SDSU Extension to host virtual Wisdom Writing Workshop in July

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the next offering of the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop in July.

The upcoming session is July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon CDT/9 to 11 a.m. MT. To register or learn more, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search for “wisdom writing”.

This free, two-hour session includes short writing activities, group discussion and time for personal reflection. The online format brings the transformative experience of wisdom writing directly to participants across South Dakota and beyond, expanding access to lifelong learning opportunities.

Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, said many participants leave feeling validated, more connected and encouraged about later stages of life, recognizing the value of the life they’ve lived and the stories they carry.

“Life in South Dakota shapes people through family, work, community, and resilience. The Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop offers a welcoming space to reflect on those experiences and the wisdom gained over time,” Brown said.

Participants will explore how their perspectives have evolved with age and consider what matters most now through simple writing prompts and guided conversation. No writing experience is needed, only a willingness to reflect and share, if desired.

Guided by Brown and South Dakota Humanities Scholar Molly Barari, the workshop blends engaging education with creative practice in a supportive and welcoming environment. Together, participants will explore meaningful questions about aging, identity and personal growth, and discover how writing can serve as a powerful tool for insight, healing and connection.

The Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop is the result of a partnership between SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Humanities Council. Since 2022, the program has expanded from two initial in-person offerings to a statewide initiative, reaching more than 200 participants through in-person, virtual and roadshow formats.

For more information about bringing the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop to your community in 2026, contact Leacey Brown.