Library Advocacy Day

Yeah, I received a stipend from YALSA to attend library advocacy day. This is an area that I want to develop my skills. I'm watching a webinar on what to expect. There are over 800 people attending!

"ALA members and supporters from around the country will convene in Washington, DC in June, 2010 to discuss the latest and greatest of what the library community has to offer. An important part of this event will be our Library Advocacy Day Rally on June 29th. The event, held at Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC, will be an opportunity to have our message heard by those who need to hear it most — members of Congress and their staffs. At a time when many libraries are struggling to make ends meet, we need all the support we can get from our legislators. The only way we’ll get that support is if we ask for it. This video explains more about what the rally is all about and how you can speak out for libraries! "
http://vimeo.com/12053313

Steps to take:
Read the frequently asked questions on the ALA site. ALA.org washington office
Take the bus from the convention center there are also walking directions and metro links.
Check what you are allowed to bring on capitol hill
Contact local representative
call for letters?
opportunities to volunteer
e-mail state coordinator
Call Jessica to get volunteer information: 1-800-941-8478
Free T-Shirt!
Bring a friend!

Three things:
Learn about your legislators
Homework Assignment #1 Fill out legislator profile form
Homework Assignment #2 Prepare YOUR story, facts and figures
One pager, how many people you serve, how has the need for service in your community expanded,
One Pager Template
Highlight programs in your library
Mission and vision
Understand the Issues Palm Card
ESEA School Librarians in every school!!!
LSTA
Net Neutrality
CSLA one pager? bring 15 copies
Palm Cards
Learn more about the issues online: briefing pages will be online mid-June
Five Minute Action Plan
all of the above and more