The document discusses advocacy for tribal libraries. It defines advocacy and explains why it is important for tribal libraries. It discusses who tribal library advocates are and provides tips on how to conduct advocacy, including using basic tools like annual reports, business cards, and fact sheets. It emphasizes telling the library's story to decision makers to help them understand the library's importance and gain their support.

1. Advocacy for Tribal Libraries Sandy Littletree October 22, 2008 2008 National Institute for Tribal Libraries Tulsa, Oklahoma

2. What is Advocacy ?

3. Why is this important to tribal libraries ?

4. Who are library advocates?

5. How do you do it?

6. How do you do it?

7. What is Advocacy?

8. Advocacy = Public Relations + Lobbying + (Marketing and Publicity) + (Professionalism)

9. Public relations the everyday advocacy of working to provide the best library services and taking everyday opportunities to tell people about the library

10. Lobbying advocacy directed at decision-makers and politicians.

11. Getting the support you need from people who are in a position to help you and the library.

12. Getting decision makers, potential partners, and community members on the side of the library… through the messages you send on an ongoing basis.

13. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

16. Tribal libraries are special places. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

17. Our role: to educate our communities about why tribal libraries and librarians are essential in an information society. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

18. The possibilities of positive growth are endless. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

19. Decision makers may support the library in spirit, but may not realize all of the potential benefits a well-supported library would have for the community and its people. Now is the time to speak up for your library! Why is this important to tribal libraries?

20. Who are tribal library advocates?

23. How do you do it?

25. Basic Tools

26. Annual Report A basic tool for telling your library’s story, it should be brief, attractive and reinforce the library’s key message. Make sure it gets into the hands of tribal government officials, funders and other key stakeholders.

27. Business Card Don’t forget the obvious. Be sure to include the library’s URL and hours. Give it out as often as you can.

29. News Releases & Public Service Announcements Start with the most important information and end with the least. Be sure to cover the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why)—and H (How).

31. Get Recognized

34. Your Goal: Make it easy for decision makers to understand and support the library

36. How do you do it?

37. How do you do it?

39. Start now! Don’t wait for a crisis.

40. Ahéhee‘ Thank You! Sandy Littletree [email_address]