Community Voices
Barrie Public Library, Ont.
Innovation Synopsis
A video series designed to learn more about neighbours, listen to their stories and celebrate the diversity of our community. The video interview questions were designed to build a sense of empathy to the Newcomer experience and develop an understanding of the diversity of traditions within our community.
Challenge/Opportunity
Our local college has a large international student population that interacts with all residents in our mid-sized Canadian city. Given the northern proximity of our community, our population has a low level of cultural representation. Instances of racism against the Asian community related to the global pandemic had become alarming.
Key Elements of Innovation
Creating a partnership with our local college and their international student community to reduce instances of racism and hate in our community was responsive and essential. Moving forward we will provide programming together that underpins our shared vision for a unified approach that augments all voices of our community.
Achieved Outcomes
The outcomes of this initiative were positive in building trust with our newcomers, the library and our local college. Participants expressed interest in sharing their stories to increase understanding, learn about others, challenge the norm, give voice and garner respect. The Community Voices Video Series were posted in September 2020 and have already received over 160 views.
