Findings

The Human Library® is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. We host events where readers can borrow human beings serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book from our bookshelf, represent a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc.

"In the practice of our philanthropy, we are committed to the values of being in service to the public trust, upholding transparency in our work, providing general operating support, continuing to learn and adapt, and trusting grantees and the communities they serve.”
- Tegan Acton

HABRI advances, through science, education and advocacy, the vital role of the human-animal bond in the health and well-being of people, pets and communities.

In this first report of the American Fabric series, More in Common delves deeper into the complexity of American identity. We explore how associations, experiences, and norms of our shared identity differ across the political and demographic diversity of the United States. 

“When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.” Children are affected by what they see around them, and it helps them to grow.

"This is why we need storytelling. You don’t need to come into physical or electronic contact outside your ideological comfort zone...With storytelling, we can experience the thrill of “the other,” yet remain safe."

"Stories - whether through books, TV/film, people we know, or other sources - are powerful for learning and understanding. They are like windows that open up into others’ lives, mirrors that allow us to see pieces of ourselves in others, and sliding doors that help us apply what we learn to everyday life."

"The well-being of humans, other animals and the environment are deeply interconnected, and optimum human health and resilience requires mutually healthy living systems."

Researchers have found links between self-reported empathy and life satisfaction, as well as positive interactions with other people. 

"Most of us wish our country was less divided, and empathy is critical to moving us towards that goal. By giving up on it, cynics lose that chance."

While trust-based philanthropy tends to be associated with a set of six grantmaking practices, a fully trust- based approach invites practitioners to rely on trust-based values to guide four key dimensions of a grantmaking organization’s work: culture, structures, leadership, and practices.

This study examines associations between state-level empathy, prosocial behavior, and antisocial behavior in the United States.

These lists of humane books for youth are organized by key topics and age groups...By introducing students to humane literature, we can encourage them to become more humane in their own lives.

PARTNERS Principles (Presence, Aptness, Respect, Transparency, Negotiation, Empathy, Responsiveness, and Strategic support) is a training program developed by Snow Leopard Trust to promote effective and respectful community-engagement for conservation.

Studies demonstrate that children who interact with animals have higher levels of self esteem, greater empathy, and better social skills.

Four reasons [for hope]: “the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power of young people and the indomitable human spirit.” - Jane Goodall

"Theater is more than entertainment; it is a vital way to build psychological skills — especially empathy, or our ability to share, understand and care about others’ emotions."

A sexual and reproductive health and justice framework—one that centres human rights, acknowledges intersecting injustices, recognises power structures, and unites across identities—is essential for monitoring and addressing the inequitable gender, health, and social effects of COVID-19.

The Guttmacher Institute monitors and analyzes state policy developments in the United States—including legislative, judicial and executive actions—on a broad range of issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story."

- Chimamanda Adichie

"Stories are everywhere, and if there was a danger in the telling of one tired old tale, then I think there has got to be lots to celebrate about the flourishing of so many stories and so many voices."

– Sisonke Msimang

"93 percent of the country are exhausted by the divides and want to find a way out."

View From Here explores one topic at a time, asking questions, connecting community, listening, learning and seeking solutions to tell compelling personal stories that transcend regular journalism.

When we are baffled by the insanity of the “other side”—in our politics, at work, or at home—it’s because we aren’t seeing how the conflict itself has taken over.

"Have courageous conversations with difficult people. People who do not see the world the way you see the world." 

– Theo E.J. Wilson

"Just as in real life, the worlds of literary fiction are replete with complicated individuals whose inner lives are rarely easily discerned but warrant exploration."