A reporting and election meeting was held at the Vitebsk regional branch of the public association "Union of Writers of Belarus"
A reporting and election meeting was held at the Vitebsk regional branch of the public association "Union of Writers of Belarus". The results of five years of work were summed up, and the chairman was elected. As before, the branch was headed by Tamara Krasnova-Gusachenko, laureate of the First National Literary Prize of Belarus.
The public association celebrates its 10th anniversary. A time to summarize what has been done, to check the chosen course, and to build future plans. For an experienced leader of a creative movement, the harmonious development of both the association itself and each of its creators is very important. For comparison, at the beginning, there were 14 writers in the branch, today there are 41! Over 10 years, writers have written and published 390 books, held more than 7,000 meetings with readers, and organized 57 literary competitions among young people. Of course, for the creative process, quality and quantity are contradictory categories, but still, the numbers are worth recalling and noting: literary life in the Dvina region is in full swing.
- We use a wide variety of forms for the benefit of promoting books, - says Tamara Krasnova-Gusachenko. - These include evenings of remembrance of classics of national literature, joint events in schools, book presentations in libraries, creative meetings in universities and colleges, participation in festivals and competitions. Individual work with novice writers - young poets on the basis of libraries and clubs - is very important.
By the way, the theme of developing creative potential among young talents was supported in their speeches by established poets Nikolai Namesnikov and Ales Zhigunov. A telling fact is that writers head literary associations: in Polotsk - Nikolai Baldovsky, in Sharkovshchina - Ekaterina Sosna, in Orsha - Konstantin Nilov.
Traditionally, writers make book gifts to libraries. A significant number of books were donated to the region's libraries by Tamara Krasnova-Gusachenko, and by authors of popular science books, manuals, and textbooks for children, Galina and Sergey Trofimov. This charitable initiative is supported by all members of the SPO branch.
The work of a writer touches upon all aspects of the country's and society's life. The creators' engaged attitude towards social processes is a prerequisite for success. To be interesting to one's reader – this is what every writer strives for.
At the meeting, it was announced that the title "Honorary Member of the Union of Writers of Belarus" was awarded to Igor Prokopovich and Galina Trofimova. Honorary diplomas of the Union were awarded to active writers Ales Zhigunov, Nikolai Namestnikov, Sergei Trofimov, Viktor Ulyutenko, Vladimir Krainev, and others.
Sviatlana DZIADZINKINA, photos by Ales ZHYHUNOV.