In this interactive workshop, we will explore empathy as a journey to expand our circle of human concern: the empathetic space that defines who and what we care about as individuals and society. We will identify the four specific stages of an empathy journey and discuss tangible strategies and storytelling activities for empathy building. We will also consider the concepts of proximity, social location (positionality), and intersectionality as fundamental building blocks to reflect on how we can engage in an inclusive and equitable empathy practice.

The late media scholar George Gerbner said, “We experience the world through stories. Whoever tells the stories of a culture defines the terms, the agenda, and the common issues we face.” The challenge we face is that historically undertold stories (including but not limited to those who have been marginalized based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion) are yet to gain equitable representation in mainstream culture. Join us as we journey toward equity and expanding our circle of human concern.

Will this Workshop be Recorded? No.

Intended Audience: This workshop is appropriate for library staff at any level or position.

About the Instructor: Luis Ortega is the director and founder of Storytellers for Change. Over the last fourteen years, Luis has worked with youth, educators and organizations across the country to center historically unheard narratives and employ storytelling as a strategic approach to build empathetic, inclusive and equitable communities. Luis’ work has touched thousands of lives, and been featured at over 500 events and seminars across the country, including Harvard DACA Seminar, ArtPlace America National Summit, and HBO’s “Where Do You Exist?” podcast. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and is a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow. Watch Luis's TEDx talk: Inspire a Movement of Possibility.