The Faces of New America – Jila Nikpay - 2011
This presentation, designed for youth between the ages of 10-18 or adults, utilizes the photographs from Faces of New America as a basis for reflective/interactive activities and lively discussions about new immigrants and the American identity. Faces of New America is a collection of portraits of youth from immigrant backgrounds who have made Minnesota their home. They have family roots in four continents and come from Mexico, Russia, Somalia, Iraq, Tibet, and many other countries.
Activities include learning how to use the Descriptive protocol to read a photographic portrait, creating “self-portraits” through drawing and/or writing (depending on the age of the participants) Then, sharing “their portraits” with others, breaking into small groups to brainstorm about what comprises the American identity. Final discussions utilize concepts such as melting pot, mosaic, as well as words the participants invent to describe American identity from their own perspective.
Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
- 03/14/2011 - Breckenridge Library - 4
- 03/15/2011 - Mahnomen Library - 12
- 03/16/2011 - Moorhead Library - 3
19 people attended these program workshops
Measurable Outcomes may be collected by survey, anecdotal responses, pre-test/post-test, observations; Describe proposed end user change in Behavior, Attitude, Skills, Knowledge, Condition and/or Status.
- Participants learn how to read a portrait and how it could reveal aspects of the identity of the person portrayed in the photograph. They can apply these principles to making portrait of another person.
- Participants will be introduced to the ethnic diversity in Minnesota and reflect upon their own heritage.
- Participants engage in discussion with each other and the larger group about the evolving American identity.
- Participants could continue the discussion on the public forum of the Faces of New America website:www.facesofnewamerica.com
A summary of survey results are:Please rate the quality of this program: (Using 1-5 scale, with 5 being excellent and 1 being poor)
- Not rated - (0), 1- (0), 2 - (0), 3 - (0), 4 - (2), 5 - (3), Average (3.83)
What did you like best about the program?
- The presentation in photos
- Covered a lot of information
- The pictures & discussion
- Conservation
- The discussion
- The program was interesting & engaging
What did you expect to experience or learn from this presentation? Were your expectations met?
- I didn't know what to expect, but it was very interesting and informative
- A understanding of different ideas
- Yes (2)
- About the new immigrants
- How to look at a picture
- A bit about the new immigrants
What other programs would you like to see offered at the library?
- Cultural programs - programs on humanities - languages
Prior to this program, have you ever attended a program at the library or sponsored by the library? Yes (4) No (2) How did you hear about the program?Information/poster at the library - 1Information/poster in the community - 1Library newsletter - 0Library web site - 0Newspaper/magazine - 2Radio - 0Television - 0From library staff - 1From another person - 1 Check your age range: Birth to 5 (0), 6-17 (0), 18-54 (1), 55 and over (5)What is your zip code? 56520 (3) 56557 (2) Do you have a current library card? Yes - 5 No - 1 # of evaluations received: 6