Best in Class
Over the years. Veterans’ Voices has been recognized for its excellence and contributions. Two recent awards include “Best in Class” and a “Clarion” award.
Veterans’ Voices magazine recently captured top honors in the prestigious “Philly Awards” presented by Nonprofit Connect for excellence in marketing, communications and fundraising.
The announcement was made at a gala awards ceremony in November 2022. The magazine published by Veterans Voices Writing Project (VVWP), received a gold award in the Magazine/Newsletter category. In addition, in two overall categories, Veterans’ Voices won gold in Best in House and Best in Class.
The awards were based on scores earned by entrants in 16 categories. Nonprofit Connect, based in Kansas City, Mo., represents more than 800 business and individual members. Its stated mission is to “link the nonprofit community to education, resources and networking so organizations can more effectively achieve their missions.”
Publishing Since 1952
Veterans’ Voices magazine has published three issues each year since 1952. Its prose, poetry, and visual arts are exclusively by veterans. Its mission is based on the belief that creative expression can serve as a form of therapy, a motivation for sharing life experiences and an outlet for recreation.
Veterans Voices Writing Project, Publisher of Veterans’ Voices magazine, Board President Sheryl Liddle said the awards honored both the organization’s efforts and those of the veterans who create the magazine’s content.
“When Veterans’ Voices received the Gold Philly Award, we were overjoyed that the submissions of our veterans were honored by the nonprofit community of greater Kansas City,” Liddle said. “However, when Veterans’ Voices was awarded the Best in House and Best in Class awards, we were all awestruck and elated that people outside our sphere understood what Veterans’ Voices is all about. Awards tend to honor the hard work of people who put things together, and these awards do that. However, these awards also validate the writings and visual art of these veterans who put their hearts into words for the world to see.”
In their scoring comments, Nonprofit Connect judges praised Veterans’ Voices for both its content and its mission. Among the comments:
- The mission, content and approach are so poignant.
- Absolutely love the premise and content in this piece! Veterans creating the content is just phenomenal – very innovative.
- The concept, content and creation of this publication are so important and well curated. Thank you for doing this vital work!
- The simplicity of the content allowed the reader to focus on absorbing the content and really immersing themselves in the stories; I liked the authenticity represented and the close attention given to the target audience.
Clarion Award Winner
Veterans’ Voices magazine, published by the Veterans Voices Writing Project (VVWP) since 1952, won the prestigious 2023 Clarion Award from the Association for Women in Communications.
Veterans’ Voices took first place in the category of External Magazines – 100,000 or less circulation. The Clarion is a 50-year-old national award program with more than 100 categories.
Sheryl Liddle, president of the VVWP Board, said. “The judges acknowledged the Veterans’ Voices publication as being representative of what the Clarion Awards stand for – excellence in clear, concise communication.”
The two organizations share a historical link. Beta Sigma Phi was the original name of the Association for Women in Communications. In 1946 when Elizabeth Fontaine began the VVWP program for veterans, she and other women who helped her were Beta Sigma Phi members. In 1952, Margaret Sally Keach and Gladys Feld Helzberg were also Beta Sigma Phi members among the group of women who helped them begin publishing Veterans’ Voices magazine.
“We at Veterans Voices Writing Project are thrilled that an organization with a shared history has now honored Veterans’ Voices with this Clarion Award,” Liddle said.
