[Michlib-l] WebJunction content and upcoming webinars

[Lancaster, Cathy (MDE)]

WebJunction content and upcoming webinars - February 26, 2025

Highlighted Content
Healthy Places by Design: Advancing social connection and community wellbeing<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/healthy-places-by-design.html>
Healthy Places by Design is a nonprofit consulting organization dedicated to advancing community-led action and implementing proven, place-based strategies to improve health and wellbeing for all. By focusing on the built environment and social factors that influence community health, they help create spaces and opportunities for people to connect, thrive, and lead healthier lives. Libraries and other community organizations can participate in their Socially Connected Communities Network and utilize their valuable resources and guidance to foster social connection, address social isolation, and implement sustainable community wellbeing strategies. Learn more about the opportunities, including an upcoming webinar on Cultivating Community Hubs for Social Connection<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fMFkoRLwRSigo9jEiBVTTw#/registration> that will explore the important role that community hubs-such as libraries-play in reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

Neurodiversity and libraries<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/neurodiversity-libraries.html>
Terms, tools and strategies for creating more inclusive experiences for staff and patrons
In recent years, society has focused more on neurodiversity-for example, you hear it mentioned in popular media and movies, as more diverse characters are represented in mainstream media. New research has led to an expanded understanding of neurodiversity, leading to later-in-life diagnoses and prompting growing advocacy, especially on social media platforms. These shifts in awareness and acceptance have sparked changes in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Efforts to understand and appreciate neurodiversity have made it into mainstream culture, and we want to highlight some resources that may help you better support your fellow staff members and patrons.

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 18 February 2025<https://hangingtogether.org/advancing-ideas-inclusion-diversity-equity-accessibility-18-february-2025/>
This Hanging Together blog post, is part of a regular series<https://hangingtogether.org/tag/IDEA/> on issues of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, compiled by a team of OCLC contributors.
WebJunction Webinars
These upcoming webinars are open for registration. If you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are recorded and available for free in the Course Catalog<https://learn.webjunction.org/>.

Embracing neurodiversity: Cultivating an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent staff
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes
Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/embracing-neurodiversity.html

Work environments that are made up of people who think differently bring more ideas and perspectives to the table. In fact, research consistently shows that diverse teams are better at problem solving, are more innovative, and are more effective. As our workplaces become more diverse, it becomes everyone's responsibility to learn how to embrace differences. In this webinar, gain an understanding of the term 'neurodiversity' and learn about the strengths of those who are neurodivergent. In addition, attendees will learn about ways they can support inclusion of neurodivergent colleagues to help create a more supportive and welcoming environment for all.
Supporting communities impacted by incarceration through library services
Thursday, March 13, 2025 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes
Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/impacted-by-incarceration.html

Public libraries are often on the frontlines of serving communities impacted by incarceration, with many patrons facing the challenges of trauma, stigma, and reintegration. This webinar will explore how libraries can effectively support individuals and families affected by incarceration-whether through outreach to local jails or providing services to those re-entering society. Learn about successful initiatives, funding opportunities, and service models that address the lasting impacts of incarceration. Gain strategies and resources to enhance your library’s role in creating supportive, inclusive services and spaces to help build stronger, safer communities for all.


This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Cathy Lancaster
Youth Services Coordinator
Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more.
LancasterC5 at michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5 at michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan>
Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/>
Join the MiYouth<https://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.

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