Free, thought-provoking discussions on important issues, stories, and community history in commemoration of America at 250, produced in partnership with Arizona Humanities and the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Why the name Open Minds?
We named this program Open Minds because we believe in building a society that is centered around openness and understanding. Empathy can only build when the mind is open and we come together to see each other as a connected community. We hope these conversations enrich the lives of Arizonans and work to remind us all that we have more in common than we do different.
Program Purpose:
- Promote civic engagement
- Create a deeper sense of community
- Promote listening to one another
- Reflect on the past, present, and future
- Commemorating America at 250 years
For Host Libraries:
Apply for a Grant
Please read the Open Minds Grant Guidelines thoroughly before applying. Once read, you can:
- Go to azhumanities.org and apply through the online dashboard. You must be registered with an account.
- Please consult the Host Library Toolkit for appropriate logos, hosting etiquette, and marketing items.
- No longer accepting applications. Please check back for future opportunities!
Brainstorming Discussion Topics
View Open Minds facilitator, Derek Keith, share discussion prep tips & sample topic ideas.
More questions?
Watch our previous Open Minds webinar with Arizona Humanities Programs Manager, Amber McCrary.
Watch the Zoom Webinar Now. Password is: Uf%djQ4q
Additional Topic Resources
Consult the AASLH Field Guide for Discussion Topics
Read about the conversations hosted by the Pima County Public Library. See more here!
Hosting a Discussion
Open Minds supports conversations that provide a space to explore current events and issues affecting our communities. All opinions are welcome, but participants must model respectful behavior, or they may be removed from the meeting.
Librarians as Participants
Once the in-person program has been approved, host libraries should coordinate directly with the facilitator regarding event logistics. For marketing purposes, it is recommended to craft a short paragraph that can be used to build interest in the topic. AZ Humanities can help draft these descriptions.
It is highly encouraged to have library staff participate during the conversation. This supports:
- The library as it is part of the community
- The facilitator who can rely on the library staff to start conversations
- The participants who need to be encouraged to participate
- The overall conversation as everyone’s perspective is unique and valuable
Host Library Tool Kit
- Open Minds Grant Guidelines
- Arizona State Library Logo
- IMLS Logo
- Arizona Humanities Logo
- Open Minds Logo
- Open Minds Logo – Transparent Background
- Open Minds Press Release Kit
- Open Minds Social Media Tips
- Open Minds Facilitator Kit
- AASLH Field Guide for Discussion Topics
- Audience Survey (coming soon)
- Discussion Ground Rules (coming soon)
- Acknowledge Arizona Humanities and the Arizona State Library during the program.
- Provide supplemental informational resources for participants to further explore a topic.
- Facilitator will not use an AH-funded program to promote their own business, publications, or products.
- Facilitators should remain “neutral” on a topic. At the end of a discussion, participants should not know their personal beliefs.
- Facilitator is an Independent Contractor and is not entitled to employee benefits.
Open Minds Facilitator Toolkit Video Library. Watch to ensure you host a flawless Open Minds!
