SCASL Leadership Institute 2006: School Library Media Advocacy

Over 70 SCASL media specialists from across the state gathered at the Columbia Metro Convention Center on June 15 to participate in the 2006 Leadership Institute on School Library Media Advocacy. The Institute was moderated by Jim Johnson, Legislative Consultant.

The day was jam packed with information, presentations, and activities! Morning program features included Martha Alewine’s DVD presentation on School Library Media Advocacy Committees; Dr. Nancy Zimmerman on National Perspectives on Advocacy Issues; and Ida Thompson on Advocacy and Communications. The afternoon program included a panel discussion by Senator Joel Lourie, Richland County; Paula Benson, Staff Counsel for the S.C. Senate Judiciary Committee; and Lena Lee, Researcher for the House Education and Public Works Committee, on how the State Legislature works and how to communicate effectively with legislators and their staff members. Jim Johnson concluded the program with a session on how to use the Legislative Handbook as an aid to effective communications and an overview of the SCASL Legislative initiative – Strive for $25 – that will commence this fall.

Participants received Advocacy Toolkits including the AASL Advocacy handbook, S.C. Legislative Manual, and a CD-ROM of presentations and communications sheets. The Legislative Manuals were provided courtesy of members of the Anderson County Legislative delegation.

Participants enjoyed morning pastries and coffee, box lunches, and an afternoon fruit and soda break provided by David and Peggy Watson of Watson Library Services. Watson Library Services sponsored all the arrangements for this year’s Institute, including the conference center, AV, and catering. Tote bags and thousands of dollars of books and gift certificates for books were given away from the following companies: ABDO Publishing Company/Spotlight Books; Bearport Publishers; Capstone Press/Compass Point Books/Picture Window Books/Stone Arch Books; Enslow Publishers; The Child’s World; The Creative Company; and Mason Crest Publishers. No one went away without a free book, courtesy of Watson Library Services.

Thank you again, David and Peggy, for your generous support! Thanks also to Kathy Sutusky, SCASL Executive Secretary, for event pre-registration, and to Frankie O’Neal and the Regional Network for event promotion and running the onsite registration pickup table