The Rotary Club of Sedona partnered with Sedona International City of Peace and the to create a special experience to further understanding and acceptance on International Peace Day, September 21.
The Human Library™ featured 34 “human books” who shared their experiences as people who are frequently stereotyped because of who they are, their appearance or their beliefs. Members of the Rotary Club of Sedona, David Simmer and Holli Ploog helped to plan the event. Linda Clark and Miki Dzugan helped with publicizing it. Several Rotarian volunteers greeted guests and helped them to find the “books” they wanted to hear from. The Rotary Club provided refreshments for the “books,” t-shirts and buttons that were used to distinguish volunteers and books.
Exit interviews with both participants and human books indicated a high level of enthusiasm for the event. Most indicated they would like the experience repeated and many “books” indicated that they would be available for future programs.
The program had four sessions in which participants could select one of the human books to “check out.” In each 30 min. session the book would make a brief presentation about their experience and then open it up for questions by the attendees. Students from Verde Valley School sat in as timers. Small groups came together throughout the library and in the courtyard.
