Equity and Inclusion

Every child deserves to see themselves in books.

If you are interested in writing or illustrating for children and young adults and are from a group historically marginalized or underrepresented in children’s literature, we invite you to join the New Mexico-El Paso Chapter of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

SCBWI's Mission

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a 501c3 nonprofit, is the preeminent membership organization for children’s book creators. We are a global community of writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, librarians, advocates, and other industry professionals working to establish a more imaginative and inclusive world through the power of children’s literature. Our mission is to support the creation of an abundance of quality children’s books, so that young people everywhere have the books they need and deserve.

SCBWI's Vision

We believe there can never be too many good children’s books, and this simple belief guides everything we do. We are committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for everyone with a story to tell. By harnessing the collective power of this vibrant global community, we make the children’s publishing industry more inclusive and elevate the art of children’s literature.

SCBWI's Values

Creativity. We take children’s books seriously as an art form, and provide a range of tools, content, education, and events that nurture the limitless imaginations and creativity of our members.

Connection. No one does this alone. We celebrate the power of connection and strive to ensure our members find lasting and meaningful community through our organization.

Professionalism. We conduct our business with integrity. Guided by principles of transparency and accountability, we set standards that members can rely upon, follow through on our commitments, and take responsibility for our actions.

In support of SCBWI's commitment to equity and inclusivity, SCBWI New Mexico-El Paso has taken the following concrete steps to welcome and support underrepresented creators:

• Offering free monthly events on Zoom where anyone can join an informal discussion about craft or the industry
• Educating our membership about issues of equity in publishing through this webpage and our weekly newsletter
• Interviewing our members for a homepage spotlight and ensuring that our interviewees reflect the diverse population of New Mexico, where at least 64% of residents belong to a historically marginalized community (goal for 2025)
• Offering scholarships to historically marginalized and low income members of our community at all of our virtual events (goal for 2025)
• Launching an Equity in Publishing Fellowship for underrepresented creators (goal for 2025)

We welcome your input and involvement in current and future equity and inclusion initiatives. Email newmexico@scbwi.org to share your ideas or sign on as a volunteer!

Who is eligible: Authors, illustrators and/or translators of children’s literature, regardless of publication status (e.g. published, pre-published, self-published) who identify as underrepresented in publishing with priority given to residents of New Mexico and West Texas. You do not need to be a current member of SCBWI to apply.

We use the We Need Diverse Books definition of diversity to define underrepresented creators:  

We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, gender diversity, people with disabilities*, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.  

*We subscribe to a broad definition of disability, which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalization.

(Note: While we ask that you only apply if you identify as underrepresented in publishing, we will never ask you to disclose specific details of your identity, nor will applicants who choose not to do so be penalized in any way during the application process. We respect your privacy and invite you to share as little or as much of your identity with us as you feel comfortable sharing.)

Benefits 

• One-year complimentary membership to SCBWI, beginning either January 2025 (new/returning members) or when your current membership expires.
• Complimentary attendance at each of SCBWI-NM’s twelve Craft and Career webinars in 2025. 
• Mentorship from a published author, illustrator, or translator, depending on the applicant’s creative area.
• Networking with the SCBWI-NM Regional Team and other SCBWI E&I groups around the country. 

Commitments

• Supported by the Equity and Inclusion Team Leader and/or Regional Advisor, develop at least one proposal for an E&I initiative that SCBWI-NM can implement in 2026, either as a region or in collaboration with other regions.
• Provide an end-of-year report to SCBWI-NM assessing the most and least valuable aspects of the program so that the team can adjust and improve the program moving forward.

Deadline to apply for this fellowship: November 15, 2024

Scholarship applicants will be informed of the decision on or before January 10, 2025.

Priority will be given to residents of New Mexico and West Texas (El Paso area, south of the New Mexico state line). Please note that if no applicants meet the requirements, SCBWI New Mexico reserves the right not to award the fellowship this year.

If you have any questions, please email newmexico@scbwi.org.

We thank this year's Fellowship Committee for the generous donation of their time and expertise. Each member of the committee creates children's books that represent the diverse experiences of their underrepresented communities. Please visit their websites to explore their work.

Sandra Aguirre-Magaña, Author-Illustrator ❖ yocuentocuentoz.com

Susan Metallo, Author ❖ susanmetallo.com

Diane Mittler, Author ❖ mochadiane.com

Kit Rosewater, Author ❖ www.kitrosewater.com