resolves disputes on behalf of its members. Members also have access (through ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society) to insurance and retirement benefits. Advocacy: The WGC consistently advocates, on behalf of its members, for policies and programs that better support Canadian screenwriters. By working with the CRTC, Canadian Government, and other industry partners, the WGC is dedicated to being a voice for Canadian writers. Community: The WGC is a great resource for those who want to connect with other writers or producers. The WGC is a member of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG). Profile: The WGC maintains the Directory of Members which is a great way for potential employers to search out screenwriters. The WGC also makes an effort to celebrate the achievements of its members, thus raising their profile. Intellectual Property Registration Service: The WGC offers this to both members and non-members. It is a service that helps establish the identity and date of completion of literary materials (books, scripts, etc.) in order to protect an individual's intellectual property. Funding Initiatives and Awards Bell Media Diverse Screenwriters Program The Writers Guild runs a program called the Diverse Screenwriters Program in collaboration with Bell Media. This program is geared towards encouraging diversity within the Canadian artistic landscape. The program is divided into two sessions, one for Eastern Canada and one for Western Canada. Up to eight up-and-coming screenwriters participate in each weeklong session or training, and two are offered a paid internship as a writer on one of Bell Media's TV shows. Participants are also connected with an experienced scriptwriter for three months in order to hone their pitching skills and ideas. WGC Screenwriting Awards These awards have been given out since 1996 to honor the achievements of Guild members in television, film, short film, documentary and writing for the web. Sondra Kelly Award This award is given annually to a female screenwriter who already has several writing credits and a current project in the works. The award gives this screenwriter $5000 to develop a self-initiated project. The winner of the 2012 award will be announced in December. Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize The Jim Burt Prize rewards promising unproduced feature-length screenplays that tell uniquely Canadian stories. The award is named for the late Jim Burt, who was known to champion Canadian films such The Boys of St. Vincent and The War Between Us during his time at the CBC. The