In this engaging 4-session workshop, we’ll explore useful writing techniques to help you create a legacy letter known as an "Ethical Will," an informal document that conveys to others the principles that have guided you and that you want to share with future generations. It doesn’t matter if you have never considered yourself a “writer”; the activities we’ll do are simple — and lots of fun!

In a safe learning atmosphere, you will gain confidence in your ability to write about the things that are important to you. You will not be required to share aloud what you have written. Instead, our discussions will focus on the experience and value of each exercise. The course will conclude with a discussion about how you can continue to share your values with others in meaningful, productive ways.

SAGE first hosted this workshop in 2015 and most recently in 2017, and the results were outstanding. The participants gave the course an average grade of “A” and emphasized that the course surpassed their expectations.  

"The facilitation by Jeanette was excellent. She kept a lively pace with enthusiasm throughout."  - Sheila Pastore, Workshop Participant

"The most valuable thing I learned in this course was how writing an ethical will can serve me as a focusing device in approaching how I want to live the rest of my life as a future expression of all that I value." - Ann Shannon, Workshop Participant

"I was surprised by how much I learned that I can readily apply to actually writing an ethical will or legacy letter…The sessions were so well paced and interesting…” – Jeanne Magmer, Workshop Participant

Registration tips

To register, please sign up using the online form or call SAGE at 971-717-6570. The workshop begins on Tuesday, June 4. The sessions of this course will take place on:

• Tuesday, June 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM PST 
• Wednesday, June 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM PST 
• Thursday, June 6 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM PST 
• Monday, June 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM PST

Note: SAGE may have the option of moving specific dates/times of this 4-part workshop series, depending on the group's availability.

The cost to attend is $150, which helps cover expenses for instruction and course materials. You can pay in advance using the online form or send a check. If cost is a barrier, please contact SAGE for special arrangements.

Space is limited. Register early and by the registration deadline, May 29.  Thank you for your interest in this special program!

Special thanks to our instructor

Jeanette Leardi, M.A. is a writer, editor, and community educator. Her publishing experiences include staff positions at Newsweek, Life, People, Condé Nast Traveler, Sesame Street magazines and The Charlotte Observer. She has a Master’s Degree with Honors in English from Rutgers University and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She gives presentations and classes in journaling, spiritual writing, memoir writing, personal mythmaking, brain fitness, intergenerational communication, and caregiver support to people of all ages. Learn more about her work at: www.jeanetteleardi.com.