wollongong living books - … · wollongong living books resource kit ... when life gives you...

Wollongong Living Books Resource Kit - 1 -

WOLLONGONG LIVING BOOKS

SCHOOL RESOURCE KIT

A diverse collection of stories and life experiences

�

http://sharepoint/C17/C3/Logo/Image%20Library/colour.wmf


CONTENTS

PROJECT SUMMARY ………………………………… 3

BOOK CATALOGUE ………………………………… 5 HOW IT WORKS ………………………………… 6 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES…………………………… 10 Attachment A.

Sample book catalogue ………………………………… 12

Attachment B Media release form ………………………………… 13 Attachment C Sample of booking sheet ………………………………… 14 Attachment D Support Services flyer ………………………………… 15

2008 Wollongong Living Library Launch

Education must answer the question as to

what for and why we live together and give everyone, throughout life, the ability to play an active part

in envisioning the future of society. The education system has therefore the explicit or implicit task of preparing everyone for this

social role. UNESCO, Learning: The Treasure Within. 1996


PROJECT SUMMARY Background Wollongong Living Books is a Wollongong City Council initiative that

was launched in June 2008. The Living Books aims to promote respect for human rights and human dignity, and aims to raise

awareness of, and enable constructive dialogue about prejudices that can lead to discrimination against individuals or groups of

people.

The innovative Living Book methodology, as used in Europe and in Lismore, NSW, brings to the community a collection of ‘books’ who

are people. These living ‘books’ represent groups who live outside the mainstream and are frequently confronted with prejudices and

stereotypes. For example, some of the ‘books’ in the project include: a refugee, an Aboriginal person, a blind woman, a gay

man, a hip hop artist and a person living with a mental illness.

The living ‘books’ engage in informal half-hour conversations about

their lives and life choices. The ‘readers’ are encouraged to be active participants and to ask questions that are important to them.

Through Wollongong Living Books, students can build their

knowledge and understanding of people they would not normally have the opportunity to meet.

Goddess in the Garden – Bulli High School


The living ‘books’ are an extraordinary collection of ordinary people from

diverse backgrounds.

The ‘books’ are volunteers who are passionate about sharing their stories

with the community.

Books’ encourage questions

from readers.

Students can familiarise themselves with their story

summaries prior to the event,

so that they are well prepared to engage in discussion.


BOOK CATALOGUE

We are proud to present the current catalogue. Book availability for

events will vary. On average, 12 ‘books’ participate. A final event catalogue is produced prior to the school event. A one page

synopsis for each participating book will also be provided.

1. Sticks and Stones – coming out as a gay man

2. Shadow of a Black Dog – a man’s story of depression

3. Rising Above – sexual assault and domestic violence

4. Gone Surfing – life as a double amputee

5. I Have a Dream – being an Aboriginal man

6. Take the power back – Addiction, self-harm & healing with yoga

7. Mick on Wheels - musician in a wheelchair

8. The Resilience Factor– when someone you love has a disability

9. When life gives you lemons – A successful high school drop out

10. Find yourself, Find your place – Breaking the cycle, an Aboriginal man

11. One Man In His Time – growing up in Nazi Germany

12. Living in a Grey World – surviving bipolar disorder

13. It’s Not Black and White – Stolen Generation

14. Dawn to dusk – A day if the life of a Muslim woman

15. The “F” Word – being a feminist, busting the myths & hiding from DV

16. Elizabeth’s Story - a Sudanese refugee builds a new life

17. You Can’t Beat Me – surviving high school bullying

18. An Afghan Boy’s Story - being a refugee

19. Sudan to Wollongong – building a new life

20. When will I grow up?- Lesbian story, not your typical girl

21. Contradicting colour – My journey as an aboriginal woman

22. Refugee from Liberia – the journey of hope

23. Living with Bipolar – A bipolar disorder story

24. ADHD: An Adult Story

25. Lesbian Feminist - Celebration of a Life

26. The truth will set me free – being gay; the chaos & confusion

27. When life gives you lemons - A successful high school drop out

28. Things can change - becoming free of fears


HOW IT WORKS Before the Event

Planning snapshot Each book event runs for approximately two and a half hours;

the suggested format is three 40 minutes ‘reading’ sessions with a short break in the middle. This will vary according to

student numbers.

No more than 5 students per ‘book’ per reading. On average 12 ‘books’ participate.

Maximum of 150 students can participate in any one event;

this allows 2 ‘reading’ sessions per students.

To maximise the opportunities of the Living Library, think

about making a direct link with curriculum tasks.

Venue The school library is the ideal venue. Or the school hall. Space

for approx. 15 ‘book’ stations is required.

Create a floor plan identifying a space for each book;

copies for all staff on the day.

Open door policy for any ‘books’ in separate rooms.

A chill-out room for ‘books’ before, during and after the event.

If Only You Knew – Woonona High School


Program Information

It is suggested that a Living Book information session is

provided to students leading up to the event: one period to introduce students to the aims of the project & how it will

work, and to look at the catalogue; one period for catalogue review, ‘book’ selection, discussion on possible questions for

individual ‘books’.

