Class

Writing Through Trauma: A Class for Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers

When we experience trauma, we feel alone and unprotected. Whether the trauma is physical or psychological, we often feel shame, believing that what happened is our fault. This class will help us learn tools and techniques for using the journal - and our writing - to tap into our innate abilities to help ourselves heal and restore wellness, and to begin to believe that we are not the problem, the problem is the problem: death of a loved one through illness, suicide, murder or natural causes, immigration, domestic violence, rape, incest, divorce, incarceration, police brutality, sexual harassment, mistreatment by an employer or a teacher, absent or aging parents. Trauma can also be historical, caused by genocide or slavery.

This class is for anyone who wants to use creative writing to help strengthen their coping skills. It is not intended to be or to replace therapy or other healing work you're doing.

This class is part of a series of classes that cover the issues and traditions of writers of color and Indigenous writers and is intended for writers of color and Indigenous writers to work on their craft in a space that centers them and their work. We ask all participants to be cognizant of that core value. Minnesota human rights laws prevent the exclusion of anyone based on their identity. But if you are not a writer of color or Indigenous writer, please be mindful of the space and energy you take up in a class intended to uplift traditionally marginalized and silenced communities. Anyone being disruptive may be asked to leave.

The class is offered on a pay what you can basis with the suggested fee of $20 ($18 for Loft friends). Students may select the ""pay what you can"" option and enter any amount, including $0.

This class will take place over Zoom. Meeting information and directions will be sent after registration.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time (CT); please adjust to your own time zone accordingly.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.