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DEI Reading Challenge: Read. Learn. Grow. Connect.

Overview Information

Welcome to the Lindenwood DEI Reading Challenge!  

These are the steps that participants Completed during the Challenge:

  1. Participants signed up and filled out a short pre-evaluation form. (Please do not submit form.)
  2. Read one book from each of our monthly themes. We provided booklists, but participants were able to select any other book to read as long as it fit with that month's category.  We welcomed audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels, etc.
  3. After participants finished each book, they filled out this short monthly reflection form and submit. (Please do not submit form.)
  4. Participants chose to participate in our monthly virtual discussions where they reflected on what we were learning, their experiences while reading, and/or how their lives were being enriched by reading diverse books.
  5. Participants chose to attend DEI-related events throughout the year to submit for points too.
  6. Participants collected prizes!

 

Challenge Fellows:

  • Reviewed participant submissions.
  • Sent out a monthly email with participants points and info about the monthly discussion or upcoming events.
  • Notified participants with instructions for obtaining prizes at the halfway mark and the full completion mark.  
  • Hosted monthly reading discussions.
  • Hosted 2 DEI Reading Challenge events.

 

Our unified goals were and continue to be:

  • We will be a community of unity and inclusivity, providing avenues for self-reflection and connection with other participants
  • We will all learn from reading Window and/or Mirror fiction and non-fiction.
  • We would all experience a growth in our empathy and compassion for others that would positively impact our service and engagement with our Lindenwood community and beyond.

 

 

Points:

20 pts = completing a book from a monthly theme and submitting the corresponding monthly points form

15 pts = for attending the DEI Reading Challenge Fall Semester Event or the Spring Semester Event

10 pts = for attending a monthly discussion

5 pts = attending other Lindenwood DEI Events, Trainings, Webinars, etc...

 

Prizes!

100 Points (80 of which MUST come from reading 4 monthly-themed books) = Swag bag of bookish goods and a brag certificate 

150 Points (120 pts MUST come from reading 6 monthly-themed books) = Barnes and Noble gift card and a brag certificate! 

 

Grand Prize Drawing!

Participants who read a book from all 8 categories and submitted a reflection form for each book were entered into a grand prize drawing for a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card!

 

 

FAQ

Can I still participate in the Challenge?

While this particular challenge has closed, you can still use the book lists to diversify your reading, use the monthly themes to read throughout the year, and use our template to set up your own DEI challenge.

Do I have to do the challenges in monthly order?  

While we advise it because we will be hosting a monthly themed discussion on the theme we are reading, it is not necessary. You can jump around and read "out of order" if that is a better way for you to read and learn. We are also “late” in getting our September content launched, so feel free to go back at any point in the challenge too and submit your form from previous months anytime!

Can I read a book that is not on one of your book lists?

Absolutely!  By no means are our lists exhaustive.  We tried to list titles that are readily available to you from the Lindenwood Library or libraries we lend and borrow from, but feel free to read a different title, as long as it fits the monthly theme.

I've already read books that qualify for these themes, can't I just collect points for reading those in the past?

Ah, while we love your reading style already, we want to see you read new-to-you books to qualify for the challenge.  New books on these topics are published frequently.  If you've read widely in the past, you can continue to do so for a few more months.

What if I already submitted my monthly points form, but forgot to include something?

Just submit another form for that month and only include what you forgot.  We'll match it up on the backend.

When did the challenge end?

Friday, April 30th, 2021 at 11:59 P.M.

Who will be receiving my submissions and communicating with me as a participant?

The Fellows will evaluate submissions, communicate with participants, and maintain this website. It's a lot of work, but we love doing it because just like you, we love reading, learning, growing and connecting. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we are happy to listen!

Do the books I read have to come from the Lindenwood Library?

Nope!  The books you read can come from your home bookshelf, a friend, a store or anywhere.  They can be any medium (electronic, audio, physical book.)

 

Lisa Young Leah Rosenmiller
Manager, Access Services (2007-2022)

Engagement and Outreach Librarian (2020-2022)

Manager, Reference Services (2022- present) 

  
  lrosenmiller@lindenwood.edu