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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Addressing political discourse challenges through innovative programs
0:37:10
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115 sec
Edwin Maxwell discusses various programs initiated by Brooklyn Public Library to address the challenges of meaningful political discourse and community engagement.
- Launched 'Anthem to Us' program in collaboration with NYPD, QPL, and Lincoln Center for Performing Arts
- Organized '28th Amendment' program inviting Brooklyn residents to debate and suggest language for a potential new constitutional amendment
- Implemented 'I Wish to Say' program during the 2020 election cycle
- Established newsrooms at branches in partnership with a nonprofit news organization to facilitate information exchange
- These projects aim to cultivate empowerment, a sense of belonging, and community among patrons
Edwin Maxwell
0:37:10
As a society, we find it harder to talk about what's meaningful to us without relying on political cliches, especially online.
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BPI has launched a variety of programs to address this, including Anthem to us.
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It recently concluded program with NYPD, QPL, and the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts.
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He invited all voices to join to create a contemporary national anthem echoing our collective hope.
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A 100 participants embarked on this immersive writing workshop series, and 3 of these items were performed live at Lincoln Fitter on July 6th this year.
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In our 28th amendment program, BPL invited Brooklyn knife to the town hall on meeting to debate.
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I did some suggest language that they would like to see in a newer amendment to the constitution.
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Decades after the last amendment was issued in 1992.
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During the 2020 election cycle, we help residents find their voice, with, I wish to say, a program before the election which invited patrons to dictate messages, which would be mailed in January to the next US president.
0:38:20
Working with the nonprofit new organization, the fitting we have begun to establish newsrooms at branches to facilitate information exchange.
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Residents develop newsletters which focus on what matters to them and their neighborhoods assisted by librarians and journalists.
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By involving residents in every step of the process from writing articles to newsletter distribution, restricting these residents' bonds to their neighborhoods, their government, and to each other.
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These projects are not just about delivering information or providing creative outlets.
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They're also about cultivating empowerment and sense of belonging and wants community amongst our patrons.