Street news in Salt Lake City now a reality, CWC volunteer official vendor

Well, The Salt Lake City Mission finally got a street newspaper off the ground. I'm an official vendor. The second best thing to starting my own. I was on two local news stations, channel 5 and channel 4. It's called Salt Lake Street News. City Weekly also did an article. Shari (pictured at left) is our top vendor right now. Contact the Mission for subscription and advertising rates. Mention me,  John Wilkes,  Official Vendor #009, and I'll benefit from your ad or script. Contact Brad or Pamela at the Mission about that. New issue coming out in July 2010, but you can still get the premiere May/June 2010. If you see us on the street, please buy a copy. That is the most immediate way to help. Also, if you want to purchase quantities of the paper to distribute to the socially conscious clients and customers of your organization or business, email me (mrwrite@live.com). I'll deliver! [photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Weekly].

If you would like to submit writing on the subject of homelessness, or if you are a homeless or formerly homeless person and would like to tell your story or submit original work, call The Mission and speak to Brad or Pamela.

John Wilkes
Community Writing Center volunteer
DiverseCity Writing Series GLBTQ group co-mentor

Pride essay

Wanted to share my submisson to Q Salt Lake's "What Pride Means to Me." If I'm chosen as one of the top five, you'll see this printed in Q's upcoming Pride Issue. Wish me luck. If anyone else would like to submit, you have until Sunday May 23 at 12 noon. Submit to editor@qsaltlake.com .

John

Day Without Pride

The first Pride I attended - let’s just say several years ago, and leave it at that - was in Sunnyside Park. There were no booths, no beer garden, no corporate sponsors; just softball, watermelon and soft drinks. It was a way to come “out” a little farther than I was at the time. I’ve tried to stay directly or indirectly involved in Utah Pride every year since. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s almost always a good experience.

I have my favorite Prides, like the first year there was a parade. I marched front and center with some of the proudest fags I’ve ever known, carrying the huge rainbow flag you still see in the parade today. Another year a friend and I marched with a banner for Radio City Lounge. My absolute favorite is the year Tyler (an “ex”) and I walked down State Street holding hands.

Opinions regarding Pride are mixed in GLBTQ communities. Its relevance and effectiveness are being challenged. Some think it has become too political; others not political enough. Many think Pride presents queer people in a frivolous light, and do not want to be represented by flamboyant fairies or quixotic queens on colorful floats. Still others think Prides have become too commercial, and are suspicious of how funds are used. Sadly, too many have been indoctrinated to believe they have nothing of which to be proud.

Most just find it a great excuse to party.

Dissent is to be expected when trying to affect progressive change. Sometimes egos or agendas get in the way, personalities clash. Still, every year, a dedicated team of volunteers makes Pride happen. That’s one testimony to the relevance of Pride – Teamwork: overlooking differences to promote a common goal.

It’s much more, too. Freedom: to kiss, hold, love whoever you wish, wherever you like, without fear. Visibility: having the courage to be out, establish our right to exist, and show the world we are not ashamed of who we are. Diversity: gathering people of different ilks – race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity – under the same umbrella to forward the same cause – the most important reason for Pride - our struggle for Equality: a day when queer folks will be treated like everyone else under the law.

On that day, there will be no need for Pride.

But we’ll do it anyway – for the party.

photo courtesy of Utah Pride

Update

I love the writing group I mentor. The members are diverse and interesting, as is their writing. I'm glad I volunteered, and I'm glad I've stuck with it to watch it grow over the last nine months or so. I wasn't always sure of its success. Thanks all of you who are behind it and who participate regularly. You inspire, motivate and encourage me. Thanks to my co-mentor Doug for his input and assistance.

At the request of the writers, I've set up a private blog for the group to share writings. It's off to a slow start, but I want to encourage all the writers to view and contribute to it more regularly. It is private: you can post, comment, and view only by invitation, so there's no privacy issue. C'mon. give it a try.

Unfortunately, I have decided to quit, at least temporarily, two regular blogs I've been writing weekly for about a year. Time and other considerations, such as lack of interest, really wore me down. So Mister Write and The Rio Grande Report are no more, but their purpose will live on.

