South Central Writing Center Association
Call for Conference Proposals
Spring 2010:  April 22-24
Writing as Labyrinth:
All Paths Lead to the Center

Labyrinths create a heightened awareness of the human condition and aid psychological and spiritual growth. To build a labyrinth is to create a sacred space, and to walk a labyrinth is to imbue it with power and meaning. Unlike the maze, which has frequent dead-ends, the labyrinth is an exercise in the sacred and the harmonious, as all paths lead to the center, the place of enlightenment. The more a labyrinth is used, the more powerful it becomes as a symbol of transformation.[1]

We believe that the labyrinth is a perfect metaphor for both writing, the writing process, and the work we do in writing centers.  Creating and walking a labyrinth is a right brain task that involves intuition, creativity, and imagery. Just as the labyrinth is used for spiritual, psychological, and intellectual enlightenment, so, too, is writing.  Writing has the power to create a heightened awareness of the human condition and, in doing so, it aids in intellectual, psychological, and spiritual growth.

Just as creating sacred space by building a labyrinth and imbuing it with power and meaning by walking it results in a powerful symbol of transformation, so, too, does the creation of a writing product.  While the product has the power to transform a reader, it is the process that transforms the writer.

Like the process of walking the labyrinth to reach the center and returning to the entrance to share the power derived from the process, so, too, are the processes used in writing centers:  students enter the labyrinth of the center tentatively, often feeling disempowered.  As they walk through the process of being tutored, revising, and ultimately reaching their goal of a completed product, they eventually reach the “center,” where enlightenment awaits. They, then, are empowered to return to the doorway and share their wisdom with the world.

Our theme for this year’s conference is open-ended:  How do we in our various centers enable our students to walk the path to the Center of the Labyrinth. We invite you to examine the processes and pedagogies that make your center a unique place of enlightenment or inquiry on your campus.  Submit your proposal for the 2010 South Central Writing Center Association meeting to be held in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  The conference will be supported by McNeese State University, local benefactors, and conference registration fees.

Presentations may be in formats best suited to the content of the presentation.[2]   Submit proposals to mcleod.porter@yahoo.com by January 15, 2010.  Please submit via Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format as an email attachment.  In the subject line, write LABYRINTH. Proposals may be mailed to Write to Excellence Center. McNeese State University. Box 90055. Lake Charles, LA 70609

[1] http://lessons4living.com/classical.htm

[2] Panel presentations:  3 speakers, 20 minutes each OR 60-minute Round Table Discussion OR 20-minute single presentations.