Come Create with Other CFA Members!

CFA’s community of artists are gathering virtually May 12 to learn from each other and create!

CFA members are making a chapbook, a small self-produced publication, like a zine, where members can tell stories about their working conditions and the dreams they have for changing unjust oppressive systems through creative writing, poetry, short story, visual arts, photo documentation of actions and/or performances, digital graphics, and more.

Come celebrate the end of the term and be part of a powerful form of storytelling, OUR storytelling. The gathering is on Zoom from noon to 2 p.m. May 12. Register here.

“As a new CFA member and a graphic designer, the CFA Chapbook and arts committee gives me a sense of belonging within CFA. I wasn’t really sure how to get involved with organizing or policy work, but I was ecstatic to learn about the Chapbook and appreciate the support I feel from CFA,” said Virginia Patterson, Fresno State assistant professor. “I love this medium for its ability to mobilize, uplift marginalized voices, and engage those who communicate through artistic expression. I hope all CFA members feel empowered to contribute to the Chapbook (not just those who identify as artists). There is so much potential, possibility, and power when many narratives come together in one book, and that book becomes a permanent artifact — a record of time, place, and condition.”

Focusing on the anti-racism, social justice organizing we do as a union, these stories address underfunding mental health services, overfunding university police, lack of faculty diversity, undervaluing educators, and attempts to undermine academic freedom.

“I love this medium for its ability to mobilize, uplift marginalized voices, and engage those who communicate through artistic expression. I hope all CFA members feel empowered to contribute to the Chapbook (not just those who identify as artists).”

– Virginia Patterson, Fresno State assistant professor.

Storytelling sparks joy, creates sustenance, connects communities, and organizes social movements. You don’t have to be an artist to participate in the Chapbook. Storytelling happens in words, letters, social media posts, memes, collage, photos, documentation, posters made for actions, drawings, or movement. It might be direct or indirect through theory, through conceptualizing, sharing a playlist or a meditation; any and all of the ways you express yourself are welcome submissions.

Any CFA member can send a submission to the Chapbook. Submissions are due May 31.

Email Jessica Lawless at jlawless@calfac.org or Leslie Bryan at lbryan@calfac.org with any questions.