Did you know misinformation is a silent crisis seeping across all realms of our reality? From health to lifestyle choices and even politics, this volatile virus could be seeping its way into your everyday life without you even realizing it.
As part of this poignant and important conversation, the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation is giving audiences the opportunity to join Timothy Caulfield, renowned author, science expert, host of Netflix’s A User’s Guide to Cheating Death and Order of Canada recipient for his contributions to health law and policy, when he leads an in-depth discussion on how "Misinformation is Killing Us."
Poised to be as engaging as it is thought-provoking, this is one of the Foundation’s most anticipated fundraising events of the year.
The intricacies of information
Set to take place on November 6, 2024, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Kay Meek Arts Centre, the event will be co-hosted by Caulfield and Stephanie Hall, director of the West Vancouver Memorial Library. They will explore practical solutions to counteract misinformation and discuss the profound implications of living in an era when truth is increasingly elusive, followed by a Q&A and a book signing.
Guests will learn how social media – and the new and rising impact of social media influencers, specifically – ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) can spread disinformation and distort reality and how they have the potential to ultimately lead to very serious consequences.
"It's hugely important for people to understand what the misinformation crisis means and how to discern what's real and what's not true, particularly for people's health," says Patricia Bowles, engagement chair, West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation. "And Professor Caulfield is one of Canada’s foremost experts on the subject matter, an issue very close to libraries."
Bowles and the Foundation believe the importance of having this discussion is more relevant now than ever, with this issue becoming more relatable and prominent with the mass usage of technology and social media, particularly among younger generations.
"It affects me as a senior citizen and my health and my understanding,” Bowles reveals. “But we're now getting concerned about kids engaging in social media that they respond to and read every day. There's a much wider reason for beginning to understand what this is and how to deal with it for our children's sake."
Anjili Bahadoorsingh, chair of the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation, echoes this sentiment, “It’s not just adults who are affected — your kids are growing up in a world where TikTok trends can spread falsehoods faster than facts."
Foundation donations, cultural and educational impact
The West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation is dedicated to bolstering the Library's wide-ranging educational, digital and cultural programs.
When you purchase a ticket for this fall fundraiser event or make a donation to the Library Foundation, you contribute to a lasting educational legacy that enhances literacy and lifelong learning for every age group.
Funds raised at this event will ensure the Library can swiftly adapt to technological advancements and stay at the forefront of digital education while supporting programs like the Library’s Summer Reading Club, enriching the Library’s digital book collection and purchasing more titles in multiple languages.
"We donate on average $300K annually to the Library and hope to raise between $50K and $60K at this event," explains Bowles. "We're providing an opportunity for the community to listen to an expert who's been studying this issue for years and to talk about how we can deal with it effectively so that everyone learns how to interpret all of the misinformation and disinformation that has affected the media, our politics and even our health."
With only 488 seats available, buy your tickets now before this engaging and enlightening event is sold out. Tickets: $175 (partially tax deductable). VIP Tickets: Donate $500 or more (tax receipt available), purchase includes your ticket and an invitation to the exclusive VIP donor reception at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit wvml.ca/fundraiser.
