91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is seeking individuals who are willing to sustain and support the Foundation's mission to stand as candidates for election to its 2022-2023 Board of Trustees.

FTRF is a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) founded in 1969 to support and defend librarians whose positions are jeopardized because of their defense of the First Amendment, and to set legal precedent for the freedom to read on behalf of all people.

These rights are threatened as never before. Challenges to materials in school districts and public libraries have increased exponentially and the importance of ensuring equal access to information is critical, especially for those who are members of historically marginalized communities. FTRF's trustees and staff work to protect and defend First Amendment rights, including the right of libraries to collect and provide access to information that reflects diverse voices and the right of individuals to access that information.

The Foundation is led by a board of fifteen trustees, 11 of whom are elected by the FTRF membership. The term for an elected trustee is two years, and board members may serve two consecutive terms. In 2022, members of the Freedom to Read Foundation will elect five trustees to its board. The Board of Trustees meets at least twice a year in conjunction with 91´«Ã½ conferences traditionally held in January and June. Trustees also participate in committee meetings throughout the year with other trustees and members of the Foundation. Newly elected trustees will begin their two-year term at FTRF's annual meeting which will be held in June 2022.

Candidates standing for election to the FTRF Board of Trustees must be members in good standing of the Freedom to Read Foundation, commit to meeting with the FTRF Board and its committees at least once a month, and raise or donate at least $500 annually to the foundation.

Members of the FTRF Nominating Committee will evaluate and slate candidates for the election, which will take place in April 2022. Please let us know if you would like to be considered as a candidate for the FTRF Board or can recommend friends or colleagues as potential candidates. The deadline for nominations or self-nominations is Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. Contact Joyce McIntosh (jmcintosh@ala.org) or Karen Downing (kdownumich@gmail.com) with questions or to express interest in serving on the FTRF Board of Trustees.

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