Quick Summary
State Library Services is hosting "All Are Welcome: The Role of Libraries in Advancing Racial Equity" for library leaders and front-line staff. This free workshop provides an introduction to the role, responsibilities, and opportunities for libraries to advance racial equity.
State Library Services is hosting "All Are Welcome: The Role of Libraries in Advancing Racial Equity" for library leaders and front-line staff. This free workshop provides an introduction to the role, responsibilities, and opportunities for libraries to advance racial equity. Participants will learn about the historical and present-day causes of racial inequities and participate in facilitated discussions and interactive exercises focused on normalizing racial equity as a core value.
Participants will learn key terminology; how to operationalize racial equity; and how to organize internally and in partnership with community organizations. They will become familiar with a framework for institutional change and library practices used by libraries in the Government Alliance on Race and Equity’s Library Interest Group. This workshop also introduces a racial equity tool that can be used in decisions relating to policies, practices, programs, budget, and communication strategies. Participants gain skill in identifying and addressing institutional and structural racism, and building capacity to advance racial equity in their workplace.
Workshop objectives
- Gain understanding of the government’s role in contributing to racial inequity and our responsibility to advance racial equity;
- Develop a shared racial equity analysis, including definitions of key terminology and concepts (racial equity/inequity, implicit/explicit bias, individual/institutional/structural racism); and,
- Gain an introductory understanding of operationalizing and organizing for racial equity.
Workshop dates and locations
This free workshop is repeated in three locations:
- Grand Rapids Area Library, Grand Rapids, on Monday, November 5, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Blue Earth County Library, Mankato, on Friday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Hennepin County Brookdale Library, Brooklyn Center, on Monday, December 3, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Workshops are limited to 50 participants each. Register today to hold your spot.
For questions about the workshop, contact Joe Manion, Library Development and Services Specialist at State Library Services, 651-582-8640.
