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 One: Uncovering Veterans Stories – Sunday, September 8, 1:00-3:00 p.m. led by Joseph Bathanti (Reception 2:30-3:00): This session will begin with a round-robin of introductions and warm-up leading up to the workshop. The workshop itself is in many ways an exercise in memory. Therefore, you should bring along old photographs, letters and/or any other artifacts associated with your service. Such artifacts often prove invaluable in jump-starting memory and the writing impulse, and we’ll use those artifacts as springboards to generate a short piece of writing. What you’ll write about does not have to be something terrifically dramatic or momentous. It can be something very small, but nonetheless significant. You’ll also have the opportunity to share what you write with the group. Participants will be provided with handouts: poems, stories and nonfiction pieces written by other veterans, and specific writing prompts. Active-duty military members, National Guard, military veterans, military family members, and civilians 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.