Life Stories Workshop

CHRISTIAN MEMOIR-WRITING WORKSHOP

These workshops are designed for small groups of about 6-8 people interested in writing their memoirs but unsure how to start. Throughout the 28 lessons, they will receive instructional materials and helpful tips for remembering and writing. A facilitator will be available to guide discussions as each person shares their stories. Participants value the accountability the course provides and the opportunity to collaborate.

Contents

The course starts with an overview of what memoirs are, the types of stories to write, and various tools to use. The lessons then help participants focus on learning more about themselves, the people who have influenced their lives, and their heritage and culture. They then proceed to write stories about different stages of their lives, from birth through childhood, youth, careers, and experiences as single or married.

This is followed by writing several stories about seeing God at work in their lives, then exploring their interests and hobbies, their health and well-being, life as seniors, turning points in their lives, and what to do about those challenging stories to write. The course concludes with guidance on how to assemble the stories coherently and present the memoirs in different ways.

Throughout the lessons, writing tips and memory joggers are provided to help recall past experiences. During the workshops, participants share their stories, which allows them to learn more about each other and often prompts others to remember things from their own lives that had been forgotten.

What Others Have Said!

Here are some comments from ladies who took part in the first two courses:

As someone who enjoys writing, I was really excited to be part of the Life Stories Workshop. I saw it as an opportunity to write more and learn how to piece together my life experiences to eventually write a memoir. The workshop itself was amazing. The time and dedication that Gladys Thompson has invested in compiling resources and creating the course itself are a priceless gift. . . What I didn’t anticipate over the course of the workshop was the beautiful friendships I made with ladies I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. As they looked back over their lives and shared their life experiences, I was inspired by their strength, resilience, gracious spirits, and steadfast faith in God. We laughed and cried together, and we encouraged and prayed for one another. I’m so grateful I got to know each one of them so much better . . . Cheryl M.
Cheryl M.
Cheryl M.
I decided to take the Life Stories Workshop on the recommendation of a friend who had thoroughly enjoyed it. I was somewhat reticent as I had never even kept a journal and, therefore, did not consider myself a writer, but I am so glad I went . . . The course material Connecting Through Life Stories can be used over and over again as you put together your story of heritage and faith, allowing you to see more and more clearly God’s hand over your life . . . Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
I had wanted to write my memoirs for my family but was not sure how to begin . . . I went to the first class to see what it involved . . . I met others from the Corps who I knew and were also interested. We became very good friends during the course and also bounced ideas off each other. The topics each week were presented to us with ideas, memory joggers and information to glean from . . . I would recommend anyone to give this class a try and be amazed at what you can produce.
Esther H.
Esther H.
·For inspiration, information and challenge, nothing could have been better than being guided by Gladys to write our memoirs. The major key to this time was ‘reflection.’ The objective of the learning was to help organize our thoughts and provide opportunity to share some of our story with the others . . . The experience with this group added a valuable dimension to my life and has stimulated me to write my book(s) .
Marguerite W.
Marguerite W.
Drawing upon her experience and expertise as a published author, Gladys designed a memoir writing course that, through a series of 27 lessons, carefully guided this “I have no idea if I can do this!” participant to an “I can’t believe I actually did this!” one .
Marilyn H.
What a privilege and pleasure it has been to take the Life Stories Workshop, facilitated by Gladys Thompson. For the past eight months I have met weekly with Gladys and a group of women from the church. In the beginning, it was just that—a facilitator and a group of ladies. Now they have become my writing family, my cheering section and encouraging friends. I came to this class very skeptical because I had not even been able to write in a journal, let alone write a story. Each week Gladys provided us with excellent resources in story ideas, writing points, memory joggers and more. Her knowledge is amazing and her gentle, understanding approach is just what a new writer needs. I now have a wonderful resource book to help me through my writing process. The main word that sums up my experience is ‘Confidence.’ Through this I feel motivated, and confident to continue writing my stories. With each topic presented, I have seen a parallel in how God has worked and is working in my life . . . Marlie B.
Marlie B.
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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.