Professional development and support for libraries seeking to create thought-provoking programming on important issues, stories, and community history in commemoration of America at 250. This project was developed 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 programs enrich the lives of Arizonans and work to remind us all that we have more in common than we do different.
Project 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
Apply for Funding
Please check back soon for information about grant opportunities through the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records.
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 programs hosted by the Pima County Public Library. See more here!
Host Library Tool Kit
- 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
- Arizona American 250 Commission
- 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 program, participants should not know their personal beliefs.
- Facilitator of a program 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!
