to create a world where creativity flourishes free from discrimination is welcome to join our efforts and programs.
And that means that everyone is welcome to bid on auction items, too! ;-))
Thanks for reading. I’ll be back with the December newsletter before you know it!
Erika