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The Power of Ordinary People Workshop

on The Mobile Museum of Tolerance

Join us for a powerful workshop with The Mobile Museum of Tolerance, hosted on the MMOT bus in the library parking lot! Please register for one of two sessions - 2:00 p.m. or 3:15 p.m. Grades 9 - 12.

The Power of Ordinary People: While ordinary people have the power to create positive change in their communities, they also can become enforcers of hate and violence. This workshop explores both sides of this complex issue through the lens of the Holocaust, with short films discussing both bystanders to antisemitic violence in Nazi Germany and heroes who stood up against hate and saved victims of the Holocaust. The discussion will bring the roles of upstander and bystander into the modern day, leaving students with the understanding that they must take an active role in preventing hate and promoting tolerance in their communities. Grades 9 - 12. 

This workshop will consist of two sessions, one starting at 2:00pm and one starting at 3:15pm. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes. It is recommend that people arrive at the scheduled start time if possible, as the discussion typically follows a certain flow and can be confusing for people who join partway through.

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s newest educational initiative, bringing world-class learning experiences to communities across the state of Illinois. The purpose of the MMOT is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate, and intolerance and to promote human dignity. Modeled after the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s successful “Tour for Humanity” bus, which has visited hundreds of schools across Canada since launching in 2013, the MMOT is the first of its kind in the United States. MMOT utilizes innovative technology and interactive lessons to bring its message of tolerance directly to Illinois communities. In addition to serving middle and high school students, the MMOT is an educational resource for teachers, faith groups, law enforcement agencies, and businesses, as well as community and government leaders.

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