Ask the Advocate: Find What You Need to Make the Case Webinar 2/29

Received this information from the Florida Library Association's Listserv.
“Ask the Advocate” webinar provides opportunity to talk to ALA experts and learn about ALA advocacy resources CHICAGO –“Ask the Advocate: Find What You Need to Make the Case” will be the topic of a free webinar on Wednesday, February 29, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CST. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions pertaining to advocacy issues at their library, as well as learn who resources are available to help make the case for libraries. Patricia Tumulty, Chair, ALA’s Committee on Library Advocacy (COLA), and Marci Merola, Director, ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy (OLA) will take questions from attendees during this open forum style webinar and share their expertise on successful advocacy efforts. They will highlight ALA’s Advocacy University, which provides information, courses and tools to help library advocates make the case at the local level. Registration is mandatory. Visit https://ala.ilinc.com/register/bfhjyyt to sign up today.

Library Lovers' Month (Feb)

Almost forgot to post this.

Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. http://www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers/

Thank You FLA and Library Day Supporters

Thank you to the Florida Library Association (FLA) for organizing Library Day at the Capitol yesterday, and keeping all of us informed on funding levels for State Aid to Libraries ($21.3 Million currently allocated in the House) and the Multitype Library Cooperatives (MLCs) - ($1.2 Million currently allocated in the House.) Let's all hope the Senate will match this early in the Legislative process.

Libraries change lives, all of us that work/volunteer/advocate for library see this impact every day in the people that we meet and interact with. It was great to see the many people that showed up yesterday at the Capitol wearing the " I Support Libraries" buttons that FLA gave out. I hope at the end of the session to have people join me at the Capitol in holding Thank You Signs for our Represenatives.

Thank You Luly Castro

Thank you Luly Castro, Director of the Southwest Florida Library Network for allowing myself and my group of library advocates to attend so many of the appointments that you and your group of advocates worked so hard in arranging. Our unified message of the importance of the Multitype Library Cooperatives (MLCs) and libraries working together to serve the citizens of Florida was excellent.

Library Day at the Legislature 2/1/2012 (Florida)

I will be at the Capitol tomorrow. Good luck to all.

Florida Advocacy Webinar, January 26, 2012

Source: Florida Library Association (FLA)
A webinar will be held to provide advocates with the most up-to-date information available prior to Library Day for those who will be attending Library Day as well as those who have questions prior to contacting their legislators. Sign up here

Florida Legislature Convenes Tuesday, January 10

Source: Florida Library Association (FLA)
Since 2012 is a Reapportionment year for the Florida legislature, their 60 day regular session begins Tuesday, January 10th instead of in early March.

Key Legislative Leaders & Committees for Florida Libraries
Senate Senator Mike Haridopolos (r) – President, 2011-12 – Represents parts of Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, and St. Lucie counties / haridopolis.mike.web@flsentate.gov / District (321)752-3131 / Tallahassee (850)487-5056
Senator Don Gaetz (r), President designate – Represents parts of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa Walton counties / gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov / District (850)897-5747 / Tallahassee (850)487- 5009
Senator JD Alexander (r),Budget Committee Chair – Represents Hardee, Highlands, and parts of DeSoto, Glades, Okeechobee, Polk, and St. Lucie counties – Alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov / District (863)679-4847 / Tallahassee (850)487-5044

Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (r), Chair – Represents parts of Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Palm Beach counties / benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov / District (561)753-2440 / Tallahassee (850)487-5356
Senator Gwen Margolis (d), Vice-Chair – Represents parts of Broward, and Miami-Dade counties / margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov / District (305)571-5777 / Tallahassee (850)487-5121

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House
Rep. Dean Cannon (r) – Speaker - Represents part of Orange County – Speaker designate 2011-12 – dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov / District (407) 623-5740 / Tallahassee (850)488-2742
Rep. Will Weatherford (r) – Speaker Designate - Represents parts of Hillsborough and Pasco counties – Speaker designate 2013-14 -will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov / District (813)558-5115 / Tallahassee (850)488-5744
Rep. Denise Grimsley (r) Appropriations Committee Chair – Represents Glades, Hendry and parts of Collier and Highlands counties / denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov / District (863)385-5251 / Tallahassee (850)488-3457

Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
Rep. Mike Horner (r), Chair – Represents parts of Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties / mike.horner@myfloridahouse.gov / District (407)943-3077 / Tallahassee (850)488-8992
Rep. Rachel Burgin (r), Vice-Chair – Represents part of Hillsborough County – rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov / District (813)655-3742 / Tallahassee (850)488-9910

How To Protest Library Cuts

Posted: 12/15/11 huffingtonpost.com This is a battle for the survival of libraries not as book storehouses, but as cultural institutions where all are welcome and respected. That is why we stand in the streets and shout. Source

Education, Advocacy and Lobbying – Oh My!: What’s Allowed (and What’s Not) When Reaching out to Elected Officials

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/222077842

Politicians, lobbyists and advocates alike use the terms “education,” “advocacy” and “lobbying” interchangeably. But what do they all mean? When associated with a government agency or a non-profit it can be very confusing to know what’s allowed – and what will land you in hot water. In this session we’ll look at both the letter and the spirit of the law when it comes to lobbying and advocacy, as well as specific criteria you can use to assess your own situation. Since local library supporters, whether staff, friends, trustee or board members, have the most influence in the legislative process, it’s important to know just how far you can go in connecting them with policymakers. Believe it or not, you have more latitude than you think. And, of course, as a private citizen no one can curtail your right to speak up and make a difference.

Grassroots Advocacy: Putting Yourself Out There

Posted 10/26/2011 American Libraries Magazine
A grassroots push is a terrific advertising tool, and it can be really fun to pull off. It’s a wonderful motivator to get people out and keep them coming back to do more. An event can score press coverage, and it will allow you to frame the debate the way you want it to be seen. Having a rally, a march, or a read-in gets to the heart of activism and advocacy. Mobilizing people toward a common goal is an incredible achievement, in whatever form you accomplish it.
Source