At Writers Collective of Canada (WCC), we’re constantly inspired by the diverse journeys of our facilitators – individuals who, like Leah (they/she), begin as participants and facilitators; transforming into mentors and leaders within our community.
Leah, now a fundraising consultant and workshop facilitator, has seen firsthand the power of WCC’s workshops in exploring authentic voice and connection. We’re excited to spotlight their journey as a writer, facilitator, and consultant – including the impact they continue to have in bringing others together through writing.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT WCC? CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY FROM STAFF TO WRITER TO FACILITATOR?
LEAH: I’m the fundraising consultant at WCC. I followed WCC’s work for ages – and even signed up to volunteer about a decade ago – but I didn’t have a chance for a deeper role until more recently. Now, I’m so happy to work with the team to find funding that fits our mission and furthers our big dreams.
It was a pretty seamless journey from there: it only takes a workshop or two to feel that WCC magic, and only a little more until I wanted to facilitate. I love being able to share the community that WCC has given me – whether I’m writing grants, writing in a workshop or writing as a facilitator.
AS STAFF AND FACILITATOR, YOU HAVE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE. TO YOU, WHAT IS SO SIGNIFICANT ABOUT WCC’S PROGRAM MODEL? WHAT IS IMPORTANT ABOUT THESE KINDS OF COMMUNITY SPACES?
LEAH: It’s such simple magic, isn’t it? WCC creates a safe framework for courageous, powerful expression – everything comes back to our Six Essential Practices. Before I trained, I assumed there must be so much more that facilitators are doing behind the scenes. I’m not saying it’s easy to listen deeply or to hold authentic space for a group – but that’s really what it comes down to. WCC provides the essential practices and the resources, you bring your openness and your unique understanding of your own communities. It still feels a little scary – to facilitate, even just to write! – but WCC builds brave spaces, and it makes me feel brave to be here.
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO VOLUNTEERING? HOW DOES FACILITATING WRITING WORKSHOPS ALIGN WITH YOUR OBJECTIVES AS A VOLUNTEER?
LEAH: I’m at a stage where a lot of my volunteering aligns with my work. I’ve worked in arts and culture my whole career – where volunteering really drives so many organizations. For me, WCC gets at the core of my love for that sector: the social impact of making and sharing art, finding a place for ourselves and building the world that we want. It’s a real privilege to help make that happen, while nurturing my own creativity and community.
LAST MONTH, WCC OFFERED ITS VERY FIRST “ALTERNATIVE TRAINING” MODEL TO REACH MORE VOLUNTEERS WITH DIFFERENT ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS. WHAT WAS THIS EXPERIENCE LIKE? CAN YOU REFLECT ON HOW IT FELT?
LEAH: First of all, I can’t say how excited I was for this model! I’d been wanting to train for a while, but as a busy parent I had no idea how the intensive format could fit into my schedule. The opportunity to join online during the work week was so appreciated.
I’ve been lucky to write with WCC online and in person, and I have to say – it never really feels that different to me. The space that WCC creates is so safe and affirming, no matter the format. The team provides incredible resources and feedback, and what we do is so easy to adapt and share. That community feeling is front and centre in training – I mean, learning aside, we did 10 writes together!
WHAT DOES WRITING IN COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU? DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE POWER OF MAKING TOGETHER.
LEAH: Oh wow, where to start. It means everything! The world is facing a crisis of isolation and loneliness. I felt it so much, at home during the pandemic with two tiny kids. I wanted to create an inspiring, expansive space for my family, but I had so little to go on. I definitely lost skills in connecting with other people (my small talk is just terrible now). Having an outlet where I can channel my feelings into something lovely, where I can be truly heard by others and get to hear them – it’s given me back a part of myself. I always knew I wanted to write more, but until WCC I didn’t even realize how much I needed to do that with other people.
Thank you, Leah, for your inspiring work as a WCC facilitator and consultant. We are proud of the way you bring people together through writing, creating brave spaces for authentic voices.