Almost all families in the United States have an immigration story to tell. New immigrants come to this land of opportunity from all corners of the globe; eager to start a new life, they come looking for a better place to live; they come looking for freedom, jobs, education, a good place to raise a family… they come for the American dream. Immigrants have rich stories to tell and amazing experiences to share.
 
Having said that, I’d like to introduce a program idea that revolves around immigrants. The program I’m talking about is I Am An American; Vandella Brown, Manager of the Diversity Office at the Illinois State Library has been putting on I Am An American cultural presentations for many years. This was the inspiration for including this activity in the diversity grant. Several programs have been presented in a number of different communities, and except for staff time, they are almost cost free. Yet the rewards are invaluable.  
 
I Am An American is a program that helps communities welcome and celebrate immigrants. It is a positive way through which we can increase awareness and promote community dialogue.  Putting together an I Am An American program is simple and almost cost free. Immigrants volunteer to take part in a panel presentation and discussion. They explain in their own words what it means to leave familiar surroundings and move to a new country so different from their own.  Their stories can include, but are not limited to, why they made the momentous decision to immigrate to the United States, their expectations and the realities of being here today. Some may want to share their library experience and compare libraries in their country of origin to libraries in the U.S. They speak to a general audience of community members who participate in the conversation by asking questions. This program helps start a community conversation of understanding and mutual respect. As we celebrate our differences and face challenges, we will find common grounds and become inspired.  
 
To find out more about  presentations from last year’s program and to listen to some immigrants and their stories go to I Am An American at http://www.librarydiversiy.info/projects.html  
 
  Amani