Open Minds: Community Conversations for Collective Growth

• 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

Arizona Humanities believes in education based on facts. The facilitator should do their best to ensure that no misinformation is being spread in the conversation. Please contact Arizona Humanities if you have any concerns or questions.

For questions, please contact Amber McCrary, our Programs Manager, at amccrary@azhumanities.org or (602) 257-0335, extension 4.

The Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records offers Library Services and Technology Act Funding through funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Read more about LSTA Funding here and apply for an LSTA 2025 Express Grant for an American 250 program here.

Important dates to know:

• March 28, 2025 – 2025 LSTA application and certification deadline
• May 16, 2025 – Grant awards announced (subject to the availability of federal funding)
• May 23, 2025 – Earliest date that the grant funds may be requested
• May 23, 2025 – Grant recipients’ workshop
• August 7, 2026 – 2025 LSTA projects completed, funds fully encumbered
• September 4, 2026 – 2025 LSTA final reports due, funds fully expended

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Library Development Consultant to discuss your project proposal.

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. Facilitators must remain neutral on any topic they present.

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

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!