Advocacy Calendar

The Calendar is intended to provide library directors, trustees or friends with activities to engage in throughout the year that will help to foster ongoing relationships with elected officials.  These activities lay the groundwork for developing library supporters and champions. 

As a library advocate you can begin today to make a difference in how your community’s elected officials view the library.  The library is a vibrant and active part of a local community, as are a community’s leaders.  We should reach out to them on a regular basis (and not just when we want something).   So here are some activities to consider.  They are not written in stone and you can easily make substitutions that make sense for your community.  The important thing is to reach out and let your community’s leaders know your library and the role it plays in your community.  Over time these activities will become second nature.

January

• If newly elected or re-elected, drop your elected official a note congratulating him/her.  Take the opportunity to share some background information about the library.  Offer a library tour and card.

February

• Invite an elected official to a program at the library.  If he/she attends be sure to make introductions and ask him/her to say a word of welcome.

March

• Drop by the local office of your elected official to chat about libraries and drop off flyers about upcoming programs.  Talk with whoever is there and don’t worry if you don’t get to see the official in person.

April

• It’s national library week – make sure your elected officials are aware of the activities at the library.   Ask them to participate in some way.

May

• Update your mailing lists to make sure all offices of elected officials get your mailings (newsletters, press releases, etc.)

June

• Drop your elected officials a note mentioning summer reading.   Ask if they have any prizes to donate or would like to participate in any way.

July

• Remind elected officials that your library has a meeting room that they might like to use for community gatherings or local office hours.

August

• Many elected officials have newsletters.  Write a short article and ask them to consider including it in an upcoming issue.  For federal officials write an article about the benefits of LSTA or E-Rate for your library.  For state officials write about how your community uses NJKI, JerseyClicks or Q&ANJ.

September

• Take the time to understand what issues are important to your elected officials.  Send an email to their office when you come across something related to those issues that could be of interest.  Offer to serve as a resource if research is needed.

October

• Attend candidate forums to get to know those running for office. Be sure to introduce yourself and the library.

November

• Invite elected officials to attend a Board meeting.  If they come make sure there is time on the agenda to hear from the official.

December

• Send holiday greetings to each of the people you’ve met over the last year and thank them for their time and interest in the library.

Please share your suggestions with us! What activities are on YOUR advocacy calendar?