I joined ALSC as a staff member in 2017 and I think one of the (many) highlights of my time thus far has been working with our Emerging Leaders (EL) each year. ALSC sponsors 1 EL and it really allows me to, not only learn about them as individuals, but I learn more about the profession through the work they do in their schools/libraries and projects they choose to work on.
The program has allowed me to gather everything I’ve learned about ALSC and ALA and share that with our Emerging Leader to better inform their work and welcome them in our association.
Information about the program:
The American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It puts participants on the fast track to ALA committee volunteerism as well as other professional library-related organizations.
ALSC will be sponsoring 1 EL in 2020 and applications close on August 31st. I hope you will consider applying!
The header picture featured above is so special to me because it features all three amazing Emerging Leaders I’ve had the pleasure to work with during my time with ALSC thus far! From Left to right: Tori Ann Ogawa (2017 ALSC EL); Jacqueline Quinn (2018 ALSC EL); Immediate Past-President, Jamie Campbell Naidoo; and Georgina Rivas-Martinez (2019 ALSC EL).