Upcoming Advocacy Events
Hey friends! I’m sharing some non-LIRE advocacy-related webinars and events that I thought you and your circles might be interested in. Please share, and reach out if you have any questions!
(And one final plug for The Librarians screening downtown Rockford this Thursday!! Hope to see you there!!!)
-Stephanie (& Emily)
Free Speech Needs Free Libraries: Censorship in Libraries and Academic Spaces (CARLI)
Thursday, April 16th, 1:00pm
During this time of attacks on freedom of expression, libraries matter more than ever. Join us to find out more about the legal and social context for censorship in libraries. Theresa Chmara and Dr. Emily Knox will discuss the legal history of censorship, the legal landscape today, why people censor, and how to respond.
This webinar is the first of the Free Speech Needs Free Libraries series developed by CARLI, Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI in support of our joint statement "Free Speech Needs Free Libraries."
This event will be recorded. Register to attend.
Everything Wrong with Library Advocacy (EveryLibrary)
Thursday, April 30th, 11:00am
This candid and thought-provoking presentation examines the advocacy mistakes that continue to hold libraries back. From avoiding politics altogether while being deeply affected by political decisions, to relying on passive messaging instead of mobilizing supporters, to misunderstanding how modern campaigns, voter engagement, and digital organizing actually work, the library field frequently leaves influence on the table.
More importantly, the presentation will challenge attendees to rethink how advocacy should work in today’s political environment. Drawing on lessons from modern political campaigns, grassroots organizing, and successful issue movements, this session offers a clear-eyed look at what must change if libraries are to compete effectively in the political arena.
Banned Comic Club (AISLE)
Wednesday, May 13th, 6:00pm
Join the AISLE Intellectual Freedom Committee for the launch of a Banned Comics Book Club. We’ll get together via Google Meets on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. For our inaugural discussion, we’ll read Wake Now In The Fire by Jarrett Dapier, which tells the story of where, how, and why Persepolis was banned from Chicago Public Schools in 2013. Dapier will join the discussion. Bring your questions, your comments, and your enthusiasm.
The AISLE Intellectual Freedom Committee envisions these regular events as an opportunity for intellectual freedom champions across the state and across organizations to come together to talk about great comics and the ways in which comics have been uniquely targeted by book bans. It’s a chance to meet and converse with an array of colleges and work to champion, support, and protect access to the powerful visual medium of comics.
Want to join but won’t get the chance to read the comic beforehand? We’d love you to still join us. We'll send a reminder about the event as it gets closer.
Questions/Comments/Want a Google Calendar Invite? Email Kelly, Intellectual Freedom Chair at intellfreedom@aisled.org.
