The Oasis Book Club for the Homeless
The ModelThe origional book club, founded in Boston in 2008 ,is a bit unique in that its mission is first to invite people living in poverty and or homelessness into a save and hospitable environment where they might share common experiences. and through that sharing grow in friendship and understanding.A small group gathers each week for 2 hours to explore and discuss a selection of books that the group has determined they would enjoy reading. The club is democratic in its nature allowing for all to have a voice in the selction and operates with the agreement that although every partcipant will not enjoy every book each will fully participate as the selection is explored.The club is a sharing club seldom exploring the style, function and technique of the author but rather seeking to find places where the story touches the life of the reader. Open to all comments, the club cultivates sharing in a non-judgemental manner and supports the opinions of one and other.New membership is encouraged primarily by word of mouth but the size of the group seems to work best with a maximum of 10 to 12 partcipants. Guests both housed and unhoused are welcomed to come and experience the club, to share in the discussion and to join the club should they desire and the timing is right.It is also agreed that "what is shared in the club, stays in the club". Confidentially is an imperative as we do not know the places of vunerability in each others lives and "stories told out of school" may expose a member to risk somewhere outside the club.Many of the club members are transitioning in their lives and making that transition requires that from time to time that members may be unable to attend. Our goal is to assist people in that transition by supporting them and encouraging them in the positve steps they are making while equiping each member with a stronger sense of self worth and value that gives strength to their voice as they advocate for themselves in this time of change.
The Model
The origional book club, founded in Boston in 2008 ,is a bit unique in that its mission is first to invite people living in poverty and or homelessness into a save and hospitable environment where they might share common experiences. and through that sharing grow in friendship and understanding.
A small group gathers each week for 2 hours to explore and discuss a selection of books that the group has determined they would enjoy reading. The club is democratic in its nature allowing for all to have a voice in the selction and operates with the agreement that although every partcipant will not enjoy every book each will fully participate as the selection is explored.
The club is a sharing club seldom exploring the style, function and technique of the author but rather seeking to find places where the story touches the life of the reader. Open to all comments, the club cultivates sharing in a non-judgemental manner and supports the opinions of one and other.
New membership is encouraged primarily by word of mouth but the size of the group seems to work best with a maximum of 10 to 12 partcipants. Guests both housed and unhoused are welcomed to come and experience the club, to share in the discussion and to join the club should they desire and the timing is right.
It is also agreed that "what is shared in the club, stays in the club". Confidentially is an imperative as we do not know the places of vunerability in each others lives and "stories told out of school" may expose a member to risk somewhere outside the club.
Many of the club members are transitioning in their lives and making that transition requires that from time to time that members may be unable to attend. Our goal is to assist people in that transition by supporting them and encouraging them in the positve steps they are making while equiping each member with a stronger sense of self worth and value that gives strength to their voice as they advocate for themselves in this time of change.
