Meaning Makers is an experiment.
It’s a 10-week collaboration toward a creative environment.
It’s a group of university-aged people (18-25) exploring their spirituality and the craft of writing.
Instead of a syllabus, they will follow each other’s questions, support each other’s projects, and learn from whatever each brings. Exactly what happens in a group? Depends on who’s in it!
Who is a Meaning Maker?
- I am curious about how others write
- I am curious about how people live out their faith
- I am excited by conversations about writing, reading, or creativity
- I am open to new ideas
If this sounds like you, consider joining the Meaning Makers experiment. Fill out the interest form to start a conversation:
“I encourage anyone to partake in this experience because I believe that everyone is a creative. This cohort is for anyone who has a desire to find their voice as a creative, and to learn how to reflect their voice in their work.”
David the poet (Winter 2023 Cohort)
What’s involved?
Connect with a half dozen other young adults from across Canada. You’ll join a one-hour video call once a week for 10 weeks. Calls will include:
- writing experiments
- deep discussions
- knowledge sharing
- self-reflection
- laughter and new friends
Between calls, you’ll want to read and write things that interest you. You’ll be strongly encouraged to develop regular rhythms of creative input and output, but the what and how much will be up to you. There’s no official homework or expectation to produce anything in particular.
The current cohort is underway! The next one will start in September 2025. In the meantime, let us know that you're interested.
“On top of being an engaging demonstration and reminder of how you can connect your writing to your faith and pursuit of meaning in life, Meaning Makers is also a toolbox of strategies to make your writing resonate more with your readers and yourself.”
Cindy the linguist (Winter 2023 Cohort)
How much writing experience should I have?
If you write something sometimes, you have enough experience. In the same cohort, some write things for many to read and some write only for themselves. You have something to offer as you are, whether you’re a full-time writer, or someone who’s just curious.
Your experience is far less important than your commitment to building a safe space for everyone, wherever they are in their spiritual or creative journey. Your attitude matters more than your experience.
“Not only was I able to meet and connect with fellow writers who had the same values as I do, I was able to reflect on and explore the unique parts of myself as a writer. I learned how I can make meaning with my writing, and I am grateful for the meaningful time spent with new friends.”
Emily the editor (Winter 2023 Cohort)
What will we write?
During our calls, you’ll try out writing experiments. These are short and in-the-moment, so no prep required. You’re welcome to expand them after our calls, but you don’t have to.
Whether you normally write poems, stories, essays, lyrics, or academic papers, your words are welcome. Bring what you’re passionate about—and maybe you’ll try something new too.
Fill out the interest form if you’re ready to start the conversation:
Receive ongoing inspiration
Interested in faith and writing? Whether or not you can join a Meaning Makers Writing Cohort, you can be inspired by Prompts & Possibilities.
It’s an email with questions to beat any blank page, and opportunities to connect with other creative people and organizations. Find previous editions here. Subscribe to receive these emails on a regular basis (no more than once a month).
About your hosts
Sarah: I’m a planner of parties, a learner, and an editor. As I bike and hike all over Hamilton, ON, I love writing about the people and places I encounter. They are teaching me to pray and recognize God in the ordinary.
Questions about Meaning Makers? Email Sarah
Victoria: I’m an intern with P2C-Students, based in Montreal. I have an MA in Film Studies because of my lifelong passion for storytelling. I love to cook, crochet, and spend quality time with my husband and cat. You can read some of my media analysis at https://thequotorium.wordpress.com.
Power to Change – Students: A Christian organization helping post-secondary students in Canada take their next step toward Jesus. In Meaning Makers we want everyone to share about their spirituality, and for us that centres on Jesus. If you like, you can read more about us.