Welcome to The School of Humanity 


Extraordinary people/ Extraordinary conversations

I want to be a Living Subject

About

Welcome to a better world

Human connection is a powerful teacher. But how can we build compassion with people whose lived experiences are completely different from our own? The School of Humanity brings unexpected people together to reduce prejudice and grow mutual respect. 

In an increasingly polarised world, The School of Humanity builds bridges through human conversations. It brings people together who are unlikely to cross paths in their day-to-day life. These are then split into Learners and Living Subjects.  

Our Learners can be anyone who is curious to find out more about marginalised people. Our Living Subjects are extraordinary people often defined by a generalised label (e.g. Transgender, Ex-Drug Addict, Refugee, Child Bride, Anxiety, Abuse Survivor) who are volunteering their time to share their personal life story.  

By engaging with unique lived experiences in this safe environment, The School of Humanity reveals layers and nuances to common labels and stereotypes. This live learning experience reduces judgement and prejudice. It’s an opportunity for Learners to ask curious questions they might normally hold back. And for our Living Subjects, it’s a chance to break out of the box society tend to put them in. 

Essentially, it’s a first-hand lesson in how perspectives can shift when humans connect face-to-face. 

How does it work?

  • Any member of the public can choose to be a Learner at one of our pop up events
  • Learners pick a subject title they are curious about and would like to explore
  • Subject titles are based on the restrictive labels that society puts on people (e.g. Non-Binary, Single Mum, Sex Worker)
  • School faculty members then connect Learners with Living Subject (a real person) to talk for 20 minutes 
  • Living Subjects share their lived experience in these conversations, to find common humanity in surprising places

*A set of ground rules is shared in advance of each conversation to create a safe space for all 

Be ready to connect, share and shatter preconceptions together! 

VOLUNTEER TO SHARE YOUR UNIQUE STORY

Example Living Subjects you can explore in The School of Humanity curriculum:

Adopted
Anorexic
Anxiety 
Autistic
Body Dysmorphic
Buddhist Chaplain
Child of Arranged Marriage
Child of Windrush

Council House Tenant
Depressive
Domestic Abuse Survivor
Drag Queen
Dyslexic
Ex-alcoholic
Ex-cult Member
HIV+

Niqabi
Non-Binary
Refugee
Satanist
Sex Worker
Teen Mum
Transgender
Wheelchair User

Tagline

Welcome to The School of Humanity