I attended a nonfiction writers’ conference during the last weekend of May. For the first time in four years, the Creative Nonfiction Collective (CNFC) hosted an in-person writing conference at the University of King’s College where I graduated with my MFA in 2020. My heart exploded with joy as I met so many CNFC volunteers and members for the first time after three years of Zoom meetings. And reconnecting with the King’s MFA community was a gift. Thanks to my hardy friends for braving the cold weather to dine al fresco with me 🙂
The conference was also my last official act as CNFC board chair and president. I stepped down at the 2023 Annual General Meeting on the last day of the conference. My three years on the board was framed by the pandemic, which provided a unique opportunity to focus on CNFC’s value to its members, and determine how best to operate in an environment where it wasn’t safe to travel. We learned that what CNFC members wanted was connection and community, which directed the organization’s strategy and activities for the past three years.
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to represent CNFC, and an education for me into the depth and breadth of nonfiction writing across Canada. I’ve read books that touched me deeply, increased my knowledge of Canadians, and expanded my literary horizons. I’m immensely grateful to all board and committee volunteers I’ve had the pleasure to work with, and would highly recommend CNFC volunteerism as a way to learn more about Canada’s vibrant CNF community. The energy that drew me to CNFC three years ago has only been amplified as the organization continues to grow and thrive.
