#MEAction Writers Inspired by WGI Workshops

Last fall, #MEAction partnered with the Writers Guild Initiative (WGI) to offer writing workshops to twenty-five community members. #MEAction believed this partnership was beneficial to our community because self expression in the disability community is essential and writing allows us to get our thoughts and emotions onto paper. #MEAction recognizes writing as one of the ways we as a community are able to share our truths to create change and build awareness. There is power in our words!

Community members worked in weekly workshops with Writers Guild Initiative Mentors, some who were people living with ME or Long COVID. They worked in small groups to create incredible poems, short stories, and other writing projects.

To give you insight into how this program touched the lives of those who participated, here are just a few of the powerful takeaways these members walked away with after the workshop:

Square image with a lined paper background. There is a piece of tape holding down a white post-it-note with the quote, "Meeting other people from this community who I know without words spoken understand where I am coming from is a game changer. Accommodation without asking, not having to explain ‘why’ all the time, the support from the other people as well as the mentors, blew my mind…I felt in my bones that I was a writer, but imposter syndrome messes with the mind; I felt validated, accepted, and seen.” - Jody Shaw. The note is surround be a pencil and paperclips. The #MEAction logo is in the bottom righthand corner.
Square image with a lined paper background. There is a piece of tape holding down a white post-it-note with the quote, "“ME/CFS is often very isolating, and this experience provided connection and a sense of community with others that are going through similar life experiences. Also, since my energy is limited, it was very helpful to have writing experts who provided in-the-moment guidance, feedback, and encouragement. I learned that showing up to the page as my authentic self is all that is needed to write—I don't need an elaborate plan or strategy or even to feel well.”- Brook Nichol. The note is surround be a pencil and paperclips. The #MEAction logo is in the bottom righthand corner.
Square image with a lined paper background. There is a piece of tape holding down a white post-it-note with the quote, "The idea of having a writing workshop specifically for folks with ME/CFS was mind-blowing! I explored different ways of writing with the help and support of my WGI mentors, Stephen Ruddy and Noni Salma, and fellow writers with ME/CFS. The playful, sparky and creative writing prompts allowed different parts of myself to speak out loud.”- Jori Marie RilleraThe note is surround be a pencil and paperclips. The #MEAction logo is in the bottom righthand corner.

#MEAction has the privilege to share a few pieces written during the workshop from the participants! Take a moment to read their stunning work by clicking on the titles below.


#MEAction is so grateful to have been given this opportunity to partner with the Writers Guild Initiative to provide an opportunity to give back to our community’s writers. And since this first round of workshops was a success, #MEAction is excited to announce another workshop with the Writers Guild Initiative is in the works for early summer! Keep a lookout for more information in the coming months about how you can participate in this great program.



Thanks so much, 

Shalida Dobbins
Activist and Volunteer Coordinator

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