Beyond 250: Trainings for Libraries

Since 2024, Oregon Humanities has presented trainings for staff, board members, volunteers, and program partners of Oregon libraries of all types (public, academic, school, and tribal). These trainings help people involved with libraries strengthen their skills in leading conversations about vital issues and ideas across differences, beliefs, and backgrounds. Using the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as a jumping off point, participants learned about facilitation and reflective conversation, practiced new skills and techniques, and learned to design and facilitate conversations that allow people and groups to learn more about themselves and others.

In 2025 we will host trainings in Pendleton, Burns, and other communities to be announced.

April 10 and 11
Pendleton Public Library, 502 SW Dorion Ave., Pendleton

• Day 1: Thursday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Day 2: Friday, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To register for the April training, click here.

I wanted to let you know that we are putting our training to work in Grants Pass!  A group of us are collaborating with GP Remembrance to host, facilitate, and participate in a reflective conversation on racism on November 17.  We have a list of attendees and are using the worksheets to plan out our questions and object. Thank you again for the training and the reference materials.  We are feeling good about our ability to prepare for and facilitate this conversation!"

—Tracey Reed, Grants Pass

Questions? Please contact programs@oregonhumanities.org.

 

Participating Libraries

Staff from the following libraries have trained to lead conversations.

• Southern Wasco County Library
• The Dalles Wasco County Library
• Josephine Community Library Grants Pass branch
• Lincoln County Library District
• State Library of Oregon
• North Bend Public Library
• The Valley Library
• Chetco Community Public Library
• Newport Public Library

 

If you couldn't join us for a training, please check out this toolkit with tips and suggested questions and activities for leading conversations on the themes of Beyond 250.

These trainings are supported by funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services' IMLS 250 project in partnership with the Federation of State Humanities Councils.

Tags

Facilitation, Beyond 250