Students will be provided with the ‘book’ catalogue. It contains one-page information sheets outlining the stories of

each ‘book’. Students can make an informed decision on their ‘book’ selection and start to think about questions they would

like to ask.

Project staff can also address school staff meetings to help promote the project more widely at the school.

The school may wish to consider information sheets and/or permission slips to be sent to parents prior to event.

Bookings Students need to be booked in to reading sessions before the

event. Ideally, they fill out a booking form and select their top

3 ‘books’. They can also mark any book they do NOT want to

read. Alternatively, students can be randomly booked in.

Teachers need to identify before the event any students on suspension or a ‘green’ card system, and how this system

works; those students to be strategically booked in.

The school contact teacher and WCC project worker complete an event timetable allocating available ‘books’ to ‘readers’.

As ‘books’ are volunteers, be prepared that a book or two

may withdraw from the event with very little notice.

Wollongong Library – Booking table


The Event

Student/s are guided to the book station for their ‘reading’

sessions.

Each book station will have the relevant catalogue page for students to refer to.

Allow some flexibility in bookings for ‘determined’ readers who

may want to swap into a different group on the day.

Each ‘reader’ is provided with a support services flyer so they

can find follow up information and services relating to the ‘books’ topic areas, should they wish.

Each ‘reader’ is asked to fill out a written evaluation form at

the conclusion of their participation.

Minimum of four staff to supervise; WCC will provide two staff. See below section on Monitoring the Event

Check if ‘books’ and students are ok with photos being taken.

‘Book’ needs

Books will meet from an hour before the event for morning

tea; lunch to be provided straight after event, accompanied by a debrief, usually takes an hour. Water and/or juice to be

available throughout event. There is no cost for this program, we do however ask that you provide morning tea and lunch

for the event.

Need to cater for special needs i.e. vision impaired guidelines/dog bowl. Prayer times etc

NB all ‘books’ have the right to end a session early if they choose.

This may be the result of inappropriate behaviour from ‘readers’ or an unexpected emotional response.

In the event that a book is unable to complete a session, one staff member should take the ‘book’ to the chill-out room. Another staff

member to liaise with readers.


Monitoring the Event

Books to be observed/monitored at a distance.

Please don’t interrupt a session if it is already underway.

If a staff member wants to join a reading, check with the ‘book’

first; be aware that students may participate differently with staff present.

If ‘book’ is experiencing difficulty, staff can consider sitting in (if

‘book’ wants this) but need to be careful not to take over.

We ask that you have your school counsellor on hand in the

event that support is required.

Living in a Grey World – Bulli High School Library

After the event Follow-up classroom discussion on the students’ experiences.

Completion of related tasks linked to the curriculum.

Identify any further follow-up students require as a result of

their “readings’ i.e. referral to school counsellor or more information.

Teachers and project staff to provide feedback.


ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Students

Reflect on your own opinions and views. Learn about other cultures and share your own culture.

Be open to other people’s beliefs and practices. Be willing to learn about different lifestyles.

Think about what you want to know and ask questions.

School

Identify contact teacher/worker. Identify class group for the project and curriculum links.

Provide a list of students in their groups electronically to WCC staff members

Allocate time to complete the project – 2 prepatory sessions for students in the fortnight leading up to the event, 2.5 hours

for event. Provide appropriate venue.

Identify level of support required from WCC project team. Provide active supervision of young people. A minimum of 2

teachers during the event to work with 2 WCC staff members. Distribute permission note and book selection sheet (see

attachment A).

Distribute media release forms (see attachment B) to students and hand back to Project Worker. This will enable

photos of students to appear in WCC publication and/or media coverage.

Help to promote the project within the school community; WCC staff are happy to attend school staff meetings.

Maintain appropriate contact with project worker throughout project: suggestions and feedback welcome at anytime.

Provide school counsellor should one be required. Collate completed ‘book’ selection forms and do booking sheet

(see attachment C) Have students sorted into groups by ‘book’ title, ready 5

minutes prior to each session. Assist in the format of the event floor plan, allocating

adequate area for each ‘book’.

Provide morning tea and lunch.


Project team

Tracey Needham & Vimala Colless – WCC Project Team

Be the key contact for school partners throughout the project. Set timetable for project with each school.

Negotiate with teachers regarding project’s needs and provide all relevant background information and paperwork.

Ensure all necessary resources are available for each group.

Oversee publicity and promotion of event Liaise with all ‘books’ for availability and event details.

Meet/greet ‘books’ before the event. Debrief ‘books’ after event.

Direct readers to the book stations. Actively monitor reading sessions.

Address any problems with books e.g. need to end a reading early, need to skip a reading;

Sound the beginning and end of each session. Ensure the distribution of support service flyers.

Coordinate the catering of food and drinks for ‘books’.


ATTACHMENT A – Selection Sheet

BOOK CATALOGUE NAME:

Please number your top 3 preferences:

Note: If there is a book you do NOT wish to read, place a cross

in the box.

