{"id":14438,"date":"2016-11-16T12:50:40","date_gmt":"2016-11-16T17:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/?p=14438"},"modified":"2016-11-16T13:06:04","modified_gmt":"2016-11-16T18:06:04","slug":"open-forum-diversity-inclusion-work-post-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/2016\/11\/open-forum-diversity-inclusion-work-post-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Open Forum on Diversity, Inclusion, and Our Work, Post-Election"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has been a tumultuous week for all of us who work to create a better future for children through libraries. We know, from the responses to the <\/span>Unity. Kindness. Peace.<\/span><\/a> booklist shared last week that you are stepping up to support your community in the face of violence witnessed or enacted, and in response to fear, trauma, and confusion. \u00a0And we know that we as librarians, and as ALSC, have much more to do. Our work as an organization must firmly defend the rights of all children and forge paths to equity for marginalized communities<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

ALA Responses to Date<\/b><\/p>\n

Yesterday, ALA President Julie Todaro <\/span>released the following statement<\/span><\/a> on Libraries, the Association, Diversity and Inclusion:<\/span><\/p>\n

“After a contentious campaign season filled with divisive rhetoric, we are now hearing from our members and in the news media about incidents of bigotry and harassment within our communities. \u00a0From children acting out in schools to adults participating in violent acts, it is clear that our nation is struggling in the wake of this election.<\/span><\/p>\n

“During times like these, our nation\u2019s 120,000 public, academic, school and special libraries are invaluable allies inspiring understanding and community healing. Libraries provide a safe place for individuals of all ages and backgrounds and for difficult discussions on social issues. \u00a0Our nation\u2019s libraries serve all community members, including people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the most vulnerable in our communities, offering services and educational resources that transform communities, open minds and promote inclusion and diversity. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“As an association representing these libraries, librarians and library workers, ALA believes that the struggle against racism, prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination is central to our mission. As we have throughout our 140 year-long history, we will continue to support efforts to abolish intolerance and cultural invisibility, stand up for all the members of the communities we serve, and promote understanding and inclusion through our work.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Todaro\u00a0also released, separately, <\/span>a statement <\/span>offering Expertise, Resources, to incoming administration and Congress<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your ALSC Councilor, Jenna Nemec-Loise, is representing us in Council discussions on actions at the ALA level, and in plans for unity activities at Midwinter in Atlanta, and has invited you to share with her on the ALSC-L electronic discussion list. <\/span><\/p>\n

Open Forum<\/b><\/p>\n

Now we open this space for you to share with each other. We hope this can be a generative discussion, and we expect to open an online Community Forum in early December to more fully develop and continue it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n