MY WORK

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Awkward? Let’s talk about it.

Weaving storytelling into conversations about systems and how we change them. 

Listening, feeling, and connecting the dots.

Erynn Brook: Writer | Speaker | Educator | Feminist.

I build bridges and make connections.

Sometimes I write. Topics may change but the heart of it is always storytelling, change through stories, and how we can do better. Pop culture, feminism, representation, systems of oppression and communication are common topics I touch on.

Also, I’m pretty nerdy, so don’t be alarmed by the occasional Star Trek reference.

I believe one of the biggest problems we face is that so few of us know how to listen.

I founded Nice White Ladies – an online community dedicated to bringing white folks up to speed on the racial justice conversation in 2017. While I’m not there in a daily capacity anymore, I’m proud to say that the community is continuing to do the work.

See below for some workshops that I now teach on topics from on how to speak up for ourselves to how to make space for unheard voices.

Workshops

Who’s in the Room?

Let’s explore the effects of lack of representation. Learn communication strategies and increase awareness within your existing environment. Recommended for groups looking to integrate anti-oppressive behaviours.

Speak Up!

Communication is complicated. It’s even harder when you’re the minority in the room. This workshop explores two communication styles: competing and connecting, and how to use both in your everyday life.

Ask A Feminist

Kids and teenagers are exposed to a lot of big ideas through technology. Often before parents and teachers are ready to talk about them. In this workshop, I’ll answer questions about big ideas and problems through pop culture examples and humour. Scalable to age group.

Published Works

This article began as a facebook status, which was widely shared and commented on. HuffPo Canada asked to publish it, where it continued to spread. It also spurred a response article where I addressed some of the questions that kept popping up. This piece is very special to me, it’s one of the first times I saw my words affect people in a measurable way.

For Her commissioned this piece after the Wonder Woman teaser trailer was revealed at ComicCon 2016. The original title was “What Would Wonder Woman Do?” which I think is a stronger title, but alas, editors. (PS: I also didn’t use the phrase “pro-woman icon”. I said she was a feminist icon. I was informed that was a bit political for their tastes, to each his own).

After teaching a workshop for Women in Information Technology Management, Women in Computer Science and Women in Engineering at Ryerson University, I noticed this phenomenon and had to write about it. The piece was then picked up by Code Like a Girl, a Medium publication.