This month, MAME leadership continues to strengthen our relationships with other organizations, with an eye to advocacy. Just last week I was reviewing the SL 21 Benchmarks for Michigan School Libraries, and was reminded that the same criteria for our own library programs can apply to MAME's advocacy efforts. The Advocacy benchmark is described as Building Support Among the Community and Decision Makers to Support Student Outcomes Through Quality School Libraries. We're working toward these same goals for MAME.

• Adding school library programs to the Best Practice List for additional per pupil funding from the state. Here is the document we're using as we interact with legislators and decision makers. This work began last year with then-President, Kathy Lester.

• Partnering with legislators to include school librarians in the 3rd grade reading initiative

• Partnering with the Mi Dept of Ed. to include school librarians in the Early Literacy and Mathematics initiative. Past-President Tom Stream has been involved in the development of this program.

• Partnering with other the Library of Michigan, Michigan library cooperatives and other professional library organizations to develop a collaborative conference, to meet the needs of academic, public, school and other types of librarians. The focus will be on services to youth. This will serve as our traditional preconference day at our fall conference.

MAME participates in the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees meetings as a partner organization. I provided a written report and spoke at their January meeting.

Library of Michigan and MAME leadership meet periodically to share our efforts and further our working relationship. Kathy Lester, Lisa Brakel and I met with Randy Riley and Shannon White last month

Lisa Brakel and I participated in the AASL Affiliate Assembly in Chicago during ALA Midwinter Meeting. Many of MAME's past presidents and leadership also attended the events, advocating for Michigan students and school libraries. At the Affiliate Assembly, Lisa and I shared what MAME needs from AASL Affiliate Assembly. At the same time, AASL is asking for our input. Each year we provide Commendations and Concerns to AASL leadership. The Commendations process is an excellent opportunity for us to highlight Michigan organizations that support the mission and vision of AASL. Nominees and winners receive exposure at the national level. This is also an advocacy tool for MAME. Do you know of an organization deserving of nomination? We need your ideas by the beginning of April.  Please look at organizations within your own community. Lisa and I need your help to find these deserving groups. See here for additional details of the process and nominee qualifications.

Kathy Lester is serving on the Ed Tech Plan Update Working Group. She is sharing the role of the school librarian in technology instruction and technology implementation.  

You have another opportunity to advocate for Michigan school libraries by voting in the upcoming ALA & AASL elections. Eligible members will be sent their voting credentials March 24-27 and online voting will take place through April.

Do you want to take the next step in being an advocate for school libraries through MAME? Do you have an interest or passion for one of these efforts? One person is not enough. We need more voices to increase our effectiveness and impact across the state. Your role can be as simple as sending an email, or it can be joining with other MAME members in meetings with Michigan legislators and decision makers. Please contact me to discuss the possibility.

May this be a great month for your own advocacy efforts!

Gwenn Marchesano  

gmarchesano@mimame.org