Project Description
Over a three-year period beginning in 1996, the Writer's Voice of Billings Family YMCA conducted a series of readings and discussions in eastern Montana and Wyoming featuring author James Galvin. His book The Meadow was used as a catalyst for dialogue. The intent of this project was to address the competing demands of land use and environmentalism affecting the daily lives of people in ranching communities in the western United States through the writings of James Galvin and other related literary works. Through this project, Galvin hoped to address issues—environmental protection versus ranching, development versus wilderness—and to find common ground where it existed. Prior to the reading, sponsoring organizations were given copies of The Meadow to distribute freely to the public. The project was funded by the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Fund.

Civic Engagement/Dialogue Activities
In each locality, Galvin gave a reading followed by a discussion of issues related to land use and environmentalism. The intent was to open the door to further discussion among local factions and lead to understanding of common ground as well as differences. Hosting a reading and discussion was open to any interested local organization.

Information Sources
Interview, Jason Schindler, National Writer's Voice Project; interview, Corby Skinner, Writer's Voice at the YMCA, Billings; program materials, National Writer's Voice Project