A warm welcome to our new subscribers! This is the GAB Gazette, a highlight reel from the world of Guided Autobiography.
In this Newsletter
Announcements: How to get the GAB Gazette delivered to your inbox
Board Update: Responding to the Bat Signal
Featured GABBER: James E. Thornton
Booklist: Mimi Holmes and Jan Marie Walton and the Birren Collection
the Business of Books: Story Circle workshops and PRH against book banning
Article Roundup
Collaboration Opportunities: seeking cover designer and trademark registration
Community Poll: Are you team paper or team digital?
Announcements
If you followed a link to this newsletter, did you know you can get it as an email delivered directly to your inbox? Make sure to subscribe and whitelist the email so that it gets directed to your main inbox. If you aren’t sure how to whitelist an email, this article by hubspot has directions.
Board Update
On August 25, an article in the Atlantic circulated among the Birren Center Board, in which David Brooks covered life-review writing programs at the elite level and publicly called for similar community-based programs for all. Recognizing that this was a bat-signal for GAB programs, the board drafted the following:
In response to David Brooks (“The New Old Age” - August 25th)
In the 1970s, Dr. James E. Birren, an icon in the field of aging and the founding dean of the first masters in gerontology program at the University of Southern California, pioneered a curriculum to help people through life transitions. Dr. Birren named this curriculum “Guided Autobiography” (or “GAB”). As a graduate of the first Masters in Gerontology program and now director of the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies a non-profit, I am proud of our more than 600 trained GAB instructors around the globe who teach this life-changing curriculum in homes, libraries, community centers, and online. We are pleased to read that like us, David Brooks, recognizes the need for guidance through life transitions, and our response is – wish granted!
Cheryl Svensson, Ph.D.
Director, the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies
Our response was posted in the Atlantic and a copy of one of our anthologies is on it’s way to Mr. Brooks, compliments of the Birren Center.
Featured GABBER: James E. Thornton
One of James Birren’s collaborators and a great friend to the GAB movement, James E. Thornton passed away last month. He was 95 years old.
Thornton and Birren taught together briefly at the University of British Colombia, and Thornton developed the theme “My Life as Learner.” In 2012, he published his own memoir and encouraged others to do likewise. To read the full memorial of his life’s work and connection with the Birren Center, click here.
Book List
Two of our members have announced their new books last month,
Mimi Holmes published her memoir Mimi Stories: The Early Years for private distribution only, using Lulu.com
Jan M. Walton published her second novel the Bookkeeper, available here.
And the GAB anthologies, Onward and Homeward got a shoutout in Rick Moody’s latest newsletter Human Values in Aging.
Book Business
If you are looking to partner with another organization to promote your online GAB workshops, Story Circle is accepting applications to teach through their platform. A couple of GAB instructors already use Story Circle, and have reported a positive experience working with them.
Penguin Random House wants to help you combat the book banning movement. Their new resource website reads:
“Whether your child (or your book, or your district) is directly affected by book bans or you simply want to learn more about the issue, we’ve partnered with experts on the front lines – authors, teachers, librarians, parents, students, and booksellers – to highlight some of the most impactful ways you can get involved.”
- www.penguinrandomhouse.com/banned-books/
Article Roundup
David Brooks - The New Old Age (the Atlantic, August 25, 2023)
Sheri Kohlman was featured by Canvas Rebel, an online magazine for creative entrepreneurs - Meet Sheri Kohlman
Heidi Thorsen was featured on the Sound Retirement Planning podcast; Episode 397 Create a Meaningful Family Legacy Beyond Money
Collaboration Opportunities
The Birren Center is looking for a cover designer and legal counsel regarding intellectual property protection. Please respond to birrencenter@gmail.com to volunteer your experience.
If you are looking to collaborate with other GAB community members, send your collaboration invitation to birrencenter@gmail.com and we will announce it in next month’s newsletter.
Community Poll
Last month, we asked GAB instructors “What is your busiest season?” 67% said Fall, and 33% said Winter, with Spring and Summer getting zero votes. Good information for planning your 2024 workshop offerings.