Thank you for registering to attend one (or more!) of the Library Legislative Meetups. We look forward to seeing you at these events. We would like to share some helpful information in preparation for the meetups.
FIVE STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEETUP
- Know the legislative issues.
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Know who your legislators are.
Take some time to look up your legislators and be ready to engage in conversation with them or their staff during the meal. ILA keeps a list of the local legislators invited to the meetups and those that have confirmed attendance. (Scroll down to the meetup you're registered for and click on the blue, italcized Legislators link.) However, keep in mind that even if the ILA office has not received an RSVP from a legislator or their staff, that does not mean they will not be in attendance. Local coordinators and ILA staff worked hard to make sure all legislators were aware of the event. They may show up without prior notice and it’s best to be prepared.
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Share your library stories.
What impact does your library make in your community? What impact would prospective legislation have on your ability to serve your community? Give your legislators examples of the ways your library benefits your community.
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Make connections and follow-up.
The meetups are excellent opportunities to make connections with legislators and their staff. Invite them to visit your library or to hold their next meeting or event at the library. Even if your legislators were unable to attend, use what you learned during the meetups, prepare your staff to advocate and invite the legislators to your library.
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Bring advocacy back to your library.
As you attend the meetup, think of ways to bring advocacy back to your library. Share your experience and what you have learned with your library staff and trustees.
A friendly reminder: please arrive at the scheduled time for your meetup, not earlier. If you happen to arrive early, please be patient and allow the local volunteer coordinators and ILA staff to finish setting up and prepare for the event. We will not be able to provide you with your badge and agenda until the scheduled time that doors open. Thank you!
We encourage you to take some time to review the Ready, Set, Advocate presentations and toolkit. The Ready, Set, Advocate package has been created for you, the library supporter, so that you can be the best library advocate.
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