Join us for a powerful presentation by Dennis Kelly, board member of Write to Hope, an organization dedicated to bringing mindful, therapeutic writing to incarcerated individuals in Minnesota.
Mindful writing is a reflective practice that encourages participants to explore and express their innermost thoughts and emotions. This process not only fosters self-awareness and healing but also offers the distance needed for objective reflection and personal growth.
Write to Hope provides writing classes for individuals in pretrial detention at facilities like the Hennepin County Jail. These classes are led by trained volunteers and aim to cultivate creativity, resilience, and emotional clarity. During this program, Dennis will explain the principles of mindful, therapeutic writing, guide us through a writing exercise, and share stories from his work teaching in jails. He’ll be joined by a former student of the program and a volunteer instructor, offering a first-hand look at the impact of this work.
Dennis will also discuss his recent book, Mindful Writing from the County Jail, a compelling collection of more than one hundred micro-short stories written by incarcerated men and women from jails across Minnesota. The book features evocative photographs from inside jail facilities and striking illustrations created by currently and formerly incarcerated artists. It has received acclaim in publications such as The New York Times, Star Tribune, and Pioneer Press.
A career strategic marketer for Fortune 500 companies, Dennis has also built a parallel path as a novelist and mindfulness instructor. His workshops combine writing, insight meditation, and tai chi to promote healing and balance. He has led sessions for diverse audiences, including corporate teams, cancer patients and caregivers, at-risk youth, the homeless, and incarcerated individuals.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the transformative power of writing and mindfulness.
Not a member and wish to attend this program? Contact Jane Stacy at janestacy@millcitycommons.org.
Interested in carpooling? Click on the registrant list and find a member in your building or near you that you can connect with and ask to share a ride. Or, feel free to contact the MCC office for a suggestion.