Human books with a message
You may not know it, but along with writing articles, I am also from time to time writing a book.
For those of you who haven’t heard about it already, The Living Library is a community based project running all over the world. Groups of trained volunteers go to places like schools, community centres and libraries and tell the stories of their lived experiences to members of the public who get to borrow these human books for a session.
A hugely successful program, The Living Library allows people to connect and ask questions about areas of life that are often confronting or that they would never have the opportunity to engage with. The Living Library is such an honest and welcoming setting.
To have a look at the Wollongong Council Living library program or to ask when their next event is on, visit: http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/6832.asp or call: 4227 7492
Ask your local council if they have a living library program in your area, and if not, maybe they would be interested in starting one up. Your story may make a wonderful living book.
The next Spectrum Festival and Illawarra Mardi Gras float planning meeting will be held at the Phoenix Theatre on Tuesday 28 July. Come along and get involved! The Theatre can be found at 24 Bridge St, Coniston, right next to Coniston train station. This meeting will run from 7pm-9pm. For contact details check out: http://www.phoenixtheatre.net.au/index.html
A reminder also that it’s still not too late to take a photo and get involved in the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) activities this year. While the day itself was on 17 May, the website (www.thisisoz.com.au) is still up and running for a little while longer. But you are running out of time to post your photo (until 15 August) if you haven’t already done so.
If you have, then go back and see what other people have uploaded in the time since you got involved and encourage others to take part in the project.
Have fun, and play safe.
info: If you require any additional information about groups, services or organisations in the Southern Region you can contact ACON on 4226 1163 or email [email protected]
Trevor Slattery is the Education and Community Development Officer at ACON’s Illawarra Branch.
