The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.
After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:
Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.
Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.
What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.
What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)
Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.
Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!
Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025