On October 8, the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club was invited by the Action for Healthy Communities Society of Alberta to give a group community presentation on the 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities event. This annual gathering brings together grassroots community organizations, government representatives, and sector leaders to reflect on, celebrate, and advance the shared goal of building inclusive, resilient communities across the greater Edmonton area.
The Edmonton Chinese Writing Club has witnessed impressive development over the past three years, with significant milestones achieved despite initially limited resources. President Ying Shi outlined the club’s approach to resource integration, utilization, and creation in the presentation. By sharing examples from 2022, 2023, and 2024, she highlighted how the club leveraged available resources and seized new opportunities for growth. Below is an overview of key events that marked the club’s journey toward success:
2022: Surviving by Integrating Existing Human Resources
In 2022, the club focused on maximizing its existing resources, particularly human capital, to lay a solid foundation for future development. Some notable initiatives included:
- Establishing a Free Chinese Website and WeChat Official Account: This provided a platform for better communication and outreach to club members and the wider community.
- Cultural Exchange with Taiwan: Thanks to an invitation from Amy Lau, the founding president, a Taiwanese tour guide, Mr. Weiguo Li, gave an online presentation about the National Palace Museum in Taipei, fostering a cultural exchange between Edmonton Chinese community and Taiwan.
- Support for Online Events: Amy Lau also generously donated funds to establish a Zoom account, enabling the club to hold virtual lectures, workshops, and discussions.
- Recognition of George Shouliang Dong: In a proud moment, George Dong received Alberta’s first-ever Newcomer Recognition Awards, presented by the then Premier of Alberta.
These efforts helped establish the club as a vibrant and growing community, even during challenging times.
2023: Developing Knowledge and Skills in Multicultural Literary Creation
In 2023, the club shifted focus toward enhancing its knowledge and skills in multicultural literary creation. Key achievements during this year included:
- Collaboration with Local Writers: The club invited Kate Boorman, a local author and writer-in-residence at the Edmonton Public Library, to conduct a free online writing workshop. This provided members with valuable insight into literary creation.
- Creative Writing Workshops: The club hosted two free writing workshops led by award-winning Ottawa author Wayne Ng. These workshops, which targeted both children and adults, were funded by Wayne’s publisher, further developing the club members’ story writing skills.
- First-Ever Publication: The club proudly released its first literary anthology, Life by the Rockies, a collection of works by 16 club members. The book launch was celebrated with a special event, marking an important step forward in the club’s cultural contributions.
- Securing Seed Funding: The club was awarded its first-ever seed grant, laying the groundwork for further development and expansion.
2024: Leap with Financial Sponsorship
With sponsorship from the Edmonton Heritage Council, 2024 marked a period of significant growth for the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club. The funding enabled the club to break through previous limitations and reach new heights:
- Publishing the First English Book: The club collaborated with 23 authors from eight different cultural backgrounds, as well as 8 artists with developmental disabilities from the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, to publish its first-ever English-language book. The book launch, held at Edmonton’s City Hall, attracted the support of two Chinese-Canadian city councilors, demonstrating the growing recognition of the club’s work.
- Radio Interview with CBC: The club’s influence and reputation continued to grow as it was invited to appear on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) radio for an interview, expanding its outreach to an even broader audience.
Conclusion: From Survival to Leap Forward
Over the past three years, Edmonton Chinese Writing Club has proven that resourcefulness and determination can turn challenges into opportunities. Initially, the club survived by integrating human resources and enhancing its knowledge and skills. With the arrival of funding and the strategic use of new resources, it was able to leap forward, achieving major breakthroughs in cultural exchange, publishing, and media engagement. Looking ahead, the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club is well-positioned for continued success, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated within Edmonton’s multicultural landscape.
