Writers Collective of Canada

This month we've taken a closer look at the impact of one of our Six Essential Practices, STORY. By understanding how the assumption of story guides each and every WCC workshop, we can all continue to practice it in our own lives and interactions. This is how we do it: ❣️ Inspire. Treating everything written in our workshops as fiction inspires freedom of voice. Often in WCC workshops, stories are told for the first time. ✏️ Empower. WCC workshops challenge how people have learned to write in school, at work, and in traditional writing workshops. We empower people to bravely share their stories and explore their voices without fear of judgment. 🌟 Together. Through more than 35,000 writing experiences, we have created spaces for the writing of and listening to tens of thousands of stories inspired by the breadth of human experience. In WCC writing workshops, everyone has the opportunity to explore the strength of their authentic voice. We all have a story, and through writing together, we discover ourselves. CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 👉 REST Centres R.E.S.T. Centres (Restoration & Empowerment for Social Transition) is a Black-led organization in Peel Region providing transitional housing and support services to youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Becoming partners this year, WCC is proud to work with REST, providing youth with brave spaces to discover and express their authentic voices. 💜 LEARN MORE 👉 restcentres.org/ourmission

As we explore the impact of STORY displayed in WCC workshops, we highlight Steve Elliot's experience as a WCC writer, facilitator, and Chapter Lead. “I have shared experiences long forgotten. The prompt awakens the memory and the hand guides the pen across the page. I am often shocked by the story that has been poured onto the page. Some of these stories have touched others and without the WCC I would never have had a place to share the story with others.” In WCC workshops, participants assume fiction of each other's writing, collectively strengthening each participant’s authentic voice. Each person has a unique story, and by writing together, we discover ourselves. CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)

August 12 marked International Youth Day. This special day invites our attention to the shining global community of young people, their dreams and futures, and the challenges of their times. Since 2018, Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) has collaborated with several partner organizations to deliver on-site and virtual community writing workshops for youth and young adults. There, in the WCC workshop, writers can discover that which we all innately possess — our authentic voice. Continue reading our August newsletter to celebrate the brilliant voices of young writers. READ 👉 https://lnkd.in/g_984hxZ SUBSCRIBE 👉 wcc-cec.org/subscribe . . . #writetoheal #writingcommunity #writerscollective #writerscollectiveofcanada #wcc #writingtoheal #writinginspiration #writersofig #poetsofig #poetryofig #writersofinstagram #authenticity #authenticvoice #expressyourself #torontocharity #nonprofit #torontononprofit #writeyourstory #writingislife #wordshavepower #creativewriting #communitywriting #findyourvoice #shareyourstory #writingistherapeutic #freewritingworkshop #writingworkshop

Why We Write: Ten Years at Writers Collective of Canada is out NOW! Our newest chapbook explores our Six Essential Practices that guide us – courage, affirmation, story, confidence, inclusivity, and deep listening This month, we're sharing the impact of STORY: a description, either true or imagined, of a connected series of events. In WCC writing workshops, each participant’s voice can flourish when protected by the assumption of fiction. One’s authentic voice is able to grow through the writing, sharing, and acknowledgement of character. Everyone has a story, and through writing together, we discover ourselves. In celebration of Why We Write, and 10 years of WCC, leave a comment below and tell us how you've witnessed or experienced the power of story in a WCC workshop! CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 👉 Belong Ottawa at The Well Belong Ottawa provides safe spaces that connect people and create community for those who are precariously housed or are unhoused. Their programs address basic needs and support the dignity and wellness of every participant. WCC is proud to spotlight Belong Ottawa at The Well, one of Belong Ottawa's three Centretown programs, providing services to women, women with children, and gender-diverse people. We extend our deepest thanks to Belong Ottawa for their partnership over the years. Writing together, we combat isolation, create human connection, and inspire deep healing. 💜 LEARN MORE 👉 https://ow.ly/mRqF50SPgqE

This month we've taken a closer look at the impact of one of our Six Essential Practices, AFFIRMATION. By understanding how affirmation guides each and every WCC workshop, we can all continue to practice it in our own lives and interactions. This is how we do it: 💪 Support. WCC trains its volunteer facilitators in the WCC methodology, with a strong focus on giving authentic, detailed, affirming feedback to every writer. 💡 Purpose. Facilitators feel a sense of purpose when leading a workshop, they provide human and creative connection, and model the witnessing of authentic voice. 💜 Heal. Independent evaluations confirm that WCC workshops provide an essential first step in healing and recovery by validating human experience and affirming individual identity. In WCC writing workshops, everyone has the opportunity to explore the strength of their authentic voice. We all have a story, and through writing together, we discover ourselves. CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)

As we explore the impact of AFFIRMATION displayed in WCC workshops, we highlight Christina Walsh's experience as a WCC writer. “I waited 45 years to be heard in a group and it was the WCC. I have listened also learned how to give feedback to others and to facilitate private workshops outside the WCC and create my own groups, something I have always wanted to do for years and the WCC gave me that ability to allow me to be heard, so I can hear and trust my own inner voice, while too, hearing others, while remaining authentic in my daily life.” In WCC workshops, participants affirm each other's writing, collectively strengthening each participant’s authentic voice. Each person has a unique story, and by writing together, we discover ourselves. CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)

We write, we heal. Independent evaluations demonstrate that the WCC program serves as a first step in healing by affirming the lived experience and individual identity of each writer. When we write and deeply listen, together, we create a restorative space wherein mindfulness, hope, and connection to the self and others increase. In our July newsletter, learn more about writing to heal and take inspiration from our volunteer facilitator spotlight, featuring our weekly BIPOC workshop facilitators. READ 👉 https://lnkd.in/gY8biQHm SUBSCRIBE 👉 wcc-cec.org/subscribe . . . #writetoheal #writingcommunity #writerscollective #writerscollectiveofcanada #wcc #writingtoheal #writinginspiration #writersofig #poetsofig #poetryofig #writersofinstagram #authenticity #authenticvoice #expressyourself #torontocharity #nonprofit #torontononprofit #writeyourstory #writingislife #wordshavepower #creativewriting #communitywriting #findyourvoice #shareyourstory #writingistherapeutic #freewritingworkshop #writingworkshop

Why We Write: Ten Years at Writers Collective of Canada is out NOW! Our newest chapbook explores our Six Essential Practices that guide us – courage, affirmation, story, confidence, inclusivity, and deep listening This month, we're sharing the impact of AFFIRMATION: providing a statement or signal that acknowledges the merit of an individual’s experience. In WCC writing workshops, each participant receives feedback that highlights the strengths found in their work, affirming their authentic voice and supporting creative exploration. Everyone has a story, and through writing together, we discover ourselves. In celebration of Why We Write, and 10 years of WCC, leave a comment below and tell us how you've witnessed or experienced affirmation in a WCC workshop! CHAPBOOK 👉 wcc-cec.org/shop (link in bio)