[CASL-L] Fw: CLC needs your help NOW!

[IRENE KWIDZINSKI]

      On Monday, March 23, 2015 3:55 PM, IRENE KWIDZINSKI <kwidz at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
   

 I've just sent a message to my two CT legislators. I hope others send theirs. These are drastic cuts! 


     On Monday, March 23, 2015 2:00 PM, Jennifer Keohane <jkeohane at ctlibrarians.org> wrote:
   

 
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| Savings, Education & Collaboration for Connecticut's Libraries Since 2003
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| Dear Irene,

  As you know, Connecticut libraries are reeling from the news that the governor's recent budget proposes to eliminate all state funding for Cooperating Library Service Units (CLC) as well as funding for Connecticard, Grants to Public Libraries, and more. In addition, there is a proposal to eliminate the state statutes that authorize and support these programs. 

Many of you recall other years when CLC has faced similar budget woes, only to have funding reinstated. It is very unlikely that CLC will dodge the budget bullet again this year. 

The governor's proposed cut (63% of our operating budget) will mean CLC will not be able to continue providing our current programs and savings next year. CLC's future is also in jeopardy.

We need your help now to make sure the budget that is recommended in April by the Appropriations Committee includes full funding for CLC.  

What can you do to help CLC?

1. Be informed!   
   - Know what the terms advocacy, direct lobbying, and grassroots lobbying mean, and understand what you can and cannot do. Here are two great articles: Advocacy vs. Lobbying and Non-Profits CAN Lobby.
   - Learn how to be a stronger advocate.  Gather your staff, trustees & friends and attend the free CT Library Advocacy Webinar THIS WEDNESDAY, March 25th at 2 pm. 
   - Calculate exactly what the cost would be to you if CLC and the other library programs lose their funding. Ask CLC for your detailed savings figures for FY13-14 and FY14-15 (half-year) - email pnajarian at ctlibrarians.org.
2. Be loud!     
   - This is the time to speak up if you value your CLC membership. You cannot assume CLC's funding will be restored!  
   - Talk about the issues with your staff, trustees, Friends of the Library, patrons, community groups - anyone who would be impacted if you had to spend additional money on purchasing library books, supplies, databases, resources and training.
   - Attend the Rally to Save CT Libraries on April 15th (noon-1pm) at the State Capitol. Bring your staff, Friends, community stakeholders, and patrons of all ages! Watch the CLA and CLC websites and your email for more details. 
3. Take action!   
   
   - Don't assume others are speaking up so you don't have to. It is time to be an "Other." 
   - Write a letter, make a phone call, send emails, and invite your local and state government officials to meet over a cup of coffee at your library. (Coming soon to the CLC website - tips for communicating with your legislators and other helpful resources!)
   - Create a short video or written testimony that we can post on the CLC advocacy website and use as part of our overall advocacy message. 
   - Share your advocacy ideas with us!  
This advocacy campaign isn't just about the future of CLC - this is about the future of Connecticut's libraries. All of us at CLC are deeply committed to providing you with savings, education, collaborative opportunities, and innovative programs and services to help you serve all of the citizens of Connecticut not only this year, but in the years to come. We are grateful for your support during this critical time. 

If you have any ideas, questions, or concerns, please let me know.  

Thank you,Jennifer |

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Jennifer KeohaneExecutive Director, Connecticut Library Consortium 234 Court St, Middletown, CT 06457jkeohane at ctlibrarians.orgcell: 203.915.2465  |

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