Sharing Your Life's Wisdom and Stories: Ethical Will Writing Workshop

THIS CLASS IS FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST, EMAIL AMY DELPO AT adelpo@denverlibrary.org.

Unlike a legal will, an ethical will has nothing to do with material wealth -- and it is not written by a lawyer. Instead, it is a highly personal document written by you to pass down to your loved ones everything you have learned along life's journey. Ethical wills (also called legacy letters) are about what is most important in life -- values, wisdom, history, stories, and love.  An ethical will is a time-honored tradition that allows you to share your knowledge and memories. It is a non-binding document that often complements legal and estate planning documents. Ethical wills often become treasured family items passed down for generations.

In this four-part course, you will learn about when and why to use an ethical will, some of the unique ways they are written, and how to create one that is authentic to you and the intended recipients. At the end of the program, you will have completed your ethical will and can go forward with peace of mind to live your values knowing that you have preserved an important part of your legacy.

This course is led by Nancy Sharp, a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer, award-winning author, and storytelling coach focused on resilience. Nancy draws on her unforgettable story--along with proven research and customized, practical tools and storytelling techniques—to help people leave their mark on the page, often as a legacy for loved ones. Select clients include New York Life Insurance Company, Centura Health, American Academy of Psychotherapists, University of Denver, University of Colorado Hospital, Regis University, and numerous other businesses and groups.

Nancy authored the memoir Both Sides Now: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living and the children’s book Because the Sky is Everywhere and has been published in The New York Times and numerous anthologies. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College and teaches classes on Guided Autobiography and Ethical Wills to students nationwide. Learn more at nancysharp.net. 

This is a virtual, four-part course. By registering, you're signing up for all four sessions. Registration is required here. Please email Amy at adelpo@denverlibrary.org if you have any questions. 

• Session One: Wednesday, February 16, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Session Two: Wednesday, February 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Session Three: Wednesday, March 2, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Session Four: Wednesday, March 9, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Funded by the NextFifty Initiative