Classes

Special America 250 Workshop! Your American Story

You are invited to Your American Story, a special two-session writing class created in recognition of America’s semi-quincentennial celebration. Every family has a place in the American story. Whether your ancestors crossed oceans seeking opportunity or served their communities to protect the freedoms we enjoy today, those stories deserve to be preserved for future generations.

We focus on two themes in this workshop:

Your Legacy of Liberty: As we celebrate 250 years of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” we honor those whose courage, sacrifice, and service helped shape our nation. Did you or a family member serve in the military or National Guard, participate in the Civil Rights Movement, advocate for change, volunteer in the community, or help others in need? This class will help you document and preserve those important stories.

Journey to America: America is a nation of immigrants, and every family has a story of arrival. What opportunities or challenges brought your family here? Where did they settle and build community? What traditions did they bring from their homeland? How have those customs been preserved across generations? This class provides an opportunity to capture and celebrate that journey.

Contact us about offering this class for your organization.

Each Course consists of five classes which are delivered in a consistent format. Each class opens fifteen minutes early for socializing.

• • Sharing Stories. Participants will read their two-page stories aloud to a small sharing group (no larger than six members.) Listeners will offer support and encouragement. No judgements are offered.
  • Ten-minute Break.
  • Theme Introduction. The theme for the next week’s story is introduced with several prompting questions. These questions are designed to help writers consider which story they wish to tell. Writers will tell their story in a two-page (800-1000 word) essay.
  • Creative writing exercises. These activities help the writer to explore the theme and improve writing skills. Writers leave motivated to write their next story.

The primary expectation is respecting the confidentiality of all shared information.

• • Attend all class sessions
  • Have access to Zoom via a computer, tablet of phone
  • Participate fully in writing, sharing and discussion
  • Complete all writing assignments on time
  • Read two pages of your life story in each session

Each course has a different overall theme as indicated in the title with four different yet related themes. Each week new writing exercises are introduced.

• • *Discovering Your Family Stories is the Foundation Course. This course is the prerequisite for taking the other courses. It covers Life’s Branching Points, Family Relationships, Family Rituals & Traditions, and Life’s Pursuits.
  • Sharing Your Lived Experience themes include Family Heirlooms, Family & Historical Events, Research Trips & Family Travel, and Military/Community Service.
  • Exploring Your Family Tree themes look at Historical and Geographic Context, Roles across Generations, Cultural Heritage, and Courage.
  • Sharing Your Next Chapter involves theme concerning Life Transitions, Life Achievements, Future Focus, and creating a Legacy Letter.