Participate in National Library Legislative Week—May 4 through May 8—from Home

While our in-person NLLD 2020 was canceled, ALA is hosting a week's worth of advocacy training and activities for library advocates of all kinds. Typically, NLLD has a registration cost and specialized trainings, like the Congressional Management Foundation webinar, are available to ALA members only. During this critical moment, we are opening access to everyone. Our vision is that library advocates will have the opportunity to hear from each other, to train virtually, and to continue creating connections and relationships with decision makers at every level of government.

This is an unsettling time, but here's the truth: advocacy is more important now than ever before. This week of training aims to prepare us to take the leap forward, to expand our skillsets, and to pioneer new forms of digital outreach.



Knowing we are all balancing screen time with multiple responsibilities at home, the week is a "design your own path" program based on your preference and availability. Tune in every day between May 4 and May 8 for live afternoon sessions and complete advocacy actions when you can. All trainings are free and recordings will be available on our website through June 30.

Monday ✔

✔ 5 Minutes — Share an impact story with your member of Congress. Take action here: bit.ly/NLLDshare

✔ 30 Minutes — Virtual training with the Congressional Management Foundation on connecting with elected officials while social distancing. Watch the webinar recording here and download this storytelling worksheet from CMF.

Tuesday ✔

✔ 15 Minutes — Call us and leave a voicemail about your library's impact on your community. Put a voice to your story by recording it on the ALA Advocacy Hotline: 202-403-8221

Wednesday ✔

✔5 Minutes — Given the impact of COVID19, advocacy at all levels is critical. Sign up with your local chapter as an advocate: bit.ly/NLLDchapters

✔30 Minutes — Join us at 3pm EST for a Mini-Chapter Advocacy Exchange: How three chapters are pivoting from in-person to online advocacy. Watch the webinar recording here.

Thursday ✔

✔ 15 Minutes — Watch as ALA advocates host a mock meeting with Congressional staff and hear insights on how to build relationships in this virtual moment. Watch the webinar recording here.

Friday ✔

✔ 5 Minutes: Tell us about your meetings with your elected officials. Take Action here: bit.ly/NLLDfeedback

✔ 30 Minutes: Join us at 3pm EST for a Mini-Chapter Advocacy Exchange: How three chapters are collecting stories for digital advocacy. Watch the webinar recording here.







Update about NLLD 2020

In March, ALA made the difficult decision to cancel National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) 2020. While ALA's priority is the health and safety of all our library advocates, we are acutely aware of the gravity of the situation for all the library advocates across the nation who depend on NLLD as a key opportunity to connect with their elected officials and to develop their advocacy skills. Though our in-person NLLD event will no longer take place in the way that we intended, ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office continues to uphold our mission: making sure that libraries have a seat at the table in Washington, D.C. — especially during a critical time for the field.

Registration Refunds

Due to this unique situation, ALA has waved our registration policy for this event and will issue full refunds for all attendees. At this time, our team has started the process of issuing reimbursements. Please allow at least 21 days for refunds to be issued to the credit card on file. It is important to note that some banks are experiencing delays which may affect the timing of reimbursements.



Hotel Reservations

All hotel reservations made within the ALA’s room block (attendees who received a room confirmation number from a member of the NLLD team) have been canceled automatically. If you made a hotel reservation outside of the ALA room block, you must contact the Georgetown’s University Hotel and Conference Center directly to cancel: (888) 902-1606. If you have questions, please contact: NLLD@alawash.org



In this time of uncertainty, there are many difficult decisions to make based on the needs and safety of the people you serve every day – library staff, volunteers, and visitors. Your actions and response to this public health crisis clearly demonstrate to decisionmakers the value of libraries. Thank you for your commitment to advocacy.



NLLD Team

(202) 628-8410

nlld@alawash.org

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