Cal Lutheran’s Gumby Writing Project is now accepting submissions for the May 2026 Issue. Dedicated to creating a space where listening and storytelling bring people together, our mission boils down to the truth that every person has a story to tell, regardless of their background or writing ability.
That mission feels especially urgent today. We’re living in a time defined by contradiction, where extraordinary progress exists alongside deep division. With divisive policies that continue to tear families apart and threats to constitutional rights, fear and uncertainty have become part of our daily lives. Across the world, we are witnessing humanitarian crises, and here at home, the promise of justice feels increasingly fragile. On the other hand, advances in medicine have led to an increase in global life expectancy, and living standards are also steadily increasing. Across communities, neighbors are standing up for one another and finding new ways to rebuild trust. These everyday efforts, whether local or global, show us that hope persists, built up moment by moment through compassion, courage, and the stories that connect us.
Here at Cal Lutheran, we see that same effort in the way we show up for one another: with empathy and a willingness to listen. We see this in conversations that extend beyond the classroom and in the way students and colleagues check in when someone is struggling. As a campus rooted in generosity, inclusion, and service, we have the opportunity to keep building community even when the world feels fractured. It is through these everyday actions of care and compassion that we sustain connection and remind one another that belonging is something we create together. The Gumby Writing Project hopes to offer a space where sharing our stories becomes another way to care for one another. There is a very real power to words: they can drive action or quell it; bring us together or divide. By speaking our truths, we remind one another that even in isolation, we are not alone. Your words have the power to uplift others and help people find courage in their own stories. Through this project, we invite you to use that power to inspire hope and connection.
In that spirit, the theme for this year’s issue is “The Stories We Carry.” We want you to recognize how stories live within us and how sharing them can plant the seeds of hope in others. We invite students, staff, and faculty to respond to this theme by sharing the stories that have shaped who you are.
These can be the experiences, memories, or moments that stay with you and continue to define how you move through the world. Whether it be passed down through generations, lived firsthand, or told to you, these stories remind us who we are and what we stand for. They ground us in our shared humanity, bridging divides through understanding and compassion. Through this exchange, we not only honor our own experiences but help create a stronger, more connected Cal Lutheran community. Below are some guiding questions to help you begin, though you are welcome to write freely about any story that continues to live within you or influence how you see the world.
● How has current political action/legislation affected you, your loved ones, or your sense of belonging?
● What generational stories or family memories do you carry with you? How do they influence how you live your life?
● What is a personal experience that changed your worldview or perspective?
● Have you ever been moved by a story you’ve read, been told, or seen? Why has it stayed with you, and how has it shaped how you carry yourself?
● How do stories, art, or other forms of media help you make sense of the world right now or stay hopeful in it?
● If you could pass on one story to future generations, what would it be and why?
We will be accepting all creative mediums, including but not limited to short stories, poetry, and visual arts. Please submit your document as a pdf.