Advocacy Resources for Chapters

Advocacy Support and Resources for Chapters

The ALA Chapter Relations Office (CRO) is an essential resource for libraries and their advocates. Our team is dedicated to supporting the American Library Association's advocacy efforts by monitoring federal, state, and local legislation and other issues that affect libraries. We work closely with other ALA units, including the Office of Intellectual Freedom, Communications and Marketing Office, and Public Policy and Advocacy Office, to ensure that your advocacy efforts are comprehensive and effective.

If you're looking to expand your advocacy efforts, we're here to offer advice, support, and guidance to help you succeed at no cost to your Chapter.

We offer a variety of advocacy assistance to ALA Chapters, including helping them develop and maintain their own bill tracking and advocacy platforms. These platforms enable Chapter members to contact their state legislators and other elected or appointed officials, advocating for library-related issues. Your Chapter will be in control of your advocates and data.

Chapter Advocacy Exchange provides valuable information and guidance on advocacy tools and strategies. These free webinars are presented by the CRO and the ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office and are a great resource for library advocates.

If you are an ALA Chapter leader, we encourage you to contact us today to set up an appointment to explore our advocacy resources.

Please send any comments or questions regarding our services to the Chapter Relations Office. We are here to support you in your efforts to advocate for your libraries and communities.

Contact: Chapter Relations Office.

Advocacy Resources

CRO has curated a collection of advocacy resources from around the ALA that are relevant to ALA Chapters.

General Advocacy Resources

Advocacy, Legislation & Issues – Landing page for finding support and guidance from ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy

ACRL Academic Library Advocacy Toolkit – Equip academic library administrators and library professionals with the resources they need to advocate for the value, roles, and contributions of academic libraries to their campus communities

ALA Ecosystem Initiative – A multi-year effort to strengthen the library ecosystem through identification of shared priorities for action and unified messaging.

ALSC Everyday Advocacy – A grassroots effort to expand on the incredible things librarians and library workers who work with youth and families are already doing.

Disaster Relief Fund – ALA's Disaster Relief Fund provides funds to libraries in the U.S. and around the world that have been damaged or destroyed due to natural or man-made disasters. Coordination with ALA chapter is encouraged for domestic libraries.

Fund Libraries – Federal campaign for library organizations to support the effort for increased federal funding to IMLS and other programs.

ilovelibraries – ilovelibraries.org is an initiative of ALA designed to keep America informed about what’s happening in today’s libraries.

Libraries Transform. – Campaign designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact and services provided by libraries and library professionals. Also, see the Libraries Transform Toolkit, specifically the State Chapters Toolkit.

State Legislative Toolkit – Guide to legislation advocacy for library organizations.

Turning the Page: Supporting Libraries, Strengthening Communities – Advocacy training curriculum is designed for the public library community – librarians, library directors, library staff, and partners.

United for Libraries – Advocacy resources for trustees, friends and foundations

YALSA Advocacy Toolkit – Ongoing advocacy effort toolkit to ensure that all teens have access to great libraries.

Intellectual Freedom and Adverse Legislation Resources

Address Adverse Legislation – Guide to address adverse legislation for library organizations.

Adverse Legislation In the States (Member-Only Content) – Summery of adverse legislation types and a live tracker from ALA managed by CRO, PPA and OIF.

Freedom to Read Foundation – An affiliated organization with ALA that is active in the direct participation in litigation, grants and education at the intersection of libraries and First Amendment.

Hateful Conduct in Libraries – Toolkit to address the spike in reported hate crimes in American libraries and to prepare and respond to incidents.

Intellectual Freedom Blog of the Office of Intellectual Freedom – Weekly roundup of intellectual freedom and censorship news

LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund – Fund that grants to librarians and library workers who are denied employment rights on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, age, disability, place of national origin or defense of intellectual freedom.

Library Bill of Rights & Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights – Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices and interpretations provide additional guidance.

Office for Intellectual Freedom – Subject matter experts providing confidential support to those facing challenges and free consulting to prepare organizations for adverse policies, legislation or actions.

Protocol for Monitoring and Responding to State and Local Library Crises. – ALA protocol to respond to library crises at the state and local level.

Resource Guide for Library Safety and Preparedness – Public Library Association and ALA have compiled a range of resources and knowledge to help library workers and patrons stay safe and prepared.

Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit – Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries

The Chapter Relations Office is ready to support your advocacy, please set up a consultation with us today. Contact: Chapter Relations Office.