Ronni Abergel
on The Human Library and Unjudging
When was the last time you judged someone?
When was the last time you put yourself in the shoes of someone stigmatized because of their race, disability, or sexual orientation?
When was the last time you challenged your own beliefs?
When was the last time you UNjudged someone?
Ronni Abergel was one of those children whose parents said “Don’t ask that! Shhh!”. A curious child who pulled his mother’s sleeve, wanting to know “Who’s that? What’s that? Why’s this person looking like this? Why is this person different from me?” Even though he was silenced, he didn’t give up his curiosity. He let it flow through him to create, inspire, and ask the questions worth asking. 23 years ago, Ronni, his brother and two friends created a place that helps you find the kind answers within yourself: The Human Library.
Born at a music festival, Human Library Organization was initially created as an experience for people to connect with the ones they would never potentially have access to: groups of humans they have assumptions and stereotypes about - bodybuilders, police officers, sex workers, homeless people, refugees, victims of sexual abuse, people with disabilities and many more. You can complete the list with your own stereotypes. And, be honest, we all have some.
Ronni Abergel publishes people as “walking books”. A library where you can read, literally read, people.
A place where you, the reader, can borrow another human being and step into his universe, where you can “allow yourself to be curious, and allow yourself to ask those questions to which your parents always said ‘You can’t ask that’ because, in this space, you can! If you are respectful and sincere about the question, please ask it. Our books would love to answer it. They want to help you understand who they are and where they come from.”
Today, The Human Library Organization is located in 85 countries, helping millions of people discover the power of conversation, unjudge taboos and stereotypes they believe in, and become more tolerant and understanding.
A pillar for regeneration, because “without safe places for communication, society cannot work properly.”
That is precisely the beauty of our existence: adding a pinch of sweetness and respect to the opinions and perspectives we strongly disagree with. In this way, we open a door to the humanity in our humanity.
Be brave and follow his wisdom: “Don't be ashamed that you judge. We all do. But be courageous and try to unjudge.”
Read Ronni Abergel’s answers for #inspirators and ask that question you think you can’t ask! Who knows, maybe you are a Book, too, in someone else's eyes.
Thank you, Ronni, for being a Human Librarian!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Ronni Abergel
Company / Institution: The Human Library Org
Title: Founder / Director
Website: www.humanlibrary.org
LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-abergel/
Country of origin: Denmark
Country you currently live in: Denmark
Your personal definition of Regeneration: Act sustainably and approach life with humility.
Main business challenge you face: Securing quality and safety while scaling.
Main driver that keeps you going: No such thing as a main driver, but many factors that keep me pushing on.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: Perseverance.
The trait you most value in others: Self-reflection.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: Sunshine, music and great books.
The #inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path:
Not sure I am on a certain type of path, but many have inspired me with their lived example, but mostly the volunteers of the Human Library inspire me every day with their display of courage!
A hint or starting point for companies or professionals that are taking the first steps in the regeneration journey: Believe in your strengths and abilities - and be patient!
Most used and abused clichés about sustainability that bother you:
They don't bother me, we can never repeat important information too many times.
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: Even in hopelessness there is a value and it is the ability to ascend.
Books that had a major impact on you:
Muhammad Ali - The Greatest. My Own Story
Glenn Bech - We no longer respect your authority
Joe Keohane - The Power of Talking to Strangers
Must-reads for any Regenerative professional: Joe Keohane - The Power of Talking to Strangers
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again: No time for repeats, but Navalny was pretty good!
Blogs / Websites / Podcasts etc. you visit frequently: NYTs, Denmarks Radio and Forbes.
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing: Hip Hop from the 80s and 90s.
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: Many places have made a deep impression on me, but to name some then Korea, Japan, India, Egypt, Colombia and Israel.
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on: Not on top of trends!
Best places for business networking (online or offline): Not so much into business networking, but always being willing to explain to people what and why you do what you do helps.
Events we should attend: The Human Library Online every other Sunday.
Associations, business clubs, tribes you belong to – and why: I am first and foremost a member of the human race and I belong to the Earth that I came from.
Sustainable Development or Regeneration courses, trainings, or certifications that really teach us how to have an impact: The climate saloon series held by Kulturhuset Islands Brygge in Copenhagen had a big impact on me.
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: We are increasing the focus on protecting the climate.
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: We are not doing enough to protect the climate. We are not willing to sacrifice our lifestyle/wealth and privileges in order to really protect the sustainability of our planet.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: People who care more about the cause than money or recognition.
The #inspirator you are endorsing for a future edition of the newsletter is:
Monica Oldham (Head of diversity, inclusion and equity at the World Bank in DC).
Quote that inspires you:
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
(Audre Lorde)
Your own quote that will inspire us:
