Advocacy training for library staff

1. Advocacy 101 “Access to knowledge is the superb, the supreme act of truly great civilizations. Of all the institutions that purport to do this, free libraries stand virtually alone in accomplishing this.” Toni Morrison, American author

2. What will we do today? Learn what “advocacy” is. How can staff help advocate? What should staff say? Who should they say it to? Where can staff advocate?

3. What is advocacy? “The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause; active support.” The American Heritage College Dictionary, 4th ed., 2007

4. Just imagine… Catawba County Board of Commissioners Kitty W. Barnes, Chair Barbara G. Beatty Dan A. Hunsucker Lynn Mull Lail, Vice-Chair Glenn E. Barger

5. So what is the result of that vote? What’s missing in Catawba County and who misses it?

6. How can staff help? You are the “face” of the library in the community! Remind them what the library does for the quality of life in Catawba County. ADVOCATE!

7. What should you say? In Catawba County, library service only costs you $19.24 per year. This is the per capita amount spent on public libraries from your taxes and is about the cost of one book. Most of the library’s revenue comes from property and sales tax revenue. Public libraries are not just collections of materials, but are also a neutral community space where people can: Meet Read Learn Explore ______ (You fill in the blank!)

9. Who should you say this to? Anyone!  But especially to influencers Anyone who has the power to impact public policy issues in Catawba County.

10. Where should you advocate? In the library… with the customers you serve every day! At the grocery store. Wherever you exercise. At church. In your neighborhood. Anywhere you meet people that you can share the message with…

11. Keep our libraries funded and strong!