I'm really having a hard time picturing the CWC without Tiffany. I wish her the best, and hope she'll come check in on us once in a while. She has always been there, as long as I've been involved. It will be great to have Andrea step into her spot, though. I"m also looking forward to participating in the Utah Arts Festival literary events again this year. Last year was awesome. I also plan to volunteer at more community events such as Farmer's Market, People's Market, Avenues Street Fair, and perhaps the center will be able to swing Pride Day this year.

Well life is constantly changing, some for good, some for not so good. It's keeping me on my toes, and constantly reminding me that change means growth.

John Wilkes
DiverseCity Writing Series
LGBTQA Writers Group co-mentor

Don't Let 'Em Getcha Down

Go HERE to check out a little writing pep talk.

John

Butterfly effect

I want to share with everyone an experience that indicates our influence is not only felt in Salt Lake City.

There was a young man who came to the first two meeting of our new LGBT Writers' Group. Sadly he was just visiting, and returned home to Arizona. I've really missed his writing and input, but what can you do?

Today, I recieved an e-mail from him. He is starting a GLBT writing group in his area of Phoenix, and was asking for some advice. I don't know how helpful my ideas will be to him: I just gave him the rundown of how I've been winging it, suggested he ask the writers what they would like to get from the group, and wished him luck.

But I'm pleased to get feedback that our efforts don't just make a difference in our community, but spread outward to other places. That in turn will perhaps spread beyond that realm, and so forth.

Volunteer. No effort is too small, and the impact may be larger than you imagine

John

[image:  photobucket.com]

Another possible motivational tool

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer, do not reflect the views of Salt Lake Community College, The Community Writing Center, any other writer on this blog, and should not be construed as an endorsement of any product, publication or process.


I am the world's worst procrastinator, so I'm always looking for ways to set goals for my life, and for my writing. recently, I introduced you to The Pomodoro Technique, a time management tool.

A local entrepreneur I met in another writing group (gasp!), Phil Davis, is an author as well as a publishing guru. His latest effort is entitled the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal.

I 've never been very successful at keeping a daily journal, but I recommend that all writers attempt it. I think this publication may get me further into this activity than past attempts because of its unique approach.

We're all aware that since the world began prophets have been foretelling its demise. The big scare these days is the supposed Mayan Prophesy that the world will end in 2012. Various theories exist as to what will actually happen on December 21, Winter Solstice 2012. They involve everything from global to universal cataclysms, a new world order, sweeping change in collective human philosophies and religions, and absolutely nothing at all. I think the best source for clarification is straight from the horse's mouth:

"Anthropologists visit the temple sites and read the steles and inscriptions and make up stories about the Maya, but they do not read the signs correctly...Other people write about prophecy in the name of the Maya...The Mayan elders are angry with this. The world will not end. It will be transformed."
 
      -Carlos Barrios, sprirtual guide of the Mayan Eagle Clan.

Davis shares this more positive outlook concerning the future, and challenges us to  work toward a better future for ourselves by "creating a legacy of choice rather than running away and hiding in fear."  With his 2012 journal, he creates a simple daily process anyone can adopt to inspire themself to get more out of each day.

Here's how it works"

• "Significant Acts" Prompt: Each day begins by prompting you to think of one "Significant Act" you will perform.
• "Quotes" and "Facts": Throughout the journal you will see "Seize the Day" prompts, 2012 Facts and Random Quotes....one of these prompts may get your creative juices flowing.
• "How did it go?" Prompt: Write down if you did what you said you were going to do and if so, what happened.
• "Other thoughts and ideas" Prompt: In this space, write down any other significant events, ideas or thoughts that occured on that day.

( from the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal by Phil Davis)

Easy, right? All in an attractive, spiral bound journal. The quotes are funny and thought-provoking, the facts are intriguing, and the prompts are motivating. It's simple enough that anyone from about Jr. High age (perhaps younger) on up can understand and make use of the devices. I can't wait to start mine in the new year; that's my resolution.

John Wilkes
CWC Volunteer
DWS co-mentor
The Rio Grande Report
Mister Write's Blog

For more information or to order your I Survived 2012 Daily Journal, go here.

Phil Davis is the president of ZDocs- a book printing and self publishing business based in Lindon, Utah-and Authors On the Net and The Author Platform, two sources for eCourses, online publicity, self-publishing programs, and an online writing community.

