Every Effort Matters
European platform for an inclusive book sector
Our society is diverse and becoming more so all the time. That is the reality. In certain cities or neighbourhoods, minorities have actually become the majority. Sadly this diverse reality is not reflected everywhere. Characteristics such as socio-economic or cultural background, gender, sexual preference and physical or mental disabilities determine how a person is regarded, consciously or otherwise, and how easy or difficult it is for them to gain access to social domains such as education, work, or social and cultural life.
Literature and the book business remain too homogenous in many respects. This is not just a matter of who writes (and who is encouraged to write) but of who gets published, who stands on the stage, who sits in the audience, how people are portrayed and which readers can identify with the characters in the books they are reading. Everyone has the right to discover literature and to create stories. But not everyone has an equal chance to do so, or is equally warmly invited to participate in literature.
That is why Every Story Matters launched a platform for an inclusive book industry. We want to invite organizations and individuals working in the fields of literature and the promotion of reading to devote themselves actively and permanently to inclusion and diversity.
Efforts towards inclusion are important, both for readers and for the book sector itself. A focus on inclusion and diversity strengthens the work on offer and represents an investment in the readership of today and the future. All those subscribing to the charter will be committing themselves to inclusion both actively and consciously.
But it does not end there. The platform is meant to be more than a declaration of intent; it is designed as an aid to all those who are convinced that inclusion is worthwhile, and as a stimulus to the making of smart connections within the books sector. It lays out, clearly and visibly, the specific initiatives that can be undertaken.
The platform is a dynamic source of guidance that will gradually be adjusted and added to as time goes on. Every subscriber can specify action to be taken over the next few years by them or their organization and will be invited to exchange detailed plans and interesting experiences.
Every Effort Matters is intended to unite and inspire. It is important that, as an industry, we share an awareness that people do not have equal opportunities and that we have a genuine desire to bring about change. Only then can we truly become more inclusive. Together we can change things.
Feel like sharing your experience with us? Reach out to us on info@everystorymatters.eu.
