If you couldn\u2019t be at #alaac19, you might have missed out on the opportunity to network and meet with members face to face. If you have that privilege, it is a rewarding experience to connect with people you\u2019ve only met over your favorite videoconferencing software, to network with new people who are waiting in line for coffee with you. However, you are not limited to in-person interactions.<\/p>\n
For this post, I want to address the third objective of ALSC\u2019s 2017-2020 strategic plan<\/a>\u2014this topic has come up in discussion in meetings, in workshops and on the exhibit floor.\u00a0Learning & Development, especially for folks not at Annual. At the ALSC and Leadership meeting on Saturday, Andrew Medlar, the 2018-2019 chair of the Nominating & Leadership Development Committee referenced this integral part of ALSC\u2019s strategic plan. ALSC is developing stronger pathways to develop leaders in the organization at all levels. After cracking some jokes, he said, in a more serious tone, \u201cOnly through a mix of all<\/i> ALSC members will ALSC leadership be able to make best choices that affect all<\/i> children and all<\/i> families.\u201d He didn\u2019t miss the opportunity to pun, noting the \u201cAL\u201d in ASLC.<\/p>\n ALSC also has so many great education opportunities, many that are digital. I myself have utilized ALSC online classes and archived webinars (webinars are free<\/i> to ALSC members). Earlier today, I attended the ALSC membership meeting where many awards, including the ALSC Distinguished Service Award, were presented. Before the awards, 2018-2019 ALSC President, Jamie Naidoo mentioned new resources from ALSC process committees, including the Building Partnerships Toolkit<\/a> and a new, forthcoming Advocacy Toolkit from the Public Awareness Committee. Naidoo also mentioned many upcoming ways members can develop as experts and leaders in ALSC. Below are quick links to virtual resources and opportunities through ALSC:<\/p>\n