Give Me the Bird

Happy Thanksgiving, to all the staff, volunteers, and writers at CWC:

(photo courtesy of istockphoto)

John Wilkes

Volunteer Brunch November 14, 2009

We would like to thank, support and celebrate all of our volunteers for the amazing work you have done over the past year. Come eat brunch, receive recognition and share challenges and successes with other volunteers November 14, 2009 from 9:30am—12:00pm.

9:30– 10:00 am Brunch
10:00– 10:30 am Introductions
10:30– 11:30 am Small Group Discussion of successes and challenges: Mentors, Coaches & Workshop Facilitators
11:30 am– 12:30 pm Awards and Recognition

To RSVP contact Rachel Jardine at rachel.jardine@slcc.edu or call 801.957.4992. Hope to see you all there.

sine cera Announcement

Greetings DWS Mentors!

This is your final reminder that sine cera submissions are due no later than Friday, October 9th (3 days!).

Email or drop by the CWC for the "2009 Writer Consent Release Form." Remember: We CANNOT publish writer's work without the Consent Release Form.

And may I just say THANK YOU for all the hard work and dedication you have all shown this year: Thank you!

Christina

Sine cera Announcement

Good evening everyone!

Just a quick reminder: sine cera submissions are due Friday, October 9th.

Remember, all submissions must be accompanied with a publication release form. You can get them from your writing group mentor or contact the CWC at (801) 957-4992 or cwc@slcc.edu for a copy.

Also, all the pieces from the December 2008 reading will be included in this edition.

See you all at the reading (if not sooner)!

Sine cera Announcement

Good evening everyone!

Just a quick reminder: sine cera submissions are due Friday, October 9th.

Remember, all submissions must be accompanied with a publication release form. You can get them from your writing group mentor or contact the CWC at (801) 957-4992 or cwc@slcc.edu for a copy. Submissions that do not have a waiver form will not be included in the sine cera publication.

Also, all the pieces from the December 2008 reading will be included in this edition.

See you all at the reading (if not sooner)!

Youth DiverseCity Writing Group Needs Mentors

The CWC, in conjunction with Sorenson Clubhouse, is opening a YDWS group for youth ages 10-17. This is a great group to mentor; they are an engaged group of teens with deep insights into the daily issues of social justice in their lives. For more information on the Sorenson Clubhouse visit: www.slcgov.com/clubhouse

Meeting times:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 6-8 p.m.

If you are interested in mentoring for either of these groups, please write Andrea Malouf for details at andrea.malouf@slcc.edu.

Since cera Announcement

Greetings DWS Mentors,

This is your first reminder that submissions for Sine cera are due Friday, October 9th. Please encourage your writers to get their work in early along with the submission waiver form (check your email for the form or tell writers to drop by the CWC for a copy).

Just to remind you, this issue will be published online only. The June 2010 publication will be a physical copy that will include this fall and next semester’s submissions.

We are very looking forward to a new ine cera! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at: (801) 957-4992 or Christina.Smith@slcc.edu.

Help me out here

I have a lot of free time to volunteer right now, so don't hesitate to ask. If I'm available and I can get there, I'm there. I really enjoyed doing time at the Utah Arts Festival, and I had the pleasure of hanging with Ken and Shannon at the People's Market this past Sunday.

The GLBTQ DWS group started out well. It was disappointing that nobody showed up to the last meeting however. I'd like to ask all of you mentors what things you do to keep people coming on a regular basis. I don't expect everyone to make every meeting, of course. From past experience, I believe that there is a need and desire for this group. I just need some help reaching people and keeping their interest.

You may e-mail me with suggestions at riograndereport@live.com .

I want to thank Susan Abney, chanel, and DvntWriter for their supportive comments to my last blog. And, chanel, in answer to your question, I've posted a photo.

Thanks

J

GLBTQ DiverseCity Writing Series Group

Greetings!

I'm really excited to tell you about a new DiverseCity Writing Series group at SLCC Community Writing Center.

Monday July 13 2009 is the 1st meeting of the new Gay, Lesbian, B-sexual, Transgendered, and Questioning/Queer writing group.

This group has sort of petered in and out over the years, due to the regular comings and goings of CWC staff and volunteers. Now, thanks to myself, and Brian Short, who so graciously volunteered to co-mentor, it's up and running again. All we need is participants. That means you.

