In everything the Calgary Interfaith Council does, we value people’s stories, we believe we learn from listening to multiple perspectives and we affirm that we are better together. In preparation for the celebration of the CIC’s 10th Anniversary coming up this next year, we will be collecting stories: Who have we been and who are we becoming?
Over this summer (June-July-August, 2026) a team from the CIC will be using Generative Journalism to uplift the stories, strengths and hopes of CIC members and friends. We will highlight our shared history as an organization, as well as bring to life the stories of CIC members. We will explore with them the exciting, emerging initiatives currently unfolding in their communities. This may take many forms including blogs, videos, podcasts, art, maps and photomontages.
Would you like to tell your story? What is happening in your faith community that fills you with energy and hope? If the questions listed below stir stories you would like to share, please contact our Generative Journalism team, Elyse Brazel and Roman Wolfi.
- “What is emerging right now in your community that you are excited about?”
- “What is the secret super power of your community? Where do you see it at work?”
- “What is a story from your community that makes you feel proud?”
- “What part of your community’s identity is often overlooked by outsiders, but feels essential to who you are?”
- “When have you seen people from across lines of difference come together to accomplish something great? What made that work?”
- “Who is an unsung hero whose work makes your community better?”
- “What is the deepest desire you have for the future of your community?”
Are you interested in following along? You will find blog posts here on the CIC website and you can also get updates on our Facebook and Instagram.
If you are interested in being involved (sharing your story or creating something to share), please email [email protected] OR…
What is Generative Journalism?
- This style of story creation centres on community-building and telling “life-giving” stories designed to enact positive societal change.
- Community Focus: it should capture the ideas, opportunities and assets of what the COMMUNITY identified.
- This practice focuses on honoring human dignity, centering individual voices over institutional ones, and empowering people to move forward around initiatives they are both energized by and committed to.
Who will you be meeting?
Elyse Brazel is a creative with a love for community building and is currently the Community Connector with the Building Connected Communities Project and the Calgary Interfaith Council. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and Design (BFa) and a Master of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership (MAPPL) with a specialization in Indigenous and Interreligious Studies. Elyse has done interreligious community building around the world, and is very excited to hear more of the stories of communities here in Calgary. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her niblings, playing board games, doing yoga, and gardening.
Contact: [email protected]
Roman Wolfli is an undergraduate student studying history and religious studies at McGill University and he will be interning with the CIC this summer. Roman has significant experience in the non-profit sector, having helped found the Young Canadians’ Parliament and currently serving as a Youth Advisor to the board of directors for Children First Canada. He is passionate about religious and political dialogue and youth wellbeing.
Contact: [email protected]