An ALA Washington Office Webinar Make a Difference for Libraries in D.C. (Really, it's Possible)

Your Checklist Five Things to Do TODAY What’s Happening (or NOT) in D.C. About the Webinar TOPICS

About the Webinar Muting Questions Toolbar Follow-up materials and recording

Former DC Staff Director for Rep. Blumenauer Former Lobbyist National Public Radio Author 5 books on Advocacy Long-time ALA Friend Who’s Speaking? Stephanie Vance

What's Happening (or NOT) in D.C. The Budget, Appropriations Process, Continuing Resolution, Debt Ceiling and More Demystified (in about 5 Minutes!)

Terms / Dates Government shut down if no agreement on spending Impact on libraries depends on type of library Potential for long-term problems with funding from various federal programs End of Fiscal Year (September 30 th ) If no agreement on overall funding, Congress must pass a “CR” that will keep the government funded through a deadline set by the resolution This has happened every year since 1998 In 2001 there were 21 continuing resolutions Continuing Resolution (if agreed to)

Terms / Dates Under regular order, Congress would pass 12 separate appropriations bills An “omnibus” bill combines those appropriations into one A “minibus” bill combines a few into one Omnibus Appropriations Bill When the debt ceiling is reached, the Federal Government will be unable to borrow money to fund activities. This is expected to happen around October 15th Debt Ceiling

The Perfect Fiscal Storm Concern about Federal Spending Desire to eliminate funding for Affordable Care Act / Obamacare Library Funding’s Position in Controversial Bills End of Fiscal Year and Debt Limit What this means Speak now or forever hold your peace!

Number One: Connect Through Social Media Text “Library” to to sign up for ALA alerts (and take action!)

Number Two: Invite District Staff to the Library Who are “district staff?” How do I find them? Who do I ask for? What do I say? (you can invite legislators too, but let’s focus on something easy!)

Number Three: Engage Others TODAY Decision Maker Policy Allies Political Allies Friends and Family Staff Library Supporters

Number Three Continued… Decision Maker Policy Allies Political Allies Friends and Family Staff Library Supporters Train Your Advocates Use the recordings available through the Advocacy University. More available soon! What do you need?

Number Four: Get to Know the DC and District Staff How do you find them? Call and ask – here’s a sample script: Hello Rep. So-and-So’s Office Hello, I’d like to speak with the person who handles education issues (SV note: start there) May I say who’s calling? [Your name] One moment [pause]. I’m sorry so- and-so is away from the office. May I connect you to her/his voice mail? Yes please. And may I get the address as well?

Number Four Continued… Your message Hello my name is [] and I’m from []. I’d like to set up a call/visit with you to discuss our library and the services it provides to our community. I know Rep/Senator So-and-so is very interested in how public services like ours address the needs of our citizens. We rely on a number of local, state and federal programs to make that possible. I’d like an opportunity to discuss those services and how we might improve / protect the federal partnership.

Number Five: Townhalls What is a “townhall?” How do they take place? In-person Virtual Telephone How do you do it?

Respond to Our Survey ms/libraries-influence-activities- opportunities/ A Bonus

Checklist for Education, Advocacy, Lobbying and Beyond!  Connect on Social Media  Facebook  Twitter  Linked-In  YouTube  Invite District Staff to the library  Put “Library Advocacy” on the agenda for a friends / trustees meeting  Get acquainted with DC and District Staff  Find out when townhall meetings are and make plans to attend  Find and train others who can lobby  Respond to our survey so we can give you everything you need!  Current example of “can you lobby” slide show

ALA Washington Office Contact

Contact Information Ted Wegner, ALA Washington Office Washington Office Line: (202) (800) (for the cash strapped among us) Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru (202)