F02: It’s a Human Issue: Connecting through Community Conversations
Session Description
Generously Sponsored By: iSchool@UBC: School of Library, Archival and Information Studies
In late 2014 and early 2015, using methodologies developed by the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, the Community Conversations Project held twelve Conversations with over 150 immigrants from across the North Shore. The Project was a partnership among eight different libraries and community-serving agencies from the three North Shore municipalities, brought together by a desire to connect more deeply with community.
What we heard in the Conversations changed us – both as individuals and organizations. When we asked immigrants to share their aspirations for themselves and their families, we heard about the practicalities of life in a new place – about employment, volunteer opportunities, and the desire to succeed in Canada. We also heard deeply personal stories. Over and over we heard about the deep desire to belong, to feel connected to the wider community, to develop real friendships with long-term Canadians. We heard about the courage it takes to try to connect, the shame people can feel when those attempts fail, and the responsibility people want to take in their communities. We learned that inclusion is not an immigration issue – it’s a human issue.
In this session we’ll share the story of our Project – how we came together, what we learned, and what we’re doing next. We’ll also give session attendees a chance to try out one of the Harwood tools themselves.
Speakers
Cara Pryor, North Vancouver City Library
Biography
Cara is the Head of Community, Program, and Service Development at the North Vancouver City Library. Her two favourite things are talking with people about what matters most, and helping to build a strategy to achieve it. Cara seeks to create connection, meaning, and purpose in her work – with staff, with colleagues, and with community.
Pat Cumming, West Vancouver Memorial Library
Biography
Pat Cumming is the Information Services Department Head at West Vancouver Memorial Library. Her career in libraries spans more than 30 years and includes work in all aspects of library work. She has experience in public, academic, school and special libraries. That experience has led to a passion for community engagement and customer service.
Meharoona Ghani, North Shore Multicultural Society
Biography
Meharoona Ghani is the Manager of Community Connections and Diversity at the North Shore Multicultural Society. Meharoona manages and builds community connections, engaging long-time residents and organizations with new immigrants to establish a two-way learning and interaction with one another leading to the awareness of diversity. Meharoona has an academic background in Library Sciences, and MA degree in Gender and International Development specialized in race and gender theories. She was honoured to have been nominated in 2014 for the City of Vancouver, Award of Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion.