Advocacy: Promoting the Value of Your Library - Webinar (01/05/21)

Many library advocacy campaigns fail because promoters forget that not everyone has an unquestioned love of libraries. Saying someone ought to use and support libraries "just because" is not enough.

One model for a successful advocacy campaign, whether a one-shot effort or an ongoing initiative, is based on a proven strategy for winning votes in formal elections. Four groups of potential supporters are identified; each group requires a different strategy. Learn how great customer service is the foundation for every advocacy initiative and why engaging the complacent supporter might be the most important component of your campaign.

Topics include recruiting stakeholders, why advocacy is about money and political influence as much as inspiring people to use your library, typical mistakes, and what happens whether you win or lose.

After this webinar you should gain insight into these concepts:

• Recruiting library stakeholders to be your library activists.
• Learning why asking for “advocacy” and “support” are not enough to get what you want and need.
• Treating political opponents with respect so as to earn the trust of your community.
• Recognizing that every encounter with a library user is an “advocacy” moment.
• Using the four-part model to set priorities regarding the allocation of resources during a campaign.