Students at St. James Collegiate had the chance to “check out” real-life experiences this week. Not from books; but from the women who shared their stories during a Living Library event held in recognition of International Women’s Day.
The event brought together women from across the community – including School Resource Officer Cst. Lisa Allison – to share their stories and answer questions from students about their careers, experiences, and the paths that led them there.
A Living Library replaces books with people. Students act as “readers,” sitting down in small groups with volunteer “books” to engage in open conversation and ask questions about their life experiences.
“It’s been something in my mind that I’ve wanted to try for a number of years,” said organizer Ms. Tuchscherer of St. James Collegiate. “With International Women’s Day, I thought it would be a really good fit.”
The school invited women across the community connected to the school to take part. Participants included representatives from community organizations, educators, counsellors, and local professionals, including members of the Downtown Bear Clan Patrol.
“We have so many women that we are connected with through our school and our community,” Tuchscherer said. “We thought, let’s invite them to the school and see how this goes.”
The initiative was supported in part through United Way Winnipeg’s Youth United program and involved student leadership through the school’s student council and volunteers.
For Cst. Allison, who is in her 27th year with the Winnipeg Police Service, the event was another opportunity to engage with young people and answer their questions about policing.
“I think any opportunity for us to be around kids in a positive light is valuable,” she said. “I’m proud of my profession. I’ve enjoyed what I do, and it’s been great to share that with them.”
Students were curious about many aspects of policing.
“I’ve had everything from what made me want to be a police officer to what was the worst thing I’ve ever had to be involved in,” Cst. Allison said. “Some asked about the equipment we carry and the training we have. It’s been lots of good questions.
Cst. Allison said students were curious about many aspects of policing, but questions about gender never came up.
“No, I haven’t actually had that question,” she said. “Women have been doing the job for a long time.”
Events like the Living Library give students an opportunity to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and learn about careers they may not have previously considered.
For Cst. Allison, sharing those experiences with students is part of the job she’s proud to do.
“I’m proud of my profession,” she said. “And it would be great to see more girls interested in becoming police officers down the road.”