Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
October 6, 2017
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Legislative Fall Forum 2017 Highlights
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Indiana Library Federation held its annual
Legislative Fall Forum
on Thursday, October 6. Fall Forum followed the Indiana Public Library Association conference on Wednesday, where
Drew Klacik from IU Public Policy Institute
prepared our thinking with data from the
Thriving Communities, Thriving State
project. Population and workforce projections generated a rich conversation about the role of libraries to help Indiana with workforce and quality of life strategies for the State. Chief Strategy Officer for
IN Department of Workforce Development Nick Goodwin
spoke at the Fall Forum. Check out presentations from
Drew Klacik
or
Nick Goodwin
.
Fall Forum participants reviewed ILF survey data about specific policy proposals received from members over the last year. The survey asked views about the extent to which specific policy proposals would build library supporters, be important to the ILF mission and vision and be easy to pass and implement. The "ah-ha" moments of the day related to the interdependence between certain proposals and the sustained efforts that many ideas require for success.
Recognizing the need for long-term strategies, participants divided into groups to take a deeper dive into specific issues. Each table analyzed the barriers, strategies and resources needed to advance a policy idea. The
Legislative Committee
will take the information gleaned from the survey and from each table's analysis and then draft the policy priorities for 2018 and beyond. The Committee identified a clear consensus around
support for expanded broadband
and
libraries' roles in information literacy, education and workforce development
, though the specific proposals are not fleshed out. More info will be shared in the coming months.
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ILF awarded contract from DWD
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The
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
(DWD) awarded ILF a contract to lead the
Adult Literacy Study
, as a result of
SEA108
. ILF is contracting with Community Solutions, an experienced research and consulting firm, to complete the study with input from experts in and providers of adult literacy services. Key stakeholders recognize that individuals who test below a 6th grade reading level often do not have the same access to certain state-funded or federally-funded programs and rely on community-based programs. This study will help policymakers understand the universe of providers, the breadth, depth and gaps in services.
If
your library or community offers any type of adult literacy below the High School Equivalency (HSE)
,
please contact us with "Adult Literacy" in the subject line
, as we want to make sure your community's programs are in the sample. Also contact us if you would like to be a part of the ad hoc adult literacy workgroup, which met last month in preparation for the DWD bid. We are required to deliver the report to DWD by November 15, for a report to the Indiana General Assembly.
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Legislative Interim Study Committees
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Interim study committees are wrapping up in October at the
Indiana General Assembly
. ILF is monitoring a few that relate to work in libraries.
Later this month, the committee is expected to address the state's plan for compliance with the
Every Student Succeeds Act
.
Upcoming study committees:
ILF and our contracted lobby firm
Bose Public Affairs
continue to monitor committees for issues that relate to libraries or our
Strategic Vision and
Policy Priorities.
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ALA Advocacy Bootcamp Pre-Conference on Nov. 13
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Only a few days left to
register at the current rates for the ILF Annual Conference
. If you are interested in increasing your understanding or skills in advocacy, register to attend the
ALA Advocacy Bootcamp, on Monday afternoon, Nov. 13
. Staff experts from ALA will lead participants through sessions about advocacy in the current political climate, effective communications and overall strategy. This half-day pre-conference is also ideal for trustees, friends and directors who are thinking about a referendum or capital project in the near future.
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ALA highlights ILF's Advocacy Efforts
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The
American Library Association
(ALA) recently published an article about our legislative success and strategies in the 2017 session. The Office of Communications described our use of the
Libraries Transform Indiana
campaign. See the ALA
article
,
which features a quote from
Dr. Tim Brown
, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
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Indiana Libraries and "skilling up" our residents
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- Seventeen libraries hosted employer input sessions for Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in September. Leading employers from the manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare and technology sectors shared information about the types of skills needed today and in the near future. Sessions ignited possible collaboration between libraries and DWD as we collectively work to "skill up" Indiana's workforce.
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Legislative Updates from Bose Public Affairs
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Matt Long
serves as our primary account manager with
Bose Public Affairs
, our contracted firm for government affairs. Through our contract, we have access to the entire team of government affairs experts.
See the
latest Bose Report
for a quick summary of news from the Statehouse. (Remember that Bose Reports require your ILF Member Login. Contact us if you forgot your login or password.)
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