The Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities announces an inspiring three-week, Sunday afternoon series exploring the transformative power of expressive writing, led by award-winning authors Joseph Bathanti and June Guralnick. The series will have a special focus on the power of writing for members of the United States Armed Forces (active duty or reserve), National Guard, and military veterans and their families. Additionally, the series will take a deep dive into how writing through journaling, poetry, stories, etc. can be a wellness tool and an enjoyable creative activity for everyone! Extensive research has shown that writing not only boosts emotional well-being and resiliency, but also positively impacts physical health and state of mind. Join for this enlightening, three-part Sunday afternoon series about the power of creative writing to uplift us and reveal insights into our life journeys on September 8th, 15th, 22nd.

Over the last two decades, veteran writing groups have emerged throughout the US, and in a cathartic outpouring, are sharing memorable narratives capturing life under fire and at home. A helpful vehicle for military members’ self-expression, self-care, stress management, and resilience, writing is also effective in strengthening connection and a sense of community. “Writing … has given me the ability to express myself in a positive way. As a veteran with PTSD and depression, this has been life changing…” states Bill Dixon, Vietnam War veteran and Board Chair of Vets to Vets.

Session Three: How Stories Save Us: A Creative Writing Workshop for Military Members and Families – Sunday, September 22nd | 1:00pm-3:00pm. (Workshop free of charge but registration, on first come, first serve basis, is required due to class size limit): This final session in the series will be a hands-on writing workshop for military members and families, co-facilitated by Joseph Bathanti and June Guralnick, designed to get participants reflecting on specific life events that in some ways capture their identities as soldiers and how that identity during and after service has influenced and shaped them. The focus of the workshop – empowerment through writing – will encourage participants to share their memorable stories, providing a supportive group environment to gain new perspective on life’s important milestones. Whether you consider yourself a practiced writer, a beginner – or someone who has never attempted to write before – this workshop welcomes you! Active-duty military members, National Guard, military veterans, and military family members are warmly welcomed.

Programs are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. For more information, contact Julie Borshak. Julie@weymouthcenter.org. For full details and online registration, CLICK HERE.