Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee

Charge

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To inform and advise PLA Board and staff on strategic partnership opportunities with federal agencies and national organizations with shared values and alignment with public libraries; to develop and support strategic relationships that are beneficial to PLA and public libraries; to capture and share examples of strategic partnerships with public libraries that positively impact communities and advance national priorities; to serve as a liaison with the 91´«Ã½ Office for Library Advocacy, the 91´«Ã½ Washington Office, and others as needed to help ensure that the advocacy needs of public librarians are represented in their initiatives; to strengthen the advocacy skills of public librarians; to work with PLA Board and staff toward achieving PLA strategic planning goals.

Deliverables and outcomes:

  • Share and discuss effective practices for advancing advocacy and strategic partnership development for U.S. public libraries
  • Identify and help to prioritize strategic partnership opportunities with federal agencies and national organizations for recommendation to PLA and public libraries
  • Develop and help raise awareness of tools and resources that aid public libraries in their advocacy and strategic partnership development efforts
  • Increase PLA’s capacity to support public libraries in effective advocacy and strategic partnership development

Expected time commitment:

  • Attend 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference for an in-person committee meeting (1–2 hours/year plus travel time)
  • Attend virtual meetings (6–10 hours/year)
  • Review and respond to emails and 91´«Ã½ Connect messages (2–3 hours/year)

Desired skills, knowledge, or experience:

  • Passion for advocating on behalf of public libraries at the local, state and/or national levels
  • Experience leading advocacy campaigns and influencing elected and appointed officials, as well as other funders and champions, to support public library programs and services
  • Ability to represent the public library field and advocate for its needs to meet community priorities

Roster

No roster found.

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Composition

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The Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee consists of a minimum of four members, up to 10 members, appointed from the membership at large and led by a chair.

Origin

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Established at the request of the PLA Board. The committee was formerly known as the Legislation and Advocacy Committee, but was renamed and adopted a revised charge in spring 2018 by PLA Board vote.

Staff Liaison

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Mary Hirsh

Deputy Director, Programs

312-280-5039

mhirsh@ala.org

Get Involved

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To be a thriving, vibrant organization, PLA must have committed and active committee members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please read and fill out the online volunteer form.

  • Volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis.
  • Appointments are made by the PLA President and President-Elect, primarily in the spring.
  • Volunteers must be members of 91´«Ã½ and PLA.

on 91´«Ã½ Connect to stay up-to-date on these topics and connect with peers on similar issues. PLA personal membership is required to join.