Guideposts is a spiritual non-profit organization that encourages wellness through inspirational content creation. Founded in 1945 by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Raymond Thornburg, and Peale's wife, Ruth Stafford Peale with just one inaugural magazine, Guideposts has since grown to publish annual devotionals, books about faith, Christian fiction novels, five spiritual magazines, prayer content, as well as a content rich website for daily inspiration. Guideposts has outreach programs to encourage wellness and help lifts the spirits of those in need – including military personnel, military families, support groups, hospitalized children, etc. The Guideposts organization, which also maintains an outreach ministry service, is currently headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, with additional offices in New York City and Nashville, Tennessee.
The Guideposts magazine
The 1945 inaugural issue of Guideposts magazine, which was printed and distributed to 10,000 Americans, was a four-page leaflet meant to encourage and uplift individuals, particularly soldiers returning home from the war. The inaugural issue also contained a story by World War I Ace, Eddie Rickenbacker. Although a fire destroyed the magazine's circulation files in 1947, the publication was savedthanks to publicity from radio broadcasterLowell Thomas, and an article in Reader's Digest. By 1952, there were 500,000 subscribers to the magazine and is now, in 2018, circulated to more than 2,000,000 subscribers and receivers of the outreach gifting programs in the United States. The magazine is non-denominational, avoids politics and controversy and does not accept advertising. Each monthly issue of Guideposts magazine contains articles by people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, recounting how their faith in God, or the wisdom of an older relative or mentor, helped them through personal challenges. These can include grief, poverty, relocation, serious personal or family illness, unemployment, health issues, caregiver stress and strained personal relationships. Surviving natural disasters, accidents, and becoming stranded on wilderness adventures are also frequent topics. Most articles contain a snapshot of the author, along with an artistic illustration showing the situation. Monthly lead cover articles often feature the story of a noted entertainer, professional athlete, or other celebrity who rose from poverty. The magazine also judges and awards monetary awards for stories by teenage authors. Guideposts is nonsectarian and welcomes Protestant, Catholic, Jewish writers, and more. A separate youth edition, published for several years, has been discontinued.
Writing contests
Guideposts Magazine sponsors two writing contests. The annual Guideposts Young Writers Contest awards a total of $25,000 in scholarship funds to high school juniors and seniors whose personal true stories are chosen for publication in the magazine. The Guideposts Writers Workshop Contest, held every other year, offers winners a free writing clinic with established authors in Rye, New York, for five days, all expenses paid.
