A bridge can be the only possible way to reach a destination or solution. A bridge can represent a transition – a crossing over – taking a journey from death to ‘new life’. A bridge can be a symbol of hope. However, for some, it can be a challenge to overcome an obstacle or perhaps a barrier that they have been afraid to cross.
‘Building Bridges Through Story’ will be an engagement of the heart.
It will be an event that provides opportunities for deep listening to the real stories of people who have experienced pain and suffering as a result of being pushed to the edges of society. We’ll listen to stories of people who have struggled to live in what has been for them, ‘dark places’, often in fear of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
‘Building Bridges Through Story’ will be a celebration of diversity; an opportunity to build community and to establish lasting connections that foster inclusion and respect and begin to break down the walls that divide. Walls built by ignorance and fear of people of different colour, race, culture, gender, religion, birth place and socio-economic status.
Every story told is a piece of who people are as individuals, much like a jig saw piece and our goal in ‘Building Bridges Through Story’ is to find the place where each story fits or connects with others to complete the bridge to an inclusive community.
The event will take place on Saturday, 12 October, 2019 at the Living and Learning@Ajani Centre in Manningham, Melbourne.
Through the encouragement of experienced and empathetic facilitators, we will listen to stories told by people from three groups; First Australians, refugees and LGBTQI+.
Each story teller will be provided with a jigsaw piece, uniquely theirs, that will connect with others during the event to form the key stone of the bridge we intend to build. The symbolic key stone will later become an art installation.
Contact 03 9846 2012; buildingbridges@manninghamuc.org