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Challenging Unconscious Bias with Volunteering Tasmania

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Our recent collaboration with Volunteering Tasmania, working alongside Ruth and Sheila, meant we were up for a professional day out, and it was fun. Thank you.

A Fairer World’s Hobart human library ran diversity and inclusion training to volunteer managers/coordinators (in a paid or unpaid role) to help strengthen their organisation’s volunteering programs; to be equitable, respectful and inclusive of all volunteers.

The venue for the training was quaintly appropriate for the work, The Rosny Library, our human ‘books’ felt right at home, and settled in quickly.

The day was lively and interactive, as we set about to continue the ongoing dialogue around inclusion. An essential discussion to be had at this time.

First up, we set an emotional safety baseline, allowing time throughout the day for the shift – to noticing, from reacting.

Listening to the human ‘books’ share their lived experience stories challenged our behaviours and on a deeper level, perceived social “norms”, or structural mechanisms; those that impede social change.

One participant commented, it was a ‘great opportunity to learn and hear different perspectives’, whilst another spoke to the value of ‘reinforcing gratitude and being brave to speak out against racism and biases’.

All our feedback was anonymous; however this one seems to capture the flavour of the day, their
‘major takeaway was – inclusion means embracing differences’.



At A Fairer World, we’re dedicated to building diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Through our various programs, such as the Hobart human library and community outreach initiatives, we strive to dismantle barriers and cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals from all walks of life. The stories of resilience and triumph shared within our Hobart human library, each story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

To read more inspiring stories host a Hobart human library forum.

But our mission doesn’t stop there. We believe in taking action to create tangible change in our communities. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Hobart human library forum initiative, where schools and workplaces can host their own human library events. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, these forums provide a platform for dialogue and understanding, fostering a culture of empathy and inclusion.

Interested in hosting a Hobart human library forum at your school or workplace? Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved.

Additionally, you can support our cause by making a donation your contribution enables us to continue our vital work in promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in creating a fairer world for all.

Together, we can build a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.