1. Sticks and Stones – coming out as a gay man

2. Shadow of a Black Dog – a man’s story of depression

3. An Enlightened Life – loss of sight

4. Gone Surfing – life as a double amputee

5. I Have a Dream – being an Aboriginal man

6. Beyond the Veil – a Muslim woman’s story

7. Mick on Wheels - musician in a wheelchair

8. The Resilience Factor– when someone you love has a disability

9. When life gives you lemons – A successful high school drop out

10. Find yourself, Find your place – Breaking the cycle

11. The Jigsaw - Surviving an eating disorder and depression

12. One Man In His Time – growing up in Nazi Germany

13. A journey from Vietnam – A refugee story

14. Yanamura Yana Budjari, Yana Budjari – an Aboriginal Story

15. Beyond the Veil – a Muslim woman’s story

16. Living in a Grey World – surviving bipolar disorder

17. It’s Not Black and White – Stolen Generation

18. Dawn to dusk – A day if the life of a Muslim woman

19. The “F” Word – being a feminist, busting the myths

20. Elizabeth’s Story - a Sudanese refugee builds a new life

21. You Can’t Beat Me – surviving high school bullying

22. An Afghan Boy’s Story - being a refugee

23. Sudan to Wollongong – building a new life

24. When will I grow up?- Lesbian story, not your typical girl

25. Contradicting colour – My journey as an aboriginal woman

26. Refugee from Liberia – the journey of hope

27. Living with Bipolar – A bipolar disorder story

28. ADHD: An Adult Story

29. Lesbian Feminist - Celebration of a Life

30. A New Life – surviving domestic violence


ATTACHMENT B – Media Release

�

Media consent form As a participant in Council’s Wollongong Living Book Event I agree to have any photographs and/or video footage taken of me used to promote Wollongong Living Books in various Council publications, including use by print and television media.

Student’s Name:

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Parent’s Name:

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

School:

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Authorisation

I agree to the terms and conditions stated above.

Parent’s Signature:

…………………………………………………………………….......……………

Date: ……/……/…..




ATTACHMENT C – Booking Sheet

TITLE 11.30AM - 12.10PM 12.15 - 12.55PM

1 Sticks & Stones

2 Wellbeing in the Illawarra

3 An Enlightened Life

4 An Aboriginal Man..and I have a dream

5 Memoirs of a Muslim " Mate"

6 The Jigsaw

7 One Man In His Time

8 A Jester's Tale

9 Beyond the Veil

10 It’s Not Black and White

11 Graffiti Artist

12 Liberia to Wollongong

13 The “F” Word

14 Living in a Grey World

15 living with ADHD


ATTACHMENT D – Support Services

HOTLINE NUMBERS Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au 1800 551 800 Lifeline 24 hour 13 11 14 Drug and Alcohol Helpline 1300 652 226 Mental Health Helpline 1300 552 289 Alcohol Drug Information Service 1800 422 599 Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 Child Protection Helpline 24 hour 132 111 Community Health Centres 1300 792 755

HEALTH SERVICES CHAIN Youth Health Centre 4226 5816 Illawarra Drug & Alcohol Service 4228 1511 Wollongong Eating Disorders Service 4254 1500 Illawarra Women’s Health Centre 4255 6800 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Headspace - youth mental health service 4220 7660 Wollongong Community Mental Health team 4254 1688 ARAFMI – families & friends of people with mental illness 4254 1699 www.reachout.com.au www.beyondblue.com.au

SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES Urunga House- counselling child victims of sexual assault 4222 5408 NSW Rape Crisis 24 hour www.nswrapecrisis.com.au 1800 424 017

GAY, LESBIAN, BI-SEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER GLBTIQ youth support group Wollongong Youth Centre 4227 8222 Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service 1800 184 527 Police Gay & Lesbian Officer (Wollongong) 4226 7899 ACON Outreach Service www.acon.org.au 0437 891 397

DISABILITY SERVICES Illawarra Disability Trust 4255 8000 Interchange Illawarra 4227 1079 Respite for people with developmental disabilities Greenacres Disability Services 4229 2666

VISION IMPAIRMENT Vision Australia 1300 847 466 Seeing Eye Dogs Australia 1800 037 773 Blind Citizens Australia 1800 033 660

http://www.kidshelpline.com.au/

http://www.reachout.com.au/

http://www.beyondblue.com.au/

http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/

http://www.acon.org.au/


ABORIGINAL SERVICES Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Cultural Centre 4228 1585 Aboriginal Medical Centre 4229 9495 Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation 4274 7477 Illawarra ITEC training & employment 4223 3100

RELIGIOUS & MULTICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS Nan Tien Temple 4272 0600 Islamic Society of the Illawarra 4274 6232 Illawarra Multicultural Services 4229 6855 Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra 4229 7566 SCARF 4227 1600

WEB: http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/livingbooks

Phone 4227 7238

Email [email protected]

http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/livingbooks

mailto:[email protected]

wollongong living books - … · wollongong living books resource kit ... when life gives you...

Documents