Membership

We invite you to join Aspen Words, Colorado’s oldest literary center and a program of the Aspen Institute. By becoming an Aspen Words member at any level, you join a community built around a shared love of reading, writing and storytelling. Your annual tax-deductible membership helps sustain programs for writers and readers of all ages. Through well over thirty annual events taking place virtually and in-person, we serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. The majority of our youth programming is offered free-of-charge, and we provide scholarships and fellowships for emerging writers to participate in workshops and other programs. Your membership support makes all of this possible!

How Your Support Helps

Your membership dues provide vital funds for our seven year-round programs that annually serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. Members of Aspen Words enjoy direct access to the brightest lights in the literary world.

National Council

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National Council members make up our most engaged community of supporters nationwide. Membership dues provide vital funds for our seven year-round programs that annually serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. Through an annual donation of $2,500 or more, National Council members have a direct impact on all of our programs. Members receive unparalleled access to the greatest contemporary writers of our time, including passes and best-of-house reserved seating to Winter Words and Summer Words, along with invitations to private dinners with our award-winning and bestselling authors.

Join the National Council and feel the immediate impact of your giving.

National Council Benefits Include:

  • Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend dinners with authors in private Aspen homes.$2,500 = 1 Dinner; $5,000+ = 2 Dinners; $10,000+ = Advance opportunity to select dinners
  • Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitation to a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  • NEW! Invitation to a private cocktail party at the Aspen Literary Festival in September, featuring 40 different authors. Two tickets and reserved seating at 3 keynote events.
  • Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on books purchased at Explore Booksellers
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Join the National Council and feel the immediate impact of your giving.

Membership Levels & Benefits

AW Membership matrix (1)

Wordsmith – $100

  • Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to all Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Aspen Writers’ Network (AWN), $150

AWN is designed to provide mutual support and networking opportunities for writers and aspiring writers in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. If you have a serious commitment to writing, the Aspen Writers Network is the group for you!JOIN AWN HERE.

  • Access to monthly, informal, AWN-exclusive meetings (typically on the third Thursday of the month at Bonfire Coffee in Carbondale). Includes complimentary beer, wine, snacks and other refreshments.
  • Access to quarterly AWN-exclusive events with a specific program and guest speaker. Examples of past events include informational meetings on how to market yourself as a writer, a pitch practice session and events featuring literary agents and editors discussing the publishing industry.
  • Access to the AWN Facebook group, which serves as a resource for writers as well as a place for writing groups and informal gatherings to form organically.
  • Highly discounted rate for a one-day writing workshop hosted by Aspen Words annually.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
  • Free admission to all Writer in Residence and Community Read events.
  • Private consultations with literary agents and editors at the Summer Words conference in June.

Scribe – $250

  • Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
  • One ticket to a Summer Words or Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your ticket).
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Bard – $500

  • Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
  •  Two tickets to a Summer Words or Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your tickets).
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Literati – $1,000

  • Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
  • Two tickets to a Summer Words public event AND a Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your tickets).
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Publisher – $2,500+

  • Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
  • Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend one private dinner with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
  • Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  •  Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  •  Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Laureate – $5,000

  • Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
  • Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend up to two private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
  • Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  •  Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  •  Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.

Silver Quill – $10,000

  • Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
  • Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Aspen, CO.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend up to three private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
  • Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  •  Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  •  Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
  • Gifts at this level and above can be specified.

Golden Quill – $25,000+

  • Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
  • Four complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend up to four private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
  • Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  •  Four complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  •  Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
  • Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
  • Gifts at this level and above can be specified.

Platinum Quill – $100,000+

  • Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
  • Four complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
  • Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
  • Opportunity to attend up to four private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
  • Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
  •  Four complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
  • 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
  • Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
  • Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
  •  Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
  • Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
  • Recognition in AW marketing materials.
  • Recognition in press materials when gift is specified for a particular event or program.
  • Gifts at this level and above can be specified.

More Information

Please contact Caroline Tory at 970-925-3122 ext. 3 with questions about sponsorship and underwriting, membership levels and benefits, and for information about a gift of stock, a scholarship grant or planned giving. 

Our Members

Member list last updated 3/8/2024

Platinum Quill – $50,000+

Anonymous
Isa Catto and Daniel Shaw | Catto Shaw Foundation
Lauren Johnson and Marissa Mandel  
Sallie and Thomas Bernard  

Golden Quill – $25,000+

Austin Memorial Foundation 
City of Aspen
Arnold & Anne Porath | in memory of Denny Vaughn
Stephen Kahn & Suzanne Bober  
Zibby Books

Silver Quill – $10,000+

Terena Eisner | The Eisner Foundation
Harry Gruner & Rebecca Henry  
William & Diane Hunckler  
The Robert and Soledad Hurst Family Foundation
Melony & Adam Lewis
Joshua & Elizabeth Mondry  
Allan and Nicole Mutchnik  
Wally and Helen Obermeyer  
Peter & Lynne Rigby  
Serena Koenig & Mark Tompkins  
Linda Vaughn  
Jeffrey & Amy Verschleiser  
Will Weathers
Aspen Community Foundation

