copyright © 2002 american association of school librarians1 what is advocacy training? n creating a...

Copyright © 2002 American Association of School Librarians 1

What is Advocacy Training?What is Advocacy Training? creating a common agenda

with school and education decision-makers

delivering the right message to the right person

lobbying effectively in a different political and economic environment

community partnerships and collaboration


Why is Advocacy Training Needed?


School library services are being de-valued in the current educational environment.

There are misconceptions about the internet and its role in information delivery.



Why is Advocacy Training Needed? There is a technology

bandwagon in Education, but there isn’t always a coherent plan for introducing it, maintaining or upgrading it.

The library’s role in implementing technology and providing training is not clear.


What is ...What is ...

Public Relations Getting the library’s

message across This is who we are and

what we do, this is when and where we do it and for whom...


What is... What is...

Marketing finding out what the

customer needs who are you, and

what do you need, how, where and when can we best deliver it to you [and what are you willing to pay?]


Advocacy is:Advocacy is: telling a library story creating conditions that

allow others to act on your behalf

expanding someone’s consciousness

evoking or creating memories

confirming your identity enhancing awareness,

appreciation, support

an exercise in creativity and initiative

an art and a science creating relationships,

partnerships, coalitions respecting other people’s

views, priorities and reasons

a responsibility of leaders about potential and the

future: the survival of school libraries


Roles in AdvocacyRoles in Advocacy Advocacy is built and sustained

over a time and requires the effort of many people at many levels.

It’s not the amount but the consistency of the effort, and the consistency of the message.

many issues which, if allowed to continue, will actually prevent students from becoming information literate and from becoming lifelong learners.

Do we all agree on the message?

Because Student

Achievement Is the

Bottom Line.


IssuesIssues SLMS not included in

curriculum planning outdated image of SMLS decision-makers lack

understanding of technology and information literacy skills

site-base decision-making diffuses support for school libraries

money goes to technology school library professionals

being replaced lack of support staff internet seen as panacea lack of on-site technical

support lack of technology training library facilities outdated


The Advocacy PlanThe Advocacy Plan

Advocacy is about RESPECT


The Advocacy PlanThe Advocacy Plan

Do we all have the same understanding of the issue?

Do we all agree that action must be taken?

Do we have the time to dedicate to a serious planning effort?

Will we make the time?


The 5-step Advocacy PlanThe 5-step Advocacy Plan

Objective: have a clear, measurable objective.

Target Group(s): know who is important in the achieving of your objective.


The 5-step Advocacy PlanThe 5-step Advocacy Plan

Strategies What? the obstacles When? Where? Who? How? the message


The 5-step Advocacy PlanThe 5-step Advocacy PlanCommunication

Tools: never start your planning with the communication tool. It’s Step # 4.

Evaluation: make it an integral part of the planning process from the outset


The Washington MomsThe Washington Moms Spokane Rally


Sample Advocacy Action Plan #1:Beulah Community by Judi Haver

Sample Advocacy Action Plan #1:Beulah Community by Judi Haver

Program: Satellite library serving both school and public (located in H. S.) Target Audience: High school students (both home school and public school)

High School Students' Agenda: Satellite Library Agenda:

Learn computer skills for school workOpportunities for more credit hoursMore help with projects

Increase usage of library by studentsDevelop clientele outside of school community

Proposed activities:Provide Spanish language tutoring for students taking Spanish and home schoolers looking for credit.

Host a workshop for developing computer skills for parents and students.

Develop a Teen Advisory Board for the Satellite library consisting of both home schoolers and public school teens. Purpose is to develop a student help blog and other activities.


Sample Advocacy Action Plan #2:Ashland-Greenwood Technology Program by Matt Flynn

Sample Advocacy Action Plan #2:Ashland-Greenwood Technology Program by Matt Flynn

Program: Technology Program in a rural bi-community middle school Target Audience: Parents of middle school students

Parents’ Agenda: Technology Program Agenda:

Children’s high academic achievementTrust administrators and teachersKeep up with technology so they can help students and make sure they are safe

Provide help and tools so students can achieve to their potentialMore funds for the aboveMore parental involvement for the above

Proposed activities:Do a series of articles about technology tips for parents in the monthly newsletter.

Begin a homework help night and ask for parent/student volunteers to assist.

Do evening training on Power School, popular software, parental safeguards, and use of ipods and 2.0 technology in doing homework.

Do 1-3 above before bond vote for more technology funds.


Sample Advocacy Action Plan #3:Elementary Library Media Center by Pam Klenner

Sample Advocacy Action Plan #3:Elementary Library Media Center by Pam Klenner

Program: Library Media Program in an elementary school Target Audience: New teachers

New Teachers’ Agenda: Library Media Program Agenda:

Learn new curriculumLearn how school resources can help them teachGet to know personnel in the school

Build positive relationships with staff in order to increase collaborationIncrease student interactionIncrease LMC usage

Proposed activities:Include 30 min. tour of LMC on new staff orientation day, including brochure of library services and resources.

LMS meet with new teachers individually to introduce herself and offer overview of curriculum and description of collaboration process.

LMS provide in-service for new teachers on the programs and technology used in the building and district.


SummarySummaryAn effective advocate:

– knows how to access and use necessary resources

– knows how to contact key decision-makers

– writes an effective letter to a decision-maker

– gets the right information to the decision-maker

– knows who can get to the key decision-makers

– understands the environment of the decision-maker

– says “thank you”.... often

– understands the importance of timing

– is never a lone wolf and never cries “wolf”


AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsThese slides were developed to accompany a training manual

used as part of the AASL Information Power Training Institute, July 1998. AASL acknowledges the contributions of:– the American Library Association,– the Canadian Library Association,– the Leadership Learning Center,– Pat Cavill Consulting and– Ken Haycock and Associates

to the development of these materials and

Dr. Sheryl R. Crow for the 2009 update.

copyright © 2002 american association of school librarians1 what is advocacy training? n creating a...

Documents

support n

advocacy n advocacy

reasons n

memories n

initiative n

science n

coalitions n

identity n