Kindling Words (KW) is a 501c3 nonprofit community of professional children’s book authors, illustrators, and editors that inspires and nourishes our craft: making literature that positively impacts the lives of children and young adults. Kindling Words is inclusive and noncompetitive; we encourage conversation, collegiality, and renewal of the creative spirit.

Our Mission Statement:

To provide a nourishing, inclusive, and inspiring environment that renews the creative spirits of traditionally published children’s book authors and illustrators, as well as inspiring professional editors that work for and with traditional publishers. 

DEI Commitment

The village of Kindling Words welcomes all traditionally published authors, illustrators, and editors to our intentionally diverse community of children’s book professionals.  We are choosing to expand the diversity of our attendees, and we continuously strive to create a safe place for children’s book creatives. We embrace and respect the core values of all backgrounds, and will not tolerate any form of hate, discrimination, bullying or belittling either physically, mentally, or socially. We expect all to listen with respect, criticize with kindness, and amplify with energy.

Bullying and Harassment policy:

Kindling Words is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees with zero-tolerance for any form of bullying or harassment. All Kindling Words staff and attendees have the right to relax, enjoy, and learn in an atmosphere free from hostility, intimidation, and disrespect. 

Kindling Words defines harassment and/or bullying as follows:

• Harassment: Unwelcome or persistent conduct based on protected characteristics (such as race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation) that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.   
• Bullying: Repeated, unreasonable, or severe behavior intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or harm an individual physically or mentally, which includes, but is not limited to: yelling, insults, pushing, shoving, physical assault, or inappropriate gestures.

Kindling Words staff and/or attendees who experience, witness or suspect bullying or harassing behavior must report the behavior to a Director. Kindling Words attendees who feel comfortable directly intervening in situations where they perceive bullying or harassment are encouraged to do so.

All bullying and harassment complaints are taken seriously. Final outcomes and recommendations will be handled by the Kindling Words Executive Team. 

Consequences

• Attendee asked to stop any harassing behavior is expected to comply immediately.
• If an attendee engages in prohibited behavior, the Director(s) may take any action they deem appropriate, including:

1. Discussion with the offender. Offender given opportunity to apologize and grow. If behavior continues, next steps are: 
2. Expulsion from the event with no refund
3. Attendee will be banned from future Kindling Words events