Corporate Programs

I have taught alongside Marn Norwich for the past seven years, primarily in recovery centres. Marn not only brings a wealth of knowledge to her classes but a spirit and empathy which allows room for people to express their innermost voices without hesitation. Marn creates this wonderful space consistently. Her dedication to her work shows in her preparation, her interaction and her follow-up. I recommend Marn's classes for anyone wanting to add an extra tool to their healing kit.

In 2012, I had the pleasure to facilitate a writing workshop with Marn Norwich at the Vancouver Public Library. Marn employs a refreshingly unique and effective method for teaching creative writing. Her workshop was based on themes reflected in a number of the poems from her collection, Wildflowers at my Doorstep, including ‘the body’ and ‘women who inspire.’ Throughout the workshop she read these poems as gateways to the writing exercises she presented. In this way, the reading and the writing were interspersed. Marn also provided guided visualization exercises and, most importantly, an opportunity for the participants to share their writing with the group. As a librarian I value diversity, access for all, innovation, and creativity. Marn’s strength lies in her capacity to put these values to practice. Marn has the innate ability to inspire anyone — even those with no previous writing experience — to not only tap into their creative conscience, but to feel confident enough to write ‘on the spot’ and share their writing with a group. I was particularly overjoyed to see some of our regular patrons, many of whom are socially and economically disenfranchised, feel welcome and actively participate in this inclusive workshop. Marn's open teaching methods and her individual warmth removed any barriers that would prevent anyone from feeling they are not capable of writing. Marn’s workshop was, truly, in concert with the mission and values of the Vancouver Public Library, as she created a free place for everyone to discover and share their creative ideas. Marn Norwich’s natural ability to create a supportive environment conducive for creative writing is simply unparalleled!

I have had the great pleasure of co-facilitating writing workshops with Marn Norwich at Pacifica several times over the past year and a half. Marn’s calming energy peppered with her humour and brilliant passion for the literary make her as much a teacher for me as she is a colleague. I am in awe of her ability to engage the participants and guide them gently and knowledgeably on a journey of healing through written expression. On several occasions during the break in our sessions, participants have approached Marn in gratitude for her work.

Marn Norwich honours both the creative and recovery processes in her work as a facilitator. She first creates a safe space among the group. As they warm to the experience, she provides insight into the creative process so that participants begin to trust and experiment with the tool of writing. As her classes progress, she offers powerful literary examples that touch on key themes in recovery and healing. She is wise in how she paces classes so participants who opt to do so may gradually delve deeper and comfortably into their personal histories. Marn has mastered the ability to hold a safe space when participants choose to share raw and painful experiences. She offers them a way to emotionally process the negative into heartfelt poems and prose and provides warm feedback that demonstrates the power in sharing their truths. Over the two years that I co-facilitated writing classes with Marn at Pacifica Treatment Centre, her quiet power as a facilitator led to many participants’ personal breakthroughs.