The DiverseCity Writing Series is an incredible program with regular groups meeting all over the city. It gives writers of all backgrounds and experiences a chance to express themselves, share their work at annual readings, and even publish in the sine cera, a yearly anthology. The amazing thing is - it's all FREE!

So, If you're GLBTQ, or supportive, please come on Monday to see what it's all about. Bring friends; spread the word. You're encouraged to bring something you've written just to share, or receive feedback if you wish. Also, think of ideas for a cool name for our group.

Just to recap:

GLBTQ Writers' Group
2nd and 4th Mondays of every month
beginning July 13th
at SLCC Community Writing Center
210 E 400 South (Library Square)
Suite 8 (on The Wall, under the steps)

6:30 - 8:00 PM

I hope to see a lot of my brothers and sisters from the family there. Remember: "Everyone Can Write!"

John Wilkes aka "Mister Write"
CWC Volunteer
Co-Mentor GLBTQ DWS Group
"The Rio Grande Report"

Volunteers Needed: DiverseCity Writing Series

DiverseCity Writing Series Mentors are currently needed at...

The CWC Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month
from 6:30 PM to 8 PM
(1 volunteer needed)

The Literacy Action Center
1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month
from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
(1 volunteer needed)

The Literacy Action Center Groups are part of a partnership which may require some additional training prior to placement. If you are interested, please write for details.

We are also interested in opening a GLBTQ friendly writing group, and a bilingual Spanish/English group. If you are interested in mentoring for either of these groups, please write for details at cwc@slcc.edu.

sine cera reading: Be there or be square!

Greetings CWC volunteers!

Come out and support your fellow writers and volunteers at the sine cera reading this week.

When: Wednesday, June 10th at 7PM
Where: Salt Lake City Library Square Auditorium (210 E. 400 S.)

There will be a reception (with food!) immediately following the reading at the SLCC Community Writing Center (Library Plaza, suite 8).

We here at the CWC greatly value everything our volunteers and writers do to support us. Please join us as we celebrate the creativity and honesty of local Salt Lake Writers.

Volunteers Needed: DiverseCity Writing Series Reading

Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th, the Utah Arts Festival will be visiting Library Square and the SLCC Community Writing Center will become The Word Ecstatic. During this festival, we will be offering opportunities to take workshops, enter a writing competition, participate in a Poetry Slam or just enjoy readings from local authors and poets.

On Saturday, June 27th, members of the DiverseCity Writing Series are invited to participate in a public reading event from 7pm – 8pm in the SLCC Community Writing Center. Readings can be from the upcoming or previous editions of sine cera, or anything you have written while participating with the DWS.

If you are interested in reading, please contact the DiverseCity Writing Series Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu. All volunteers will receive a pass to the Utah Arts Festival.

sine cera: Reading and Book Release!

On Wednesday, June 10th, several writers from the DiverseCity Writing Series will participate in a reading of sine cera: What I Think People Think About, an anthology of writing produced through these open writing groups. sine cera began in 2003 as a way to showcase writing from the DiverseCity Writing Series, and every six months the SLCC Community Writing Center publishes a new edition of sine cera, and hosts a public reading and book release event to celebrate participants' work.



You are cordially invited to the next reading and book release of sine cera. This event will happen 

Wednesday, June 10th 

from 7 PM – 8:30 PM 

in Salt Lake City’s Main Library Auditorium (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111). A reception will immediately follow at the SLCC Community Writing Center.



This event is free to the public, and you are encouraged to invite family and friends. For more information, please call the SLCC Community Writing Center at 801.957.4992.

To hear readings from our previous edition of sine cera go to kcpw.org/article/7087.

sine cera submissions due in two weeks!

Greetings DWS Mentors!

This is your friendly reminder that sine cera submissions are due no later than Monday, April 27th (two weeks!).

Email or drop by the CWC for the "Call for Submission Flier" and the "2009 Writer Consent Release Form."

We CANNOT publish writer's pieces without the Consent Release Form.

Please get these forms and distribute them at your next writing group meeting. Encourage everyone to get their submission in early!

Also, December pieces that were published online WILL BE INCLUDED in this edition of the sine cera publication.