YWCA Wheeling and West Virginia Northern Community College believe in the art of communication and genuine connection and have developed an event to help foster conversation and connection within the community. This unique and free event is called The Human Library and will take place on Wednesday, October 12 and Thursday, October 13 from 7-9 p.m. in the auditorium of the WVNCC B&O building.
“This is our attempt to try and re-establish genuine connections that exist between individuals who make up a community,” said Ron Scott, Jr., Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director at the YWCA Wheeling. “These days, the art of conversation is lost and most communication between human beings is digitally based.”
The Human Library event will feature 20 community members, each telling their own unique story or subject of knowledge. Participants range from artists to store owners. Attendees can select a “story” and have a maximum 10-minute conversation with that person, then select another “story” and continue that process throughout the evening.
“This event is unique, and I do not want it to get confused with speed dating. It is primarily an event that can strengthen our community bond and enhance our cultural awareness. You may know some of the community members participating, but they may have a story you aren’t quite aware of and that’s what this event is all about,” said Scott.
“Our two organizations serve a diverse population in Wheeling and in the Upper Ohio Valley. West Virginia Northern Community College is proud to host and support the YWCA in celebrating and embracing diversity through this unique event,” commented WVNCC President Dr. Daniel Mosser. “The Human Library concept is extremely impactful. We have no doubt that this event will have a positive impact on the way we perceive others and embrace our diversity.”
This event is from 7-9 p.m. at WVNCC’s B&O Building located at 1704 Market Street in Wheeling. There will be light refreshments provided courtesy of Ruiz Insurance Agency. This event is free and open to the public. Come out and learn about people throughout your community.
About YWCA Wheeling
Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.