As I mentioned previously, YALSA has been working to identify ways to involve members more, especially virtually. Interest Groups and Discussion Groups are a great way to increase member participation in a relevant way. I’m pleased to tell you that all standing committee chairs have been asked to discuss with their committees whether or not a DG/IG would be a more appropriate setup for their committee. If a committee does choose to expand by transitioning to an IG or DG they will need to create a petition to establish the IG/DG, which requires fifteen signatures by YALSA members. Several committees have been already selected by the Board as ideal to become an IG or DG, and those chairs have begun the process of transitioning. These groups are: Intellectual Freedom, Outreach to YAs, Partnerships Advocating for Teens, Professional Development, Technology, Teen Advisory Groups, Youth Participation. Bear in mind that even if you are not on a committee you could sign the petition to be a part of the new IG/DG.’ These committee self evaluations mark the start of a new way of thinking about involvement in our association and I hope you will be eager to be a part of it!
Sarah Cornish Debraski
YALSA President
