In an effort to help ALSC members make an informed decision before they vote, this morning’s blog post consists of statements from the two candidates standing for election to the ALSC Board of Directors. In this position, there are two candidates: Maria Estrella and Christopher Brown; one to be elected.
ALSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
Christopher Brown is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.
I’m delighted to run for the ALSC Board because I wholeheartedly support the work ALSC does promoting, safeguarding, and recognizing children’s literature and providing skill-building opportunities for library workers. I’ve been fortunate to serve on multiple committees within ALSC over the past 16 years (Budget; Legacy (Donald Crews); Notables; Charlemae Rollins; Oral history; and now Budget again) and have benefited from the experience. I’d like to do more by giving back and supporting the organization that has given me so much. I want to combine my firm belief in creating a diverse division with my financial understanding of ALSC to become an advocate for underrepresented members, including members of color, members from non-MLS/MLIS degrees, and members from outside the public library system. I am open to discussion on ways to make ALSC more inclusive, and realize that this means I will feel uncomfortable at times when my paradigms and privileges are challenged. I view this as necessary to make ALSC a stronger division and one that is at the forefront of the American Library Association.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and please remember to vote!
Maria Estrella is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.
It is my esteemed honor to stand for election as a candidate for the ALSC Board of Directors. My passion for diversity and change for young library patrons began as a Children’s Librarian and Youth Services Subject Department Librarian. Thus, continuing to be an avid and passionate supporter of children becoming life-long learners by advocating and creating opportunities that showcase cultural awareness, diversity, acceptance, and understanding.
I served on the 2016 Pura Belpré Award Selection Committee as an ALSC appointee, volunteered on the 2019 ALSC Excellence in Early Literacy Digital Media Committee, concluded my jury service on the 2021-2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award, and I am currently the REFORMA Chair of the Children and Young Adults Services Committee, which serves as the Pura Belpré Award liaison to ALSC.
These professional development experiences motivated me to strive for change and become a conscientious library leader. I would love to pay it forward by creating a platform for new youth paraprofessionals and Librarians to be heard, valued, and flourish as we continue to embody the Association for Library Service to Children’s vision to build healthy and successful futures for all children. I’m excited for the upcoming year and hope to serve and advocate as an ALSC Board of Directors member.
The 2022 ALA Election opens Monday, March 14th and closes April 6th. In addition to determining key leadership positions within ALSC, the ALSC ballot also will include two proposed bylaws amendments for member consideration. To learn more, please visit: https://bit.ly/alsc2022elections and Lucia Gonzalez’s blogpost, Change is in the Air! Preparing for the 2022 ALA/ALSC Elections. And don’t forget to vote!