Event Registration - Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Dynamic Dialogue: Understanding Socio-economic Diversity and Uplifting Underserved Communities Competency: Customer Service, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and Patron Awareness 05/09/24 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2024 Dynamic Dialogue: Understanding Socio-economic Diversity and Uplifting Underserved Communities, is an event aimed at helping libraries better serve diverse socio-economic and marginalized groups. Attendees will explore practical strategies to promote inclusivity and social equity within their library services. The day-long format of the conference will include a poverty simulation in the morning, breakout sessions in the afternoon, and will conclude with a Q&A. Breakout sessions will be scheduled so that every attendee may attend two different sessions.
Join us for a thought-provoking morning session featuring a poverty simulation. Through this immersive experience, gain invaluable insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals living in poverty. It's an opportunity to cultivate empathy and gain understanding, both of which are crucial for effective community engagement. More information coming soon.
Afternoon Breakouts:
Serving the Incarcerated and Beyond a Panel Discussion
Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Impact of Adult Education in Correctional Settings
For individuals, the absence of a high school diploma restricts access to higher education, training, and employment opportunities. Yet, for formerly incarcerated individuals, these educational deficiencies are compounded by numerous barriers and the enduring stigma they confront upon reintegration into their communities and the workforce. Returning citizens with limited education often encounter financial constraints and lack social support systems upon release, increasing their susceptibility to recidivism rather than successful community reintegration. Education plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals, expanding opportunities, and restoring self-esteem and social competency. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofit and governmental entities, the Cuyahoga County Public Library has been uniquely positioned to offer such programs within correctional facilities and community settings. This presentation will showcase the transformative impact of adult education initiatives within correctional institutions across Cuyahoga County.
Presenter:
Jami Lee Harris is the Adult Education Services Corrections Specialist for Aspire Greater Cleveland, a department within the Cuyahoga County Public Library, where she coordinates all educational programing for five corrections and reentry facilities. Jami is responsible for teaching classes, scheduling instructors, and managing a variety of grants and reporting requirements.
Before starting her position at Aspire, Jami spent four years building and expanding the Corrections Education program at Project Learn, Greater Cleveland's oldest community-based youth and adult basic education program. After a successful merger of Project Learn and the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Jami was able to continue her work in corrections education on a much larger scale.
When she’s not teaching, Jami enjoys reading fantasy novels, tabletop gaming, and attending weekend-long music and cultural festivals.
Serving the Incarcerated and Their Families
Serving every patron in a rural community, including the incarcerated and their families, can be both a challenge and a reward! Join the team from the Conneaut Public Library as they describe their organizational relationship and share tips on how to provide library resources to not only those living in correctional institutions, but also to the families affected.
Presenter: Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director at Conneaut Public Library
In addition to her role as Executive Director, Kathy is a past president of ARSL, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries. With over 20 years of experience, she has displayed courageous commitment to leadership paired with a genuine passion for empowering others, all within the framework of rural library service.
IIA (International Institute of Akron) 101 and Inclusion in the Library
Join us for an informative presentation by the International Institute of Akron as they delve into their comprehensive array of services designed to support immigrants and refugees, from facilitating housing, education, and workforce training, to providing social services and legal assistance. Gain insights into different immigration statuses and understand the journey refugees and asylees undertake to reach Akron. Additionally, discover strategies for fostering inclusivity in libraries to create welcoming environments for refugees and immigrants.
Presenter: Liv Randall is the Communications and Development Specialist at the International Institute of Akron. Her roles include external communications, such as updating IIA’s social media, blog, and newsletters, as well as applying for grant funding on behalf of IIA and community outreach. Prior to joining IIA, Liv worked at a refugee resettlement agency in Cleveland for multiple years, giving her experience with resettlement services in Northeast Ohio as a whole. Liv graduated from the Ohio State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Middle East Studies.
Community ESL Classes at Public Libraries: The Why and How
We know that libraries are safe spaces that welcome all people. Places that can be particularly helpful for refugees and new Americans to come for resources and support. Public libraries, in particular, are at a unique advantage in reaching underserved adult ESL learners. It's already happening. Libraries are hosting ESL conversation groups, citizenship classes, and language tutoring. But how do we best increase our effectiveness and reach? In this session, we will discuss how ESL language programming can enrich a library’s relationship with our immigrant neighbors and increase equitable access to resources through addressing the language barrier. Join us to learn about a new community ESL class curriculum developed by Ohio ESL professionals for public libraries which is editable to be city-specific and built on information that newcomers need. This student-centered curriculum can fit a variety of English proficiency levels and focuses on community building and life skills. In this session you will learn more about the different ways public libraries can adapt to fulfill the needs of English language learners in our growing communities.
Presenter: Dr. Gabriela Pickett is the Newest American Specialist for the Dayton Metro Library. Gabriela is an immigrant and English leaner. She provides support to immigrants by promoting equity and access to resources including teaching English as a second language. She also empowers people by facilitating cultural celebrations that will allow them to experience their own culture. One of her responsibilities is to multiply the potential of the community through engagement. “My job is evidence that the libraries of today go beyond having just books. We pay attention to the ever-changing needs of our newest community, and we try to meet them.” Gabriela created a Dayton-centric-content based ELL curriculum to help people learn English and connect them to the resources they need. The program is in its second year and has demonstrated ongoing success.
Jami Lee Harris is the Adult Education Services Corrections Specialist for Aspire Greater Cleveland, a department within the Cuyahoga County Public Library, where she coordinates all educational programing for five corrections and reentry facilities. Jami is responsible for teaching classes, scheduling instructors, and managing a variety of grants and reporting requirements.
Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director at Conneaut Public Library
Liv Randall is the Communications and Development Specialist at the International Institute of Akron. Her roles include external communications, such as updating IIA’s social media, blog, and newsletters, as well as applying for grant funding on behalf of IIA and community outreach. Prior to joining IIA, Liv worked at a refugee resettlement agency in Cleveland for multiple years, giving her experience with resettlement services in Northeast Ohio as a whole. Liv graduated from the Ohio State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Middle East Studies.
Dr. Gabriela Pickett is the Newest American Specialist for the Dayton Metro Library. Gabriela is an immigrant and English leaner. She provides support to immigrants by promoting equity and access to resources including teaching English as a second language. She also empowers people by facilitating cultural celebrations that will allow them to experience their own culture. One of her responsibilities is to multiply the potential of the community through engagement. “My job is evidence that the libraries of today go beyond having just books. We pay attention to the ever-changing needs of our newest community, and we try to meet them.” Gabriela created a Dayton-centric-content based ELL curriculum to help people learn English and connect them to the resources they need. The program is in its second year and has demonstrated ongoing success.