The Rolling Stones performed a live concert in my town last month (September). The night before they played, Mick Jagger was captured in a photo standing outside a local (and quirky!) establishment completely unnoticed. The photo actually made national news because he looks so unassuming. Hiding in plain sight. (Note-the photo in this post is not the photo discussed!) It made me think-if you were hanging out at the park with your pet, shopping for groceries down the street, or out to eat somewhere-which author would cause you to change expression if you saw them and recognized them? Jason Reynolds? Jacqueline Woodson? David Levithan? What about a YALSA member or a potential YALSA member? Those rock stars in their own right who’ve won a scholarship? Put together a program you’ve admired? Presented at a conference in a way that made you feel seen? We never know who we’re crossing paths with all the time but the potential for something-a connection, recognition-is always there. That’s a bit how I felt with all the great interactions (albeit virtual) I’ve had with members in September. In addition to meeting regularly with the YALSA Executive Director, Board and Executive Board I also:
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- Made an appointment of YALSA representative to the PLA Committee on Family Engagement
- Appointed a Director-At-Large position to fill a gap on the YALSA Board
- Speaking of rock stars – sent a request for a memorial resolution to YALSA’s ALA Liaison for Teri Lesesne
- Responded to Board Liaisons regarding August Quarterly Chair reports
- Appointed YALSA Liaison to ALA EDI Assembly
- Participated with YALSA Staff in the ALA Virtual Volunteer Fair
- Held first meeting of Implementing the President’s Theme Task Force (still seeking members!)
- Connected with 2021 YALSA Spectrum Scholar, Cordiah Hayes
- Along with Tammy Dillard-Steels, YALSA Executive Director, shared the YALSA 2022-2025 Strategic Plan with members and potential members (link coming soon!) in webinar format
- Issued a statement supporting the selections from YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens list
- Met with AASL President Jennisen Lucas
- Appointed a YALSA representative with ALA for USBBY
- Put a call out to members for participating on the Teen Programming HQ Advisory Board
- Took a virtual tour of Reno with Carla Jamison, YALSA Program Officer, and representatives from the Nevada area (public, university library, etc.) for the YALSA Symposium (super excited!) in November
Any questions or comments, feel free to post below or email: kellyczarnecki1@gmail.com.
Kelly Czarnecki (she/her)
YALSA President
2021-2022
Photo credit: “Silhouette at a Sigur Ros Concert” by Tom Olliver
