Monday, May 9, 2011

ALA Virtual Legislative Day allows library advocates to contact Congress from home


Virtual Library Legislative Day is part of the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Legislative Day on May 10, when hundreds of library advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staffs. Library advocates who cannot make it to Capitol Hill for the event can still be a part of the effort by calling and/or e-mailing their elected officials on May 10 – or any time the week of May 9-13.

So the trip to Washington isn’t in your budget? No problem! By calling and/or e-mailing your elected officials in Washington and asking them to vote for libraries, you can make a difference. Just five minutes of your time will help support and strengthen the efforts of the library supporters in Washington rallying on May 10. If you cannot call or e-mail your elected official on May 10, please do so sometime between May 9-13.

Spread the word – please share this opportunity to voice support for libraries to your Friends group members, Board of Trustees, library staff, patrons, and community at large. To help you achieve this, ALTAFF has provided a reproducible bookmark and flyer. Both can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/altaff/advocacy/virtualmarch/index.cfm. You can also promote on Facebook. RSVP (and share the event on your Facebook page) at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215175918508373.

Not sure who your elected officials are? Go to the Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/ala/home/.  If you have never used it before, check out the video tutorial at http://vimeo.com/10379244.

Finally, talking points will be posted on the ALTAFF website at the event draws closer. Be sure to check back at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/altaff/advocacy/virtualmarch/index.cfm.

Virtual Library Legislative Day is sponsored by ALTAFF, the ALA Washington Office, ALA Chapter Relations, and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me directly at bnawalinski@ala.org.

Mark your calendar and take five minutes to show your support for libraries!

No comments: