[CASL-L] Calling all school library advocates!

[Michelle Luhtala]

From Carl Harvey: 

I'm certain you've seen the flurry of emails that have been going out about the AASL Congressional Briefing.  This is a critical step in helping to educate Congress about 21st Century school libraries as they embark on the reauthorization of ESEA.

It is critical that we have a strong showing, and the best way to do that is for you to take 15 minutes on Wednesday to call your Senators and Rep. and encourage them or their education staff person to attend.  I've pasted the directions/talking points below.  We can't assume anyone is going to do this for us.  15 minutes tomorrow could make an impact on the future of school libraries in federal legislation.  We need them to hear from school libraries loud and clear this week.  

Encourage everyone you know to take a few minutes and make the call.  It is important that we have a huge showing at the briefing as it will help to spread our message further in the halls of Congress!

Thanks
Carl Harvey
AASL President


> The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library field.
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> Calling all school library advocates!
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> At this critical time for school library programs, the American Association of School Librarians is being relentless in our efforts to ensure the inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in ESEA Reauthorization.  To this end, AASL, in conjunction with Representative Holt and Senator Reed, will be holding a congressional briefing entitled, “Education Report and the SKILLs Act: An Analysis of Twenty-First Century School Libraries and Their Impact on Career and College Preparedness.”As Congress considers the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it is crucial that they incorporate the SKILLs Act, which ensures that every school is served by a state-certified school librarian.
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> The briefing’s success depends largely on making sure attendance is high—the more congressional offices that send someone the better! That’s where you come in. The briefing invitation you see below was sent out to each congressional office, but the best way to guarantee participation from a Member or their staff is to have a constituent (or perhaps several) to urge them to attend. Please call your Congressional Office today. 
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> To find your Members, go to the ALA Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/ala/home/ and type in your zip code. In some cases you may need to type in your full street address as your zip code may split across district lines. When you click on a Member, you will find their office phone number under the Contact tab.
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> To leave a message:
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> “I am a constituent from ___ and I am calling to ask the Senator/Congressman or the staff person handling education issues to attend an important congressional briefing on the SKILLs Act, which would ensure that every school is served by a state-certified librarian. The briefing is hosted by the American Association of School Librarians in conjunction with Representative Rush Holt and Senator Jack Reed, and will feature an impressive panel of experts to discuss the incorporation of the SKILLs Act into the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The briefing will take place on Monday, October 17th at 10:00 am in 121 Cannon House Office Building. Anyone interested in attending this event can call Kaytee Lozier for more details. Her number is 202-349-1030. Thanks for your time and I appreciate you passing along the message.”
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> To speak directly to the Education staff person:
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> “I am a constituent from ___. I understand you handle education issues for the Congressman/Senator, and as such I would like to invite you to attend an important congressional briefing on the SKILLs Act, which would ensure that every school is served by a state-certified librarian. The briefing is hosted by the American Association of School Librarians in conjunction with Representative Rush Holt and Senator Jack Reed, and will feature an impressive panel of experts to discuss the incorporation of the SKILLs Act into the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The briefing will take place on Monday, October 17th at 10:00 am in 121 Cannon House Office Building. If you are interested in attending this event, please call Kaytee Lozier for more details and to RSVP. Her number is 202-349-1030. Thank you for your time.”
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> Congressional Briefing Invitation
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> Education Reform and the SKILLs Act: An Analysis
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> of Twenty-First Century School Libraries
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> and Their Impact on Career and College Preparedness
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> October 17th, 2011
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> The American Association of School Librarians (AASL),
>           a division of the American Library Association
> In conjunction with Representative Rush Holt and Senator Jack Reed
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> Cordially invite you to a briefing:
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> Education Reform and the SKILLs Act: An Analysis of Twenty-First Century School Libraries and Their Impact on Career and College Preparedness
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> Monday, October 17th, 2011
> 10:00-11:00 am
> 121 Cannon House Office Building
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> Speakers
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> Carl Harvey, School Librarian, North Elementary School, Indiana
> Donna L. Haye, Assistant Superintendent, Atlantic City Public Schools, New Jersey
> William A. Mayer, University Librarian, American University, Washington D.C.
> Kathy Mortimer, Parent, Henrico County Public Schools, Virginia
> Connie Williams, National Board Certified Teacher Librarian, Petaluma High School, California
> School libraries are no longer just for books. Instead they have become sophisticated 21st century learning environments, offering a full range of resources that provide equal learning opportunities to all students. S. 1328, the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act, supports and sustains 21st century school libraries by ensuring that every school is served by a state-certified school librarian and has access to the resources our students need to succeed and prepare for the future. As Congress considers the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it is crucial that the SKILLs Act is included in the plan for education reform. This briefing will feature a panel of experts who will discuss the important services that are provided under the SKILLs Act to promote literacy and career and college preparedness for our nation’s students.
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> Please RSVP to Kaytee Lozier at klozier at advocacyassociates.com or 202-349-1030 by October 12th.
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> Visit the AASL website: www.ala.org/aasl/
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Michelle Luhtala
@mluhtala on Twitter
loots on Google+ 
luhtala.michelle at gmail.com
88 Newtown Turnpike
Westport, CT 06880
(817) 458 8692 - phones


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