Whether it is a matter of seeking funding for Lunch at the Library or finding support for the lifelong learning efforts that are an integral part of the way libraries serve communities in California and beyond, our work starts with collaboration. Identifying priorities, building coalitions, and communicating effectively with legislators to provide equitable access to critical library and information services requires the ability to build and sustain effective, productive coalitions—the heart of what the California Library Association fosters through its work.

Focusing on several elements of CLA’s 2023 legislative priorities, this highly-interactive CLA Ursula Meyer Advocacy Fund training session explores topics including advocacy to provide broadband equity and digital literacy, freedom to read and access material with diverse points of view, libraries as safe havens for all community members, and lifetime literacy (early literacy, school readiness, adult literacy, career develop, vocational support, and assistance to vulnerable populations)—all within the context of how CLA can help you in your own efforts in these areas.

Goal:

By participating in this session, you will learn about current CLA legislative priorities and how you and your CLA peers can effectively collaborate in working to implement legislative priorities.

During the session, you will:

Explore at least four legislative priorities to see how your own involvement might help you better serve your community

Identify at least three ways to collaborate with your CLA peers to produce positive results in advancing your legislative priorities

Draft an initial plan of action for you and your colleagues to pursue as advocates for library programs and services

N.B.: If you want to prepare for the session, you can:

Skim the CLA 2023 legislative priorities here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.cla-net.org/resource/resmgr/legislative/legislative_priorities/cla_legispriorities_2023.pdf

View part or all of a previous 90-minute Ursula Meyer Advocacy Fund training session focused on the legislative process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJT871Z8-ME&list=PLdrlIGxgBLmXyjrj1cHsWCcSm5vlPiXa8&index=8