This is a think-piece.  I hope that it will inspire you to think about its subject matter. Please approach it with an open mind.

Hello World!  I would like to take a moment to discuss the goal and mission of the Quillwrights Foundation.  

The “too long; didn’t read” version of this post can be found on our website’s about page.  In short, the Quillwrights Foundation exists to promote social consciousness, community organization, and egalitarian and democratic ideals, with an emphasis on emancipatory movements for marginalized communities.

This post is for those who would like a more in-depth explanation.

The Quillwrights Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as a public charity.  We were originally incorporated as One Thousand Words, LLC.  In addition to going non-profit, I also wanted to make the platform less restricted to the “One Thousand Words” branding.  I wanted the new platform, Quillwrights, to represent a more generalized writing platform. 

Much has changed, but our core values of accessibility, authenticity, and accountability have not. I figured it would be a good time to become reacquainted with them and how they apply to the current platform.

So, let’s talk about it.

I want to communicate the things that I have learned in an effective way.

We often interpret complexity as talent or intelligence.  I think that this is a mistake.  I believe that true brilliance is taking complex topics and making them seem simple.  People shouldn’t need a doctorate to understand what I’m saying.  In other words, information and education should be accessible.

I try to make my content accessible by doing two things: 

People are more likely to read something that does not take up too much time.  So, I try to create digestible content. Sometimes it’s one thousand words or less.  Sometimes it’s one hundred words or less.  Sometimes it’s 140 characters (or less).  This platform was originally inspired by the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  While the platform has moved away from a literal interpretation of this phrase, we still try to maintain the spirit of accessible content, just with fewer restrictions.

I also try to limit the complexity of my writing.  The average U.S. resident reads at a 7^th-8^th grade reading level.  So, I intentionally cap my think pieces at an 8th-grade reading level.  For example, this particular think-piece is written at a 7th-grade reading level. 

My writing process involves using the Hemmingway text editing software.  With this editor, I adjust my writing so that it is at the lowest reading level possible.  This forces me to be concise and clear in my wording.   

I believe that these efforts make my work more accessible.  I also believe that this accessibility benefits everyone, from the contributor to the consumer.  And yet, it’s not the only value that made the list.

The subjects that I present on this platform are those that I am passionate about.

For better or worse, my posts represent my authentic understanding and interpretation of the topics covered. 

Part of my attempt at being authentic and transparent involves doing my best to be aware of my own biases. My own socio-political ideology plays into how I view the world.  I’d even argue that this is true for most people.

I am more egalitarian than hierarchical in my worldview.  I don’t deny that people are different. But, I don’t believe that people are more or less “deserving” of power, privilege, and/or status based on these differences.  I am also more libertarian than authoritarian.  I am skeptical of power and authority in general, especially in the form of a government.

The iconography of the platform reflects these beliefs.  I have intentionally utilized the imagery of egalitarian “labor” focused movements across history.  The word “Quillwright” is a direct play on the word “millwright.” A millwright is a craftsperson or skilled tradesperson who installs, dismantles, maintains, repairs, reassembles, and moves machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.  A “quillwright” would do the same, but for society in general.

Red features prominently, as it has historically been color of egalitarian and labor focused movements.

The hammer and quill can both be used to either build, repair, dismantle, and reassemble.  Each has a history of serving a critical role in egalitarian political movements.  Therefore, they feature prominently in the Quillwrights logo. 

There are also four “nails” that are hammered into the logo, to represent the four elements of democracy.  These are:

• Respect for the human rights of all citizens
• Political plurality through multiple parties and tolerance of these parties
• Equal access to political power through a system of voting
• Equal application of laws to all citizens

Every argument that I make, every post that I write, is coming from an egalitarian and pro-democracy mindset.  I cannot claim to be neutral or impartial.  My biases would inform my idea of what is neutral or impartial.  Instead, I will provide you with my thoughts on these subjects and make my biases clear and coherent. I will do my best to be fair, if not necessarily neutral. 

This feeds very well into my third point.

I am not the single authority on any of these subjects.

I am on a journey myself.  The content that I share with you is the summation and synthesis of ideas I picked up along the way.  I am sharing this journey, seeking truth along the way.  I am not trying to deliver a gospel. 

So, I implore you to get the full story.  There are other voices, and they have as much right to an opinion as I do.  Find and invest in information that challenges your worldview.  This is how we hold ourselves accountable.  

This post is my pledge to always stand by the values of accessibility, authenticity, and accountability.  I pledge to always do my best to do my part.  I hope that you are willing to do the same.

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