Become a 'Living Book' at the Vulnerability and the Law Symposium

Call for participants

As part of the symposium Vulnerability and the Law: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, we are hosting a unique social activity, a Living Library. This is an opportunity for conference attendees to connect with real-life stories and experiences from our local community.

A Living Library is an event where people become 'books' and share their personal experiences in conversation with 'readers'. We are currently seeking individuals from Maastricht to be our 'Living Books' and share their stories.

Theme: Relational Vulnerability

The theme for our ‘Living Library' is relational vulnerability. 

This concept highlights that while being vulnerable is a universal part of being human, our experiences of it are different. Our vulnerability is shaped by our social relationships, our communities, and the institutions around us. Sometimes, the state can even make us more vulnerable by assuming we are all independent and self-reliant, ignoring the hidden and unpaid support networks that are essential to our lives.

We invite you to share a story from your life that speaks to this theme.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for adult participants ('books') who:

  • Are based in the Maastricht area.
  • Are comfortable sharing a personal story related to the theme.
  • Are willing to share their story 2 times (15-minute sessions).
  • Are proficient in English, as the event will be held in English.
  • Are available to attend a preparatory meeting on 7 November, 12:30-13:30 

Applications, Deadlines, Compensation

If you are interested in sharing your story and becoming a Living Book, please fill out the application form.

Application deadline is Monday, 3 November 2025, at 23:59.

In appreciation of your time and contribution, all selected participants will receive lunch at the symposium and a gift card.

Please note: Due to the limited capacity and duration of the event, we reserve the right to select participants whose stories best align with the symposium's theme. We look forward to hearing from you!

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