Laureate – $5,000+

Claudia & Richard Balderston  
Edie Barvin  
Erin & Doug Becker  
Stuart & Elizabeth Bohart
Christopher & Andrea Bryan  
Lisa & Michael Cader
Tara Carson  
Ruth Carver & Jim Schmidt  
Laurel & John Catto  
Lauren & John Driscoll  
Les Dames d’Aspen
Lawrence & Sharon Hite  
Sue & Ron Hopkinson  
David Jones & Mary Gwen Wheeler  
Wendy Larsen  
Marcella Larsen  
Michael Lipkin & Jody Gularnick
Jennifer Moses & Ron Beller  
Julie & Gregory Pickrell  
Cecilia Roberts
Lisanne & Jim Rogers  
Alpine Bank
Mary & Patrick Scanlan  
Morgan & Shawn Stephenson
Gloria Wallace-Greene  
Basalt Education Foundation

Publisher – $2,500+

Douglas & Abby Brown
Timothy Brown
Jennifer Carr
Gretchen Cole & Craig Corona
Michael Woodrow & Kelly Doherty
Bubba & Tracy Eggleston
David & Alice Elgart
Riley & Liam Kinney
Melissa Kohner
Penny Meepos & Stuart Rosenberg
Laurie Michaels
Susan O’Bryan  
Fred Venrick & Cathy O’Connell  
Blanca & Cavanaugh O’Leary
Robin & Kenny Smith
Judith Steinberg & Paul Hoenmans
Danette Stephens
Adam Sztykiel & Ellie Knaus
Patsy Tisch | in honor of Hilary Tisch
Curtis and Jill Kaufman
Phillip and Heather Wilhelm  

Literati– $1,000+

Sarah C. & Richard W. Shaw | BP Foundation
Mary & Loren Ryerson
Julia Pirrung & Robert Bridger
Karen Herrling & Daniel Porterfield
Katherine Boone
Laura Donnelley | Goodworks Foundation
Jane & Allen Grossman
Jaimie & David J. Field | in honor of Suzanne Bober
Carolyn & Charles Thornton
Barry & Jessica Dubin
Margaret Atwood
Lucas Warth
Torrey Dill
James Pastoriza
Janice & Chip Marks
Claire Dewar

Bard – $500+

Randy Brimm
Barbara Reid & David Hyman
Adrienne Brodeur & Tim Ryan
Paul Freeman
Lacy & Ernie Fyrwald
Nancy S. Dunlap
Carol S. Marks
Sandy & James Inglehart
Cynthia Rogers & James Tory
Linda Sivertsen
Kathryn & Richard A. Rabinow

Scribe – $250+

Jennifer Causing & Peter M. Waanders
Barbara Dills
Jeannie Carter
Francis Stuckens
Lesley & Alexander Hill
Pat & Michael Otte
Lisa & George Baker
Carolyn & Bob Glah
Kathy & Carter Barger
Jeffrey Howard Woodruff
Bettina A. Slusar
Debra Fitch
Gabriel Finesilver
Jessica Barnum
Allison & John Pattillo
Genna L. Moe
Rana Dershowitz
Jessica Starodoj
Christine Goodendorf
Townsend Walker
Linda Lay

Wordsmith – $100+

Pamela Cunningham
Regina Torsney-Durkin, M.D.
Amiee W. & D. Brian Beazley
Timothy Ritter
Jan Jennings
Annie Garrett
Alina Pittman
Natalie Serber
Patrick Curry
Kristin Carlson
Courtney Kunze
Jean Campbell & Patrick Morrissy
Jeanne Souldern
Paige Kaptuch
Rebecca Stirling
Dave Teitler
Nate White
Ashley Herbert
Jill Kingston
Meghan & Jason Winokur
Sara Striefel
Beth Klein
Corinne Neustadter
Amanda Garrett  
Spencer Boyd  
Emma Murray  
Neysa DeMann  
Alison Rice  
Beth Shoemaker
Sarah Melissa Evans & Joshua A. Rice
Marilee & Gregg Rippy
Jo Silverman
Doc Eason
Matthew Roeser
Brownell Landrum
Wes Stokes
Dan Moschet
Daniel Brabec
John Ristine
Debra Crawford
Gabrielle & Bob Rafelson
Emilia Cole
Luisa Berne
Thomas A. Stevens
Kerry Schmidt
Elizabeth Meador
Julie Oldham
Johanna Geary  
Susie Steiner  
Chloe Shirley  
Liz & John Bokram
Sylvia Falk
Dawn Shepard
Nina Gworek
Randy Lipton
Kathryn Ryan  
Lynn Wiener  
Nancy Rappaport  
Pamela Mackey  
Laura Thielen & George Eldred
Clare & Marius Sanger
Maureen & Greg Poschman
Lara and Marc Whitley
Susan & John Cottle
Becky & Craig Ward
Christine Benedetti
Marcia Butler
Scott Lasser
Toddi Gutner
Jane Lowery
Nancy and Mark J. Silverman
Donna M. Perlmutter
Molly Faath
Lysa Reed
Lilia Ashjian  
Elise Walton  
Joanne & James Steinback
Patricia Bennan  
Stacy Meyer  
Shira Stutman
Jane Pargiter
Barbara Pitchford
Katherine Roberts  
Caroline Tory
Spencer Schiffer
Marnie P. & John Bermingham Jr.
Jacqueline Kaplan
Cheryl Niro
Laura Werlin
Susan DeLuca
Madelon Price