Human Rights Education Institute starts program
May 23, 2019. The Human Rights Education Institute (HREI) in Coeur d'Alene program on the global Human Library project, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, has been postponed until Oct 2019.
It is designed to build a framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue and provide an opportunity to open individuals' minds in a positive way and help them better understand the misunderstandings they may have of others, said Jeanette Laster, executive director.
"The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan, a place where difficult questions are expected and appreciated, and a lifetime of questions can be answered," she said.
It's based on the idea that ordinary people have extraordinary stories to tell.
This program helps people make sense of another individual's life story, understanding uncertainties they may have developed over a lifetime and asking questions about their journeys.
"This helped me better understand myself. 'Human Library' sounded kind of square to me, so I had never expected it to be such a powerful and moving experience," said a student from the Academy of Untamed Creativity in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"I learned about the struggle/pressure to conform to an unhealthy societal role and the courage it takes to liberate oneself, as well as the healing that comes from the journey," said a reader at the Human Library in Coeur d'Alene.
The HREI will feature a range of stories including those of someone who is an atheist, someone living with low vision/blindness, a recovering addict, and a peace officer.
For information, call 208-292-2359, email jlaster@hrei.org or visit hrei.org/newsandevents/upcoming-events/.
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, May, 2019
