Press Release
For immediate release
Impact ON launches its first Living Library
Toronto, October 16, 2023 – Impact ON announces the launch of a brand-new initiative, the Living Library. This initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, pushes the boundaries of traditional reading by offering an immersive experience where participants can interact directly with living books to learn about unique and inspiring life experiences.
Purpose of the Living Library
The main objective of the Living Library is to promote diversity, foster social inclusion and highlight the social economy and impact businesses. By enabling participants to engage in direct conversations with people with singular life stories, it aims to broaden horizons, provoke reflection and encourage inclusion.
How it works
The Living Library works similarly to a traditional library, except that participants select a living book from a list of mostly bilingual volunteers representing various identities, origins, cultures, etc. Each living book is a person with a unique story to share. Participants then converse virtually with their chosen Living Book, asking questions, listening and sharing their insights. The Living Library fosters empathy and open-mindedness, offers unconventional learning opportunities, and offers insights into the social economy.
Upcoming Living Library dates
The Living Library will be presented at several upcoming events, including:
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as part of Canada’s Cooperation Week: October 17-19, 2023
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as part of Francophone Immigration Week and Impact Week: November 7-9, 2023
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as part of Black History Month: February 6-8, 2024.
Impact ON invites all those wishing to participate in these events to join the Living Library through the dedicated program page and explore the stories of others through authentic and enriching conversations.
Impact ON thanks the Government of Canada for its financial support for this program.
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About Impact ON
A leading economic, social and community development organization in Ontario, Impact ON propels impactful ideas, approaches and projects.
We stimulate community development, connect talents, produce applied research and support the emergence and growth of mission-driven organizations, primarily cooperatives and social enterprises. But above all, we are an impact-driven organization, working every day to create a better Ontario.
More information: impact-on.com
Contact
Eugénie Da Rold
Manager, Skills
eugenie.darold@impact-on.com
416-364-4545 ext. 123