My name is Jack Cluth. I was born in Chicago, IL, and raised in Walker, MN. I went to high school in St. Cloud, MN, and moved to St. Paul, MN, where I attended Macalester College. Armed with degrees in History and Anthropology, I embarked on a journey that’s taken me to several foreign countries, including a detour to Texas (3,722 days…not that I was counting). I began my career as a teacher, but over the years I’ve worn many hats and played many roles. The common thread has always been a gift for and a love of writing (along with an abiding hatred of the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys).

Now firmly and happily rooted in Portland, OR, I’m…well, the short explanation is that I’m a writer, but one word doesn’t begin to describe my skills and how they may benefit you or your organization. I’m a columnist/essayist/raconteur/observer of the human condition. I believe good writing can entertain, edify, educate, and make the world a better place. I’m a committed Liberal who believes in the social contract and the Greater Good. If my writing can make people laugh and/or think, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful.

I’m a writer, editor, communicator, and development specialist. I use my expertise to help nonprofit organizations research, develop, and create winning grant applications. I’m a writing instructor and consultant who helps individuals and organizations design and implement effective written communications strategies. My expertise provides value to anyone in need of an editor to assist with creating and delivering effective and persuasive writing. I’ve written for a wide variety of audiences (my first published piece was actually translated into Albanian for a magazine in Kosovo), and I’m adept at tailoring messages to reach a target audience.

Welcome to a (continually growing and expanding) portfolio of my work. I hope you’ll enjoy your time here and depart with something to consider. Feel free to contact me with any suggestions or observations…or if you happen to experience a sudden and irresistible urge to drop a large sum of money into my PayPal account.

Y’all come back real soon….

I dearly love the state of Texas, but I consider that a harmless perversion on my part, and discuss it only with consenting adults.

- Molly Ivins

Don’t worry. Worry your ass off. Have iron clad confidence. But doubt! It keeps you awake and alert. Believe you are the baddest ass in town and you suck. It keeps you honest. Be able to keep two completely contradictory ideas alive and well in your heart and head at all times. If it does not drive you crazy it will make you strong. Stay hard, stay hungry and stay alive.

- Bruce Springsteen

Don’t speak to me about your religion; first show it to me in how you treat other people. Don’t tell me how much you love your God; show me in how much you love all His children. Don’t preach to me your passion for your faith; teach me through your compassion for your neighbors. In the end, I’m not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as I am in how you choose to live and give.

- Cory Booker

Be the change you want to see in the world.

- Mohandas K. Gandhi