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Writer's Mafungo

The Writer’s Mafungo is a unique opportunity for scholars whose work emphasizes a broad spectrum of backgrounds and communities to experience an interdisciplinary and intense writing space. Mafungo is a Swahili word meaning “retreat”. The 3- day experience is meant to provide a mutually supportive and challenging context away from campus and daily life enabling unfettered but dense writing time. Writers must have a project in mind, and a set of achievable writing goals for each day of the experience. Additional experiences that enhance writing outcomes will be provided on site. 

The participants are held accountable by one another in daily roundtables. The roundtables are supportive but also challenging mentoring and peer mentoring sessions. Each day participants revisit goals and revise them as necessary. The retreat also includes mindfulness training and writing coaching. In addition, participants will attend a follow-up session occurring in early fall to determine the completion and outcome of the project, and to reconnect with the group.

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Venue:

Crystal Mountain Resort

Date:

June 1-4,2025

Applications Open:

February 3, 2025

Applications Close:

April 7, 2025

Arrangements:

Accommodations are provided. Participants are responsible for some meals and transportation to the retreat site.

Application: 

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Applicants will submit a 2-page description of their project and an achievable but detailed set of goals for the 3 days experience. In detail, the application should include: (1) a short letter of interest, (2) 500 word explanation of the project, (3) description of writing goals for the experience, (4) a short bio (100-150 words), and (5) a current CV. 

The experience is limited to 10 participants and selections will take into consideration the interdisciplinary nature of the group, quality of project, goal setting, and inclusion of faculty across career stages. Eligibility is prioritized for DRN members.

The conversations with others build community and the support helps with the writing process. Also, the advice from consultants is extremely helpful.

I realized I really need to work alongside others even if we are working on different things! So much of the academia is being told to "work alone," but this retreat has helped me realize that I don't have to follow that because it's a recommendation to work alone, not a requirement.