RAWI is committed to a hospitality that comes from a belief that our bayt is large.
Our values
RAWI is committed to a hospitality that comes from a belief that our bayt is large.
We are committed to creating a safe community space that opposes empire, white supremacy, racism, zionism, patriarchy, antisemitism, homophobia, and all repressive ideologies that diminish humanity.
We are committed to nurturing writers to create works that aim for our liberation, resisting the orientalizing impulses of American and Western political and literary culture.
Our mission
RAWI means storyteller in Arabic. Founded in 1993, we are a literary organization for writers and artists with kinship to Southwest Asia & North Africa (SWANA). RAWI gathers our community through a biannual conference, year-round programming, and opportunities for support.
Our vision
We envision a future where, no matter where we are, we can easily find and connect with other writers, storytellers, and artists who reflect the experience and concerns of our kin. We all deserve a vibrant, responsive home where we can grow in our craft and community, have our voices be heard, celebrate our joys, and support one another’s creative lives.
Our initiatives
Literary Programs
We offer a variety of virtual readings, roundtables, publishing Q&As, and more to empower and connect members at all stages of their writing journeys. Our Submission Fee Bank, a microgrant program, offsets the cost of application and submission fees.
Community Connection
Recognizing the power of connection, we send a monthly newsletter, maintain an Instagram account, and are building a more robust member directory on this site to help Arab American and SWANA writers build on-the-ground communities, lead regional initiatives, and stay in touch between events.
RAWIFest & Events
RAWIFest creates a space where we can speak among ourselves. RAWI’s biannual gathering provides a rare opportunity to bring a large number of Arab American and SWANA writers, artists, scholars, and readers into the same inclusive and welcoming space.