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CHICAGO – The Alabama School Library Association (ASLA) is the recipient of the 2018 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant for their “No Other Option Summit.” Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 grant is given to AASL-affiliated school library associations for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels.

Recognizing that succession planning and new member induction are critical to association success and school library advocacy, ASLA aims to create a member-focused strategic plan by bringing together a geographically distributed network of early career professionals to reimagine 21st-century association priorities. “No Other Option” will focus on aligning ASLA’s strategic initiatives with member needs and empowering newer professionals, especially those from underrepresented areas of Alabama.

The ASLA board will facilitate the day-long summit, which will include team-building exercises, an association SWOT analysis and Johari windows. All materials created for the event will be housed on the association website with share-alike licensing for reuse by other groups seeking to induct new members. ASLA will also include immediate leadership opportunities for participants by inviting them to present on the summit experience at the association’s two other annual events.

“ASLA was chosen because their plan is designed around ensuring association success, as well as continued advocacy for school libraries,” said Mona Batchelor, award committee chair. “By mounting the No Other Option Summit, while focusing on the selection of participants from three strategic groups (early career professionals, those not previously involved with ASLA, and applicants from underrepresented areas of the state), ASLA looks to expand organizational demographics, broaden geographic reach, and combat inequities that are often roadblocks to participation. We look forward to hearing of their success.”

The AASL award winners will be honored at the AASL Awards Ceremony & President’s Program during the 2018 91��ý Annual Conference in New Orleans. The ceremony will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. All are welcome to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers during this recognition event.

The American Association of School Librarians , a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.