Do you have a unique story of belonging to share? Would you like to use your experiences to strengthen cross-cultural connection on the Northern Beaches?
We invite you to join our upcoming Humans of the Northern Beaches Living Library and Podcast. This is a special opportunity to share your story to break down barriers, promote understanding and celebrate diversity on the Northern Beaches.
We are looking for passionate people to participate in 2 ways:
Living Library
The Living Library is a unique storytelling project where the 'books' are people with personal stories to share and 'readers' can 'borrow' these 'books' to have open and respectful conversations. Through this interaction, participants from all backgrounds can listen, learn and connect on a deeper level, building empathy and understanding within our community.
Share your story of belonging on the Northern Beaches as 'human books' in meaningful small group conversations with 'readers' at the Living Library
The Living Library will be held at the following dates and venues. You can choose to participate in one or more events.
- 16 March 2025, 10am-2pm at Tramshed, Narrabeen
- 22 March 2025, 1-4pm at Mona Vale Memorial Hall
We Belong podcast
Share your experiences of belonging on the Northern Beaches with us in a podcast which will be launched in March 2025.
The podcast is about sharing stories about belonging and breaking down barriers across people and cultures. You can share aspects of your life story. This includes sharing experiences with prejudice and stereotypes, based on racial or cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or lifestyle.
Recording for the podcast will be from January to March 2025 at a time and date convenient to you. It will take place at Forestville Library or at a convenient location to you.
Who can participate?
We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to participate and share your story of belonging.
You can share about your life story, cultural experience or personal journey. You may talk about anything meaningful to you—traditions, struggles, achievements or even the everyday moments that shape who you are.
No experience is needed, just a story to tell and a desire to connect!
FAQs for the Living Library
Who can participate as a ‘book’?
Any community member who wants to share aspects of their life story can be a ‘book’. This includes sharing experiences with prejudice and stereotypes, based on racial or cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or lifestyle.
Who will be the readers?
‘Readers’ will be members of the Northern Beaches community.
How long will a living book be on loan?
Books will be on loan for 20 minutes for each ‘reading’ session. There will be 4-5 ‘reading’ sessions per Living Library event.
What do I have to share if I am selected for the Living Library?
'Books' are encouraged to share their story in a way which feels comfortable. Training and information will be provided to all “books” prior to the event and guidelines will be in place for “readers” to foster open and safe conversations.
FAQs for the We Belong Podcast
Who will be hosting the podcast?
The podcast will be hosted by community members from We Belong: Intercultural Community Leaders Program.
Where will the podcast be hosted?
The podcast will be hosted on Northern Beaches Council’s YouTube channel.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest are now open
Submissions close on 12 January 2025