Our Human Library events will be coordinated according to a specific protocol which is worked out by our Human Books and community volunteers before the Human Library event takes place. The protocol may vary somewhat depending on who the Human Books are and what narratives or stories they tell but generally with each Human Book you get a different story, narrative and discussion.
As a general matter of principle any labels or social markers a Human Book might have are presented or included as part of their narrative and within the context of their life process (or Process). Our Human Library events are designed to promote subversion. Subversion is the outward creative expression of individual truth and is considered essential for dream weaving activity.
Our protocols for Human Library events are based on our Community Standards which are presented as a simple, easy to remember, 'traffic light' system.
- We do not stigmatize or judge each other
- We do not promote ideology or belief systems
- We do not engage in victim blaming
- We do not bring our Egos to the event
- We are good to each other and mutually supportive
- We are mindful of each other's vulnerabilities and sensitivities
- We avoid making assumptions but ask deeper questions to get to know people on a deeper level
- We appreciate the fact that people have showed up for the event
- We encourage non-conformity and promote individuality, humanity, empathy and diversity
- We promote the drinking of tea, coffee and where possible food sharing
- We ask the 'forbidden' deeper, existential questions on non-ration and meta-physical subjects
- We come into the event prepared to accept ourselves as we are, our humanity and all our 'stuff' (read emotional baggage)
- We come to the event with a story or personal experience or memory to share with other people
- We encourage people to network, get to know each other, and make new friends
As our Human Library events will run for a limited period of time, usually 2 hours once or twice a month, we normally invite participants in the event to join our community and continue getting to know each other on our Community Message Board.