Ollerton and Nottingham Writers mission statement

Ollerton & Nottingham writers are a group dedicated to writing in any format.

Our aim is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for novice and experienced writers alike, where people can share their writing, get feedback, and improve through group and individual exercises. We hope that everyone who joins will find a way to benefit from the group and encourage everyone to express themselves openly. In order to make this possible, we ask that everyone adhere to the following ground rules:

Treat everyone with respect. Keep criticism constructive and do not engage in bullying or harassing behaviours.

Respect the group’s purpose and process. Don’t engage in behaviours that are disruptive to group activities, or that prevent other people from accessing or engaging with the group.

Respect confidentiality. Some people write about matters that are deeply personal to them, and personal information should not be shared outside of the group without the individual’s permission.

Respect intellectual property. The works that are shared within the group belong to the people who have written them and should not be copied or distributed without their permission.

Embrace freedom of expression. Writing should not be constrained in the range of subjects and perspectives it can cover, and we ask that all work is considered based on its merits and not based on any perspectives it contains or represents.

We recognise that there are times when people may fail to adhere to these rules. In such cases, consideration will be given to the nature and context of the breach, and a decision will be made by the group organisers as to how best to proceed. In cases of repeated or significant violations of the rules, it may be deemed necessary to ask a member to leave the group. We will always endeavour to communicate any concerns and decisions with the affected member with openness and transparency.