Writers of all skill levels and many genres of writing welcome
Whether you’re a writer just starting out or you’ve been writing for years, all local authors are welcome to enter the Selkirk Adult Learning Program’s (SALP) Community Writing contest.
Winners from last year’s Community Writing Contest were Suzette Marceline, Loretta Petri, Nadiia Provalniuk, Don Dempster, Tamara Jenkins, and Danielle Noguet. The prizes were presented by the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary Club, the Selkirk Legion and Gerdau
“The Community Writing Contest is a contest that is open to all adults in Selkirk and area, and it’s inviting people to, if writing is something they enjoy doing, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or lyrics, they’re welcome to submit it to this contest. And there’s some great prizes to be won thanks to our donors,” said Adele Plett Bartel, Program Coordinator for the Selkirk Adult Learning Program.
Plett Bartel explained that though there is a category for SALP students, this contest is for people throughout our community, and everyone is welcome to participate.
“Anybody from the community is welcome to submit. The only requirement is that you’re 18 or older,” she said.
The idea behind the writing contest is to give people who are interested in writing the extra push to flex those creative muscles, to promote literacy in the region, and to make it so that more people know what the SALP has to offer.
“We want to raise awareness about adult literacy. We understand that it’s part of reconciliation, it’s part of improving people’s quality of life. (Increased literacy) can have such an impact on individuals, and so, we think it’s really valuable. Also, sometimes people are not aware that Selkirk has an adult literacy program based out of the Friendship Center, so definitely there is that component to it. (We also want to) strengthening community connections. We are bringing together people from our adult learning programs, people from the community, as well as the donors who have generously supported us each year,” said Plett Bartel.
The SALP itself is a very interesting program. It helps people improve basic skills that they may have missed out on their first time around the education system, but also addresses things like computer basics, which might not have been available for people to learn about, as a lot has changed very quickly in that field. And, because it’s for adult learners, the program is very flexible.
“We offer literacy, math, and computer or digital learning classes. They are informal, which means you can start and stop throughout the year. They are free. There’s no cost. Newcomers to Canada are welcome in our program. And so, we work with individuals taking them at (the) level they’re at, depending on what their education goals are,” said Plett Bartel.
People can participate in the contest regardless of if they’ve been part of the SALP community or not. They accept writing in many different genres, so that people who want to write something new aren’t limited, and the deadline to enter is May 8, 2026.
Plett Bartel explained that past winners have come with stories about many different subjects.
“Adults have such rich life experiences. So certainly, adults often write about different life experiences that they have had. Also, I remember one year, a community member was so gifted in humour, and she just had, it was a funny story. It was fiction, and it was hilarious. We have also had beautiful poetry submitted, so incredible, well-worded and inspiring,” she said.
She is also hoping that this context encourages people in our community who aren’t writers yet to give it a go.
“It gives a meaningful reason to write. I feel like in this digital era, writing is almost getting lost. The contest is something that gives you a reason that you may not have otherwise, and writing allows you self-expression and creativity. (I hope people entering the contest can be) recognized for that gift, and connect with the community, gaining confidence.
Once the submissions are written and the judges make the hard decision about the winners, there will be an official awards ceremony that takes place at the Gwen Fox Gallery in May.
The contest is made possible by generous donations from community groups. In past years, the Selkirk Legion, the Rotary Club of Selkirk, Gerdau and the Knights of Columbus have made this great community event possible.
Plett Bartel encourages residents to participate in this contest and to encourage their friends and family members who are storytellers to submit their writing.
“If there’s somebody in your circle who loves writing, or is a gifted writer, and you think this would be a good opportunity, encourage them. It takes a little bit of time and effort, but not a whole lot, so just give it a try. I don’t think people regret submitting, and it can be a good experience for people to participate in the community and celebrate their writing skills,” she said.
You can learn more about contest guidelines as well as grab yourself an entry form on the SALP’s website: selkirkadultlearning.wixsite.com/salp. You can also call or text 204-904-8792 or email aplettbartel@lssd.ca for more info.
