The Same Page: Community Conversation and Speaker Series

In the last couple of years we’ve been given a lot of information about health, politics, and the way we live together. It can be frustrating or overwhelming to make informed decisions when we don’t have complete information. Join us for The Same Page, a six-part series of public events aimed at helping people rebuild a sense of social awareness so we are all better prepared to understand quickly changing information. Topics will include media literacy, civic engagement, governance structures, health systems, and communication through conflict. The series will take place on the Halifax Central Library’s back patio from 6:30-8:45 p.m. on Aug 30, Aug 31, and Sep 1. ASL interpretation and refreshments will be provided, and masks are encouraged.

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=the%20same%20page

Tues, Aug 30:

1) Public Health

Our health care system has come under the spotlight recently with the pandemic, and it can be difficult to figure out when and where to receive medical attention. Gaynor Watson-Creed [Associate Dean, Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine] shares tips on successfully navigating the public health system.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

2) Communicating When There’s Conflict

These days, people get their information from many different places. It can be stressful to communicate with people we love when they don’t share our opinions on important topics. Ajay Parasram [Associate Professor, Dalhousie International Development Studies and History] and Alex Khasnabish [Professor, Mount Saint Vincent Sociology and Anthropology] provide suggestions on how to ease this process.

7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

Wed, Aug 31:

1) Governments in Canada

With such influence from the United States on Canadians, it can be confusing to understand how Canadian governments work. Scott Pruysers [Professor, Dalhousie Political Science] gives an overview of the basics of municipal, provincial, and federal systems and how they work together to govern this country.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

2) Making and Changing Laws

Laws are made and remade in democracies through many different ways. Kostantina Northrup [staff lawyer, East Coast Environmental Law] will discuss the strategies, tactics, and tools that can be used by regular people to access, understand, and influence the law.

7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

Thurs, Sep 1:

1) Fake and Real Information

We have never had so much information at our fingertips before. It can be hard to tell if what you’re reading or listening to is accurate or if you’re being misled. Join Fazeela Jiwa [editor, Fernwood Publishing] for tips on basic media literacy.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

2) Protesting 101

Protesting is a fundamental right in a democratic country and has been used in many ways throughout Canadian history. Join Ardath Whynacht [Director, Mount Allison Interdisciplinary Health Studies Program] to learn about why and how people protest.

7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/events/777424043602712/?event_time_id=777425016935948