Thanks again to all who braved the snowy weather to be part of the 2015 Midwinter Meetings, as well as those who chose to participate virtually with the board and other activities. It was a busy January, and I’m thrilled with all the work that members and the YALSA Board accomplished. Here’s a peek at what I’ve been doing:
Activities
- Currently appointing to the new Board Diversity Taskforce, which will look at and make recommendations regarding the selection and recruitment of YALSA leaders. If you’re interested in serving, please send me an e-mail and/or submit a volunteer form.
- With Executive Director Beth Yoke and the board, finalized agendas for Midwinter YALSA Executive Committee and Board meetings.
- Led discussions at YALSA Board meetings. Draft minutes of those discussions will be posted here.
- Led discussions during two YALSA Executive Committee meetings. Draft minutes of those discussions will be posted here.
- Led a Board Planning Session which focused on outcomes training and ways to incorporate outcomes into YALSA’s strategic planning process.
- Attended formal and informal meetings with Division and ALA leaders at the Midwinter conference.
- Highlighted the work of YALSA selection committees at the Youth Media Awards.
- Hosted and celebrated Nonfiction and Morris award winners and finalists at the Midwinter reception.
- Appointed members to fill vacancies on various committees.
- Spoke with CNN regarding the importance of the Morris Award and recognizing new authors.
- Spoke with U.S. News and World Report about teen library engagement.
Updates
- What are you making at your library as part of Teen Tech Week? Find great ideas at the TTW Ning!
- Abigail Philips was selected as the 2015-2016 Board Fellow. Thanks to all who applied!
- YALSA’s strategic planning process is ongoing. Join in on Feb 24th from 3 to 4 pm for a virtual town hall as we discuss what being futures focused means for the organization.
Gratitude
- Thank you to all the selection and award committee members and Chairs who have just completed a year’s worth of hard work in recognizing great books to engage all teens (and the librarians who love them).
- Thank you to the YALSA liaisons for attending and reporting back from ALA meetings.
- Thank you to the YALSA Board for engaging in some mega discussions and your assistance in moving YALSA forward.
- Thank you to YALSA staff (Beth Yoke, Letitia Smith, Anna Lam, Nicole Munguia, and Nichole O’Connor) for all that you do, both behind the scenes at conference, and for your hard work throughout the year in the YALSA office.
