Do your library supporters, friends and commissioners operate only in crisis mode? Does your library have advocates with a lot of passion, but no strategy to harness their collective energy? Learn from Oaklanders who led a community process to build a standing army of library advocates. We’ll share what we’ve learned – that building a standing army requires cultivating skills, communication channels and relationships. We’ll talk about how we’re creating an advocacy force that works continually throughout the year – not just during crises – to support a strong public-library system, while seeking short- and long-term financial sustainability for the library. Our “Question Circle” program will bring out the best from a unique combination of library supporters, including a handful of Oakland’s library commissioners; the city’s library director; a librarian; a Friend – and all the superstar library lovers in the audience, too!

1. BUILDING a STANDING ARMY of LIBRARY ADVOCATES
Lessons from Oakland Public Library’s friends, commission, staff, youth and community
November 8, 2014 | Presented at CA Library Association Annual Conference

2. From Crisis to Coalition
 Budget Review
 Less Money
 Mad Rush
 Win or Lose?
 Adapt
 Repeat

3. We Needed an Army!
Keep Active – All Year Long!
Use “Peacetime” to Build Support
Host Regular Events
RESULTS:
Trained, skilled, disciplined, ready to educate public
Clear advocacy roles and ready resources

4. Build a Standing Army
 Find Your People
Active supporter and stakeholders
Broader community

5. Build a Standing Army
 Form a Coalition
Define Your Purpose
Assess Each Group’s Strengths
Choose Best Structure
Who’s at Table; Who decides, what & when
Develop Communications
Coalition; Active Supporters; General Public
Budget Deciders
Media
Exec. Committee
Unions
SOL
LAC
YLC
FOPL
Branch Friends
CBO/ Patron Spot

6. Build a Standing Army
 Strengthen Your Coalition
Provide Mutual Support
Communicate & Evaluate
Address Landmines! Make Conflict Constructive
Share Information = Participation

7. Seize Critical Moments!
Claim that surplus! $500k
Leverage chance meetings with VIPs (e.g., the Mayor ↓)
Shape local elections
Stay ready for media moments

8. Let’s Discuss!

9. Resources
“How to Build a Community of Library Advocates” and “Making Advocacy Awesome Project Manager sample” Handouts by Helen Bloch, Oakland Public Library, for ALSC workshop “Making Advocacy Awesome” (2014) “Don’t Get Stuck in the Muck!” by Jidan Koon (2013) http://letstalkmovementbuilding.org/dont-get-stuck-in-the-muck-six-common-pitfalls-of-emerging-alliances Everyday Advocacy www.ala.org/everyday-advocacy/speak-out ALA Advocacy Clearinghouse http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advocacy-university
CoalitionsWorks.com See Tools > Coalition Guides at http://coalitionswork.com/resources
Libraries prosper with passion, purpose and persuasion! a PLA toolkit for success (2007) www.worldcat.org/oclc/154694010

10. www.saveoaklandlibrary.org OaklandLAC@gmail.com saveopl2015@gmail.com www.facebook.com/saveopl www.facebook.com/OPLadvocate
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