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.

There will be optional mid-week communication within your cohort, allowing for ongoing connection, encouragement, and conversation.

Our winter 2023 cohort is full. But if you fill out the interest form, we can start a conversation about including you in the next one.

The next cohort is September to November 2024.

“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

Shaylah: I’m a multidisciplinary creative living in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, QC. I enjoy the sound of a freshly-stringed acoustic guitar, the smell of lilacs in spring, the sight of stars outside the city, the taste of my dad’s Irish stew, and the feeling of a freshly sharpened pencil on blank paper. I also love a good story.

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.

Subscribe to emails from P2C-Students

* indicates required
What types of content would you like to receive?

I give permission to P2C-Students permission to email me at this address.

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.