Chapter Relations Office
Mission
The Chapter Relations Office (CRO) promotes a sense of identification between the national Association and the 57 ALA Chapters; facilitates communication between the Chapters and all ALA units; coordinates leadership development for Chapter officers, Chapter Councilors, chief paid staff members, and other Chapter leaders; strengthens membership promotion activities for ALA and the Chapters; coordinates the ALA Student Chapters and the ALA Student-to-Staff program; and helps raise awareness of and sensitivity to Chapter needs throughout the ALA. The interests of Chapters are represented within ALA by the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) and the Chapter Relations Office (CRO). The CRC serves as an advisory committee to the CRO.
- ALA Chapters: Where to Begin, including Orientation for Chapter Leaders Workshop
- Meeting Schedules at Conferences and Calendar of ALA and Chapter Events
- Communicating/Networking/Sharing, including the ALA Chapters Resource Wiki
- Responsibilities, Initiatives, and Projects incl. CRO's Legislation and Advocacy page.
- Contact CRO
ALA Chapters: How to Get Involved
Where to Begin
Overview of How to Get Involved in ALA Chapters
Overview of ALA Resources for Chapters
Orientation for Chapter Leaders Workshop
Among its responsibilities, the Chapter Relations Office conducts the Orientation for Chapter Leaders Workshop at each ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference, which provides a great opportunity for Chapter Leaders (especially incoming leaders) to learn and discuss ways to lead their associations effectively; assists the Chapters in advocating effectively to support libraries.
Meeting Schedules and Calendar
Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference Schedules
The Select ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference Schedule for Chapters lists CRO and CRC meetings, events, and programs during these annual conferences.
ALA Conference Planning Calendar
ALA’s Conference Planning Calendar includes chapter conferences. To have your ALA Chapter, ALA Affiliates, and Division Conferences, Institutes, or Workshops included in this calendar, please contact Don Wood, Chapter Relations Office, with the dates and location.
Communicating/Networking/Sharing
Wikis and More
Links to wikis and more can be found at Chapter social networking, including the ALA Chapters Resource Wiki and the ALA Chapters Facebook page. See also ALA Read Write Connect and ALA Weblog Service.
E-lists
To subscribe to the Chapter Relations business e-list, ALACRO-L, please contact a staff member listed below. To subscribe to other ALA e-lists, or visit the e-list archives, visit the ALA Mailing Lists Service (SYMPA).
Change of Address Form
Please use the ALA Chapter Relations Online Change of Address Form to submit addresses and address updates. If you prefer to mail or fax a paper copy, you may download, complete, and return the PDF version of the change of address form.
Comments/Questions
If you have comments and questions regarding the Chapter Relations Office website, please contact Don Wood, Chapter Relations Office.
Responsibilities, Initiatives, and Projects
Advocacy
The Chapter Relations Office supports ALA's library advocacy efforts by tracking state and federal legislation affecting libraries and by working with the Office for Library Advocacy, the ALA Washington Office, I Love Libraries, other ALA units, and other groups. For links to resources and other information, visit CRO's Legislation and Advocacy page.
ALA Student-to-Staff Program
The ALA Student-to-Staff program allows library students chosen by their schools to attend Annual Conference not only to register for events and attend programs but also to learn more about ALA by working for an ALA unit during conference.
Chapter Programming Opportunities
Certified Public Library Administrator program
The Certified Public Library Administrator program is a voluntary post-MLS certification program for public librarians with three years or more of supervisory experience. For more information, visit the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association.
Joint Student Membership Program
The American Library Association has joint student membership arrangements with 16 State Chapters. CRO helps develop and oversee this program.
Libraries Build Communities Project
The Libraries Build Communities project began in New Orleans during the 2006 ALA Annual Conference, when ALA volunteers helped with projects related to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina. ALA members continue to volunteer to assist in cities where they meet for Annual Conferences.
Staff
Michael Dowling, Director
Chapter Relations Office
mdowling@ala.org, 1-800-545-2433, ext. 3200
Don Wood, Program Officer
Chapter Relations Office
dwood@ala.org, 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2429
Staff Use Only
Web-based Access to ITTS Resources
ALA Chapters
ALA's 57 state and regional chapters are partners in addressing concerns to libraries. Each state is represented on ALA Council.
Take Action
Chapters Social Networking
ALA Chapter Relations Committee
Develops and recognizes Chapters as integral components of ALA and serves as an advisory committee to the Chapter Relations Office.
ALA Student Chapters
Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit
I Love Libraries
