Elder Speak Journey To Wisdom

This Elder Speak manual will take you on a deep, rich, and rewarding journey. It is a guided journey that includes the Elder, their family and friends, the Elder Speak Program facilitators and, eventually, the greater community.

The journey of Elder Speak is one of taking away layer upon layer of the dust and grime that cover the Elders' life experiences. Through repeated exploration from the questions asked, an Elder remembers long-forgotten details, including emotions, people, thoughts, and related experiences. The outcome of the exploration shifts from bare bones reliving until the essence of it gleams: it is the golden nugget; the wisdom piece hidden in the story. This is what the Elders share at the Elder Speak Community Event. This sharing of wisdom strengthens our communities.

This is a manual of two parts. Part I presents and instructs readers how to create an Elder Speak Journey of their own. This Journey leads Elders to discover their own wisdom. Part II presents and instructs readers on how to create an Elder Speak Community Event. In this Event, Elders share their wisdom with community. Part II contains detailed explanation and includes an appendix with forms for readers to copy and use for their own Event.

The Elder Speak film is a companion to the manual. It brings insight to the processes of interviewing Elders in such a way that their wisdom begins to reveal itself. We hope this film inspires you to embark on the Journey to Wisdom with the Elders of your community.