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In this fun and interactive virtual series, the
University of Illinois Extension Family Life team will help you
document your life story with writing prompts, exercises to trigger
memories, and breakout sessions.
“It’s kind of like a quilt,” said Chelsey Byers, Illinois Extension
family life educator and workshop presenter. “By the end of the
series, you will have a bunch of quilt pieces done and lots of ideas
to continue writing.”
While people are practicing physical distancing during the COVID-19
outbreak, sharing stories can keep families connected, says Byers.
Technology makes historical information available with the click of
a button, but many adults don’t know their own family history.
“A lot of times people don’t know who their parents were before they
came into the picture,” Byers says. “It opens a whole new world to
us, and we can learn so much from the life our parents and
grandparents lived.”
The writing process can also be therapeutic for people as they
reflect on their lives. “If there was something that was unsettled,
they find peace with it when they write it,” Byers says. “I’ve had
past participants write something and tear it up saying they’re done
with it now.” [to top of second
column] |
No prior writing experience is needed. Participants will write at
their own pace using whatever tools they prefer, pen and paper or a computer.
“That’s one thing we find people are nervous about,” Byers says,
“but we’re not grading grammar or worried about their level of education. This
for them and their families."
This eight-session virtual workshop is free and will take place 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesdays and Thursdays starting May 5. Sign up in advance online. For a list of
upcoming Illinois Extension webinars on a variety of topics, visit our Digital
Webinars and Trainings website.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Family Life
educators Chelsey Byers or Molly Hofer. Presenters will also include Illinois
Extension educators Karla Belzer, Cheri Burcham, and Tessa Hobbs-Curley.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and
employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in
programming, contact the presenters. Early requests are strongly encouraged to
allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
[Source: Chelsey Byers, Family Life
Educator, Illinois Extension
Writer: Emily Steele, Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois
Extension] |
