Now & Then: Connecting Through Conversation

In fall of 2016, Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) participated in California Listens, a statewide, California State Library-sponsored project aimed at collecting stories of personal experience from communities across California.

This spring, the Library is taking part in another community storytelling project sponsored by the California State Library and facilitated by FCPL and StoryCenter. On May 27th, 2017, FCPL will be hosting a different kind of event:

We will be recording 15 minute conversations between two people that reveal interesting generational shifts in experience and perspective on one of many possible topics.

Because our goal is to invite discussion and contemplation of a range of important issues affecting our community, we have opted not to focus the whole project around one specific topic-area. However, for clarity and unity of purpose, each conversation should take the form of a discussion of a single issue, or closely interrelated issues.

Here are a few examples of potential conversations:

• A Vietnam War vet and one who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, discussing how homecoming experiences and services for veterans have changed.
• An older and a younger member of the LGBTQ community, discussing their experiences of social acceptance.
• An experienced and/or retired teacher talking with a new teacher about how their profession has changed (and the potential impact of these changes on our community and our country).
• Two female scientists, one who entered the profession decades ago and a recent grad, speaking about how career opportunities for women in STEM fields have expanded over the years. 
• A seasoned farmer and one new to the industry, reflecting on how attitudes toward agriculture and/or best practices have changed over time.
• Movers and shakers in the local arts scene, discussing how the arts have revitalized Fresno.
• Broader social issues, such as the changing roles of mothers or fathers, or society’s evolving treatment of domestic abuse might make for interesting conversations as well.

These are by no means, of course, the only topics you can opt to talk about. This list is merely intended to help you find a focus for your conversation.

Stay tuned for further details in the coming weeks. 

Participants must agree to release audio and/or video recordings generated at the event for use by the California State Library, FCPL, and StoryCenter.

Interested? Let us know! 

The deadline to apply for this event is May 16, 2017 (5 pm).