Description

Join us for the Maryland Library Advocates Unite: A Library Advocacy Conference, a one-day conference designed to empower library workers, stakeholders, and supporters with the tools they need to speak up and take action for all Maryland libraries. Through expert-led sessions, practical strategies, and collaborative learning, attendees will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage stakeholders, influence policy, and strengthen support for libraries at every opportunity. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, this event will equip you to be a powerful voice in supporting Maryland libraries.

Program Cost:
$75 - MLA Members
$100 - Public Registration
$50 - ALA Dual Membership, Student Membership, Retired

A boxed lunch is included in your registration fee. 

Session 1: Thriving Libraries & Communities Through Advocacy at All Levels 

Think advocacy is only for the CEO? Want to speak up for the future of your library system, but you don't know how? Reimagine what advocacy could look like! You'll learn about how one library system created a comprehensive advocacy effort involving staff at all levels, donors, customers, and elected officials to help secure better funding and legislative support. Walk away empowered to advocate effectively for your library with concrete strategies that you can adapt to your specific system or situation. For too long, employees at all levels have lacked a platform to advocate or speak out on behalf of the marginalized communities they serve. This presentation aims to empower all staff with the tools needed to champion both the library and underserved populations they represent. Attendees will learn how to shift advocacy from being a top-down management responsibility to a collaborative, inclusive effort that engages staff at all levels, along with donors, customers, and partners, ultimately benefiting both the library system and the broader community.

Presenters: Christine Feldman, Director of Marketing and Communications and Carol Cason, Regional Manager, Anne Arundel County Public Library 

Session 2: Empowering Library Advocates

This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the Maryland General Assembly and its legislative process. Attendees will learn practical skills, including navigating legislative resources, developing effective advocacy strategies, and engaging in advocacy as individuals, within their library organizations, and through the Maryland Library Association.

Presenter: Tif Sutherland, Reference Supervisor, Calvert Library and Chair of the Maryland Library Association Library Advocacy Interest Group

Session 3: Branching Out: Growing Strategic Community Connections

This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the Maryland General Assembly and its legislative process. Attendees will learn practical skills, including navigating legislative resources, developing effective advocacy strategies, and engaging in advocacy as individuals, within their library organizations, and through the Maryland Library Association.

Presenters: Jessica EL-Zeftawy, Development Officer and Bryan Hissong, Community Engagement Manager, Frederick County Public Libraries 

Session 4: Crafting Your Library Advocacy Elevator Speech

Learn how to effectively, confidently, and concisely share your library's value in any setting. In this session, you'll develop a compelling elevator speech that highlights your library's impact and value and communicates why support for Maryland libraries matters. Whether you're speaking to a legislator, donor, or community member, you'll leave with a framework to create a ready-to-use message tailored to your audience and purpose.

Presenter: TBD