Introduction to Uncomfortable Conversations
The Inform USA Equity and Access Committee proposes a webinar on people libraries and uncomfortable conversations. People libraries, also known as Human Libraries, are safe spaces to meet people (“books”) and have conversations that can help challenge prejudice, help rid discrimination, prevent conflicts, and contribute to greater human cohesion across social, religious, and ethnic divisions, among others. In other words, people libraries help participants learn about others and challenge the participants’ biases.
The goal of this webinar is to inform members about people libraries and provide an example of an uncomfortable conversation about equity, access, diversity, and inclusion.
Learning Objectives:
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Learn about People Libraries.
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Give examples of uncomfortable conversations.
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Share questions that may be asked and how to ask them.
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Provide examples of safety guidelines that may be used during difficult conversations.
Marta Garcia joined the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) in 2010 and is a Certified Information and Media Specialist and has over 12 years of experience in providing information and referral services in English and Spanish to consumers in the US and across the Spanish-speaking world. As the current Bilingual Information and Media Specialist, Mx. Garcia provides direct support to clients by providing services in two languages. They are the lead in all Spanish language aspects of NARIC’s work and is the lead in all aspects of the language translation/transliteration process. Mx. Garcia translates/transliterates all original material from NARIC, including blog posts, webpages, research-related materials (Research In Focus and reSearch), and information sheets, among others. They maintain the Spanish side of NARIC’s website and is the lead in NARIC’s Spotlight podcast, a podcast that is available in English and Spanish. Mx. Garcia has over 25 years of experience in various fields of expertise that include information and referral services, translation, transliteration, interpretation, customer service in two languages, and recreation therapy for English-, Spanish-, and bilingual clients, among others.
Avalon “Mal” Mallory is the Resource and 211 Manager for 211 Northwest Florida in Pensacola, FL. Mal has volunteered as an I&R specialist at 211 Big Bend, where they did both crisis counseling and I&R, and has worked as an I&R specialist and Resource Manager at 211 Northwest Florida. They have been very involved with DEI and community building in their local community and are also part of the Council on Equity and Access with InformUSA! They are a firm believer in Carl Roger's theory of Unconditional Positive Regard and his belief that “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
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