Empowering Tomorrow’s Advocates: Windsor-Essex Anti Hate Youth Collective’s ‘Pen to Power’ Workshop

The Windsor Essex Anti-Hate Youth Collective (WEAHC) is hosting an online workshop aimed at helping students hone their activism skills through creative writing. 

The upcoming “Pen to Power” online workshop on March 1 from 5 pm to 8 pm aims to offer participants a platform to develop crucial skills applicable to various aspects of their lives.  

 Vanessa Bumanlag, the Anti-Hate Project Coordinator says the purpose of the event is to encourage youth into the conversation, empowering them to lead public awareness, education, and necessary action against racism in Windsor-Essex.  

“In this workshop, participants will delve into the art of using writing as a catalyst for social change. Individuals will gain invaluable insights into mastering interviews and crafting compelling press releases.” 

CTV News reporter Sanjay Maru will be the main presenter for the workshop, inviting conversations about practical strategies towards activism. 

Miran Kadri comments “Having Sanjay Maru present will add a valuable dimension to tomorrow’s workshop, providing insights from his experience as a CTV News anchor, and his previous teamwork with WEAHC.” 

Following the success of their media workshop, Bumanlag shares insights into tomorrow’s Pen to Power workshop. 

“We are very excited to share essential skills that youth can use in a variety of avenues, such as in their university career and in their own activism journey.”    

Bumanlag says the WEHAC initiative is looking forward to individuals learning strategies they can use when navigating media communication, particularly about bias, prejudice, and veiled hatred abound in journalism.  

Another one of the WEAHC’s exciting new projects is the development of a podcast, expecting to be published on YouTube in April. 

“Our podcast aims to invite youth ages 14-25 to become activists in Windsor-Essex, and we’re hoping that it will provide a platform where individuals can discuss various topics relating to racism,” Bumanlag comments. 

 Bumanlag emphasizes the invitation extends to scholars and youth representing marginalized voices, urging them to use the platform to provide space for BIPOC community members. 

Asma Bari says the program aims to equip youth with the necessary tools and skills.  

“We have a lot of University of Windsor students on the team, but we try to look at it as a holistic approach to invite as many different backgrounds and perspectives as we can.”    

Bari anticipates the workshop and hopes to learn about navigating media communication in today’s politically charged world.  

In response to accepting student general members, Asma asserts, “WEAHC welcomes anyone interested in joining our initiative. Together, our priority is to deconstruct systems of violence and forge a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.”  

The WEAHC remains open to anyone interested in joining their initiative.  

The link to the Pen to Power workshop will be provided upon online registration. 

Website: https://sacwinfo.wixsite.com/windsor-essex-anti-h

Instagram: @weantihateyouthcollective