The Royal City Writers group is gearing up to launch a community project this fall, pairing local volunteer writers with individuals who have a unique story to tell.
The group will host a community information session at the New Westminster Public Library on Sept. 24, from 7: 30 to 9 p.m., to present the project and recruit potential volunteers.
The Royal City Writers pilot project will work with Lookout Housing Society's Cliff Block in downtown New Westminster.
By connecting volunteer writers with Cliff Block residents, the group intends to give voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.
Once a week over a period of three months, writers will converse with residents, audio-record their words, and put their stories into print.
With residents' permission, stories will then be posted on a dedicated website.
Royal City Writers was started by local author and resident Diane Haynes.
"My inspiration for the project came from two sources," Haynes says. "My own recent illness showed me how isolating such an experience can be. And my recovery involved the practice of yoga, which includes the concept of 'karma yoga.' The idea is that you give back to your community the strength and peace you discover through your practice. I realized I could do that through writing."
Haynes first approached Coun. Jonathan Cote with her idea, and says she was amazed by the support he offered.
Cote put her in touch with chief librarian Julie Spurrell, who offered the use of library facilities for the upcoming info session, as well as with Dave Brown, Lookout's Manager at the Cliff Block.
Brown immediately jumped at the opportunity to provide a forum for his residents.
"The people here need to tell their stories," says Brown. "And I think the community wants to hear them. Many of our residents have been marginalized their whole lives, but they're part of this community, too."
Cote adds, "This is a project that has the capacity to bring the whole New West community closer together, to build connections between those who have experienced obstacles such as homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and addiction, and those who maybe have not. There's huge potential here."
The group is also looking for a sponsor to cover the costs of audio recorders and transcription.
Those interested in the info session can register by emailing royalcitywriters@ gmail.com to register.
