Resolve to be an Everyday Advocate

I am the kind of person who likes to create New Year’s resolutions. Things like: stretch for 10 minutes after working out, make one night per week phone free, or solve the global climate crisis. After creating these resolutions, I immediately forget about them and go on living my life without stretching. This year is different though. Why? Because this year my #1 resolution is to be an Everyday Advocate. 

 What does that mean? An Everyday Advocate practices Everyday Advocacy, of course! Everyday Advocacy is an ALSC initiative to give all ALSC members the tools to feel comfortable advocating for libraries to any and all members of their community, and realize that advocacy efforts come in different shapes and sizes. You may picture advocacy efforts as writing letters to legislators or marching for a cause. However, it can also include going to community events to share the importance of library services, or speaking to others one-on-one about how their own library can help them achieve their own goals and resolutions.  

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. There are resources available on the ALSC website. The Everyday Advocacy page of the ALSC website has information to help you stay informed, speak out, engage, and get inspired. These resources include tips on effectively speaking to legislators about libraries, building relationships with stakeholders, and communicating with the press. Plus, you can read what other Everyday Advocates around the country are doing to advocate for their libraries. Once you’re a pro at advocating every day, you’ll be able to share your stories and inspire others to do the same. 

Advocacy does not need to be complicated, and every little bit helps. Every time you help others understand the importance of libraries to their communities, it adds to the number of community members who can speak up for libraries when we need help.  

Welcome to 2025. 

This post addresses ALSC competency I.5 Demonstrates respect for diversity and inclusion of cultural values, and continually develops cultural awareness and works to address implicit bias in order to provide inclusive and equitable service to diverse populations

Joanna Goldfarb is writing this post on behalf of the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee. She can be reached at jgoldfarb@rcls.org.

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 I am the kind of person who likes to create New Year’s resolutions. Things like: stretch for 10 minutes after working out, make one night per week phone free, or solve the global climate crisis. After creating these resolutions, I immediately forget about them and go on living my life without stretching. This year is different though. Why? Because this year my #1 resolution is to be an Everyday Advocate.   What does that mean? An Everyday Advocate practices Everyday Advocacy, of course! Everyday Advocacy is an ALSC initiative to give all ALSC members the tools to feel comfortable advocating for libraries to any and all members of their community, and realize that advocacy efforts come in different shapes and sizes. You may picture advocacy efforts as writing letters to legislators or marching for a cause. However, it can also include going to community events to share the importance of library…
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