Advocating for Libraries in Tough Times A presentation for the American Association of School Librarians

Topics The Factors: Why Advocate? But Wait! I Can’t Advocate! The Tools: Four Strategies The Actions: Five Steps You Can Take Today

But First, a Short Quiz True or False: Because the Presidential Oath of Office was incorrectly administered, Obama is not the President What percentage of states are facing a budget shortfall in FY2009? What is YOUR share of the National Debt? How many times so far this year has the word “library” been mentioned in a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress? How about the word “school” What’s my point?

The Factors What factors do YOU think influence an elected official?

Potential Factors: Personal Relationships – Friends – Staff – Family The Message Money? Their Own Principles and Passions MOST IMPORTANT Their Constituents Representative Democracy reflects and amplifies the POWER of the Grassroots

But Wait! I Can’t Advocate! Definitions: Lobbying, advocacy and “education” What’s the rule of law in your state? What’s the spirit in your community? What should you always be able to do?

How Can We Do All This? Four Key Steps Know WHAT you want Know WHO you’re talking to Know HOW to talk to them Know how to FOLLOW- UP

Applying the Strategies to the Real World Five Resolutions for State Affiliate Leaders in Tough Times

I Resolve… To specify both short term “crisis” and long term “relationship building” goals – Short term Organize and speak out on state budget cuts Organize and speak out on Federal economic stimulus Identify new local sources of funding and support – Long term Ensure that relevant elected officials and their staff know of the value the library brings to the community AASL’s “Crisis” and “Health” Toolkits Why?

Action Plan  Outline up to 2 short term, critical challenges  Outline up to 5 relationship building activities  Intro to new members  Site visit  Attend / host townhall meeting  Invite staff to library event  Article / CR statement

I resolve… To immediately identify at least 5 potential partners to work with – School libraries: Parents groups – Public libraries: Friends, Trustees, Chamber, other community organizations – Academic / technical libraries: Student groups, academic leaders Why?

Action Plan  Brainstorm with staff, friends, existing coalitions on potential new partners  Identify up to 5 new partners  Create a one-pager or brochure that explains the specific short and long term goals and how they can help  Cross-match coalition members with appropriate target audience members

I Resolve… To focus on quality grassroots communications, not just quantity Why? – Recent reports show that fewer quality communications have a more powerful impact Recent reports – What is “quality”? Relevant to the recipient Personalized -- no matter how it is delivered Fact-based and localized

Action Plan  Identify up to 5 key decision makers for your crisis and long terms goals  Develop a strategy for outreach to those that incorporates communication that is both relevant and personalized

Scenarios: Quality Communications Scenario One: State legislature proposes to cut funding. Must reach committee chairs, leadership and governor. Scenario Two: Legislation is introduced at the federal level that might help (or harm) libraries. Scenario Three: Mayor proposes to eliminate funding for repairs.

Examples of AASL Resources

I Resolve… To train others in the process of grassroots advocacy so they can deliver the message – Not issues, or legislative process: Key is knowing how to communicate Why?

Action Plan  Create a page on your website offering resources on advocacy  Connect patrons to  Schedule up to 3 webinars / conference calls in the next couple months  Review list of upcoming events (such as PTA meetings) and ask to distribute flyer on funding situation and/or speak  Identify 3 coalition member meetings that you can address

I Resolve… To use every AASL and ALA resource available to implement these ideas – The AASL Crisis Tool Kit – Office of Library Advocacy (economic times packet) Office of Library Advocacy – Add It Up! ALA’s new resource page to help advocates make the case ( – Leg Day Leg Day –

Action Plan  Review AASL resources  Provide links through your website, where relevant  Consider attending ALA Leg Day

The Five Minute Action Plan Write down three strategies you’ll implement today (or tomorrow)?

Ready to take on the role of “advocator-in-chief”? Take the Advocacy Oath of Office

Contact Information Kristin Murphy, ALA Washington Office – – Washington Office Line: (202) – Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru – – (202) –