The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick is about to embark on a three-year plan to enhance and expand its services to writers under the leadership of newly-elected president Rayanne Brennan.
The Moncton-based magazine editor was acclaimed at the WFNB Board’s June meeting. The former weekly newspaper editor and daily newspaper correspondent is now a communications consultant to corporate and government clients, editor of The Atlantic Co-operator and a freelance photo-journalist. She is joined on the executive by treasurer Kate Merlin, Riverview, and secretary Grace Morris, Moncton. Directors are: Gerard Beirne, Fredericton; Andrew Flanagan, Belledune; Dorinda Glover, Miramichi; Corey Redekop, Fredericton; Marlene Hull, Saint John; and, Deborah Carr, Hillsborough.
Ms. Brennan thanked WFNB’s immediate past president Marilyn Lerch and executive director Lee Thompson and for their vision and dedication to the federation, noting that WFNB’s membership has nearly doubled in the past two years.“Their efforts have laid a solid foundation upon which to build our organization for the future.”
WFNB’s go-forward plan identifies several strategic activities to achieve its short and long-term goals including regional outreach, a mentorship program, a youth membership campaign and corporate fundraising. This will include the formation of region branches to better serve members in rural areas of New Brunswick. WFNB will also strive to get more young writers involved in the federation.
WFNB is a community of writers, both amateur and professional, who strive to develop the craft of writing and who work to promote and encourage the literary arts in New Brunswick. This was illustrated by the publication of Breaking the Word Barrier: Stories of Adults Learning to Read, a collection of first-person adult literacy stories, published last fall, which paired new readers with WFNB members.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of WFNB and to celebrate the federation will honour founding members at its annual WordsFall in Miramichi this October.
The benefits of WFNB membership are many and varied, from workshops and readings to an annual literary competition and spring and fall festivals. In addition, members receive discounts from select book stores, a quarterly publication and regular information on markets for writers. WFNB recently held a successful AGM that drew 550 people to the St. Thomas University campus.
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