Arts and Entertainment

'Voices' event at Libraries to showcase unique storytellers in their own words

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Join Penn State University Libraries for the fifth annual "Voices: The Share Your Story Showcase,” where lived experiences are honored through listening attentively to one another’s stories. Voices is an innovative experience focused on creating dialogue to challenge prejudices and stereotypes. 

On Tuesday-Thursday, March 23-25, approximately 20 storytellers will share their experiences in group conversations. A moderated Showcase Panel on overcoming adversity will take place at noon on March 25. Attendants will be able to view the event schedule, attend presentations, and interact with storytellers through the Whova platform. 

Attendees can sign up, via online reservation, for all sessions. The hope is that such interaction will promote inclusion, encourage civil discourse to reduce bias and challenge narrow perspectives.

During a human storytelling showcase, selected individuals are invited to share their unique experiences during the 45-minute appointments. The volunteer “voices” are chosen from the local community and entire University population of faculty, staff and students; hail from all walks of life, ages, genders and lifestyle choices; and are willing to share their experiences in group conversations. They will answer participants’ honest, curious questions in an effort to challenge stereotypes and prejudice through dialogue — and difficult questions are expected, appreciated and will be answered.

"Voices: The Share Your Story Showcase" is sponsored by the University Libraries in cooperation with Penn State’s Adult Learner Programs and Services, Schreyer Honors College, the Gender Equity Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Center for the Performing Arts and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

For further information, contact Danica White, student engagement librarian, Library Learning Services, at dew5422@psu.edu; or Racine Amos, engagement and equity librarian, Library Learning Services, at rla5306@psu.edu.

 

Last Updated April 15, 2021