91´«Ã½

Deadline set for Dec. 1, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) invites library advocates to apply online to join the fourth cohort of 91´«Ã½ Policy Corps members. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1, 2021. The Corps initiative aims to strengthen advocacy related to key national library policy areas—ranging from broadband equity and copyright/licensing to federal funding and privacy and cybersecurity.

“Advocates with front-line library experience and a passion for advancing library policy goals are vital to increasing 91´«Ã½’s reach and influence,” said 91´«Ã½ President Patty Wong. “They bring the firsthand stories of what libraries do for their communities that are necessary to reach decision-makers.”

The Corps’ goals include developing and expanding policy expertise available to the library community, 91´«Ã½, and the Public Policy and Advocacy Office; creating longevity in expertise and engagement in early to mid-career library and information professionals; and positively impacting national public policy in areas key to 91´«Ã½’s strategic goals.

“It’s an honor to be part of this effort to grow our policy advocacy strength across all library types and across the country,” said Jim Neal, co-chair of the Policy Corps Advisory Group. “I’m looking forward to welcoming the fourth cohort to the team.”

The 91´«Ã½ is seeking to recruit up to 12 participants with diverse representation from across library types and geographies. Participants will deepen policy advocacy expertise and networks; create or enhance the skill set needed to impact legislation and policy; mentor others on a given policy issue of interest; participate in a cohort to share challenges and successes; and ultimately impact national, state, and local policymaking.

Characteristics of successful applicants include:

• 91´«Ã½ membership;
• At least five years of library experience;
• Past advocacy experience at the local, state, national and/or international level;
• Desire to develop one’s policy advocacy skills and apply them over a period of years;
• Solid speaking and writing skills;
• Policy area expertise and ability to express impact of legislation and policy on libraries and various communities of users we serve;
• Commitment to keeping current on policy-related library issues and to building and supporting a strong, national network of advocates over time;
• Ability to make and sustain a five-year commitment; and
• Support from a library or educational institution.

Preference will be given to applicants with prior engagement in 91´«Ã½ and state chapters, such as service on boards, committees, or other entities and/or participation in professional development or scholarship programs.

The application process for the 2021 91´«Ã½ Policy Corps is now open. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021: /advocacy/ala-policy-corps-application. Selected finalists will subsequently be asked to submit a two-minute recorded video presentation about a sample policy issue.

, including current members and working group members, is available at ala.org/advocacy/ala-policy-corps.