The Impact of War: Writing Workshops Hosted by Minnesota Humanities Center

Article by Becky Fillinger

Since 2013, drawing on the power of the humanities, Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) has honored and amplified the narrative of Veterans and their contributions to community by empowering Veterans to speak in their own voices through plays, discussions, literature, and awards. An upcoming event is a writing workshop facilitated by Warrior Writers, Twin Cities, focused on the many fronts of war that encompasses Veterans, family members of Veterans, refugees and citizens. Today, there are more than 50,965 veterans in Hennepin County, representing 16 percent of all Veterans in Minnesota. You can easily magnify that number when you include Minneapolis residents impacted by war. We spoke to Corey China, a Humanities Officer at the Minnesota Humanities Center, about the workshop’s genesis, goals and the exemplary Warrior Writers facilitators who will lead the workshops.

Corey ChinaQ:  Please tell us about The Impact of War Writing Workshops - how did it come about, who may participate, dates?

A:  From listening to community feedback, and in alignment with our vision of a just society that is connected, curious, and compassionate, MHC is collaborating with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities to host a series of writing workshops focused on connecting Veterans and all those who have borne the cost of war. Anyone who has a story and wishes to make meaning through reflection and writing are welcome to participate. No previous writing experience is necessary. 

Workshop Details: There will be a total of 4 writing and reflection sessions on the following dates: June 4, 11, 18 from 10-noon, and June 23 from 6-8pm. The workshop will be held at MHC Event Center located at 987 Ivy Avenue East, St. Paul. The total cost is $10, which includes all 4 sessions, workshop materials, refreshments for morning sessions, and dinner for the evening session. Veterans can attend the workshop for free, please contact corey@mnhum.org. Two established writers from Warrior Writers, Twin Cities will help participants put pen to paper. Warrior Writers is a national non-profit whose mission is to create a culture that articulates veterans’ experiences, build a collaborative community for artistic expression, and bear witness to war and the full range of military experiences.

For planning purposes, we kindly ask that you register by June 1st. To learn more about the workshops and to register, visit: https://www.mnhum.org/veterans-voices/.

The facilitators are with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities and are exemplary in the field of literature!

Chante WolfChante Wolf spent 12 years in the US Air Force and deployed to Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) in 1991. Her first publication was with The Veterans Book Project: Objects for Deployment. Her articles, poetry, photography and her military story have been published in: Costs of Freedom: An American Anthology of Activism; the Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World; War Fever Syndrome; The New York Times; Star Tribune; Pioneer Press; The Pulse; Southside Press; Veterans Today Journal; Veterans For Peace; Meat for Tea; Main Street Rag; Minnesota Women’s Press; The Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance; Our Nobel Trees Blog and Pedestal Magazine. Chante is also a facilitator with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities.

Chante in the field

Stefan LovasikStefan Lovasik, Viet Nam combat veteran, has published three poetry collections. His most recent, The Latitude of a Mercy, was published by New York Quarterly Books and his work has appeared in national magazines such as American Literary Review, Consequence and New York Quarterly. He is a facilitator for Warrior Writers, Twin Cities and a staff editor for Pedestal Magazine.

Q:  What other programming focused on Veterans are planned for this year?

A:  This year the Minnesota Humanities Center celebrated its 50th anniversary! In addition to celebrating the past, we listened to the community to hear what is important going forward. Many great ideas are currently being explored across all our programs to include those focused on Veterans. Stay informed by visiting our event calendar at mnhum.org/calendar and signing up for our newsletter. If you have a great idea on how the humanities can spark change for Veterans, email me at corey@mnhum.org.