Advocacy and Activism

Advocacy and activism is a goal in the YALSA's 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan. Recent studies from the NCES indicate that only 79% of secondary schools employ a school librarian - so ongoing advocacy efforts is vital to help ensure that all teens have access to great libraries!

Tools to Get You Started

• YALSA's Advocacy Toolkit (PDF)
• YALSA's Advocacy Benchmarks by Activity (PDF)
• YALSA's Advocacy Benchmarks by Category (PDF)
• YALSA's Advocacy Benchmarks Infographic (PDF)
• 15 tips for how you can speak up for teens (4 minute video)

If you have 5 minutes or less...

• Spread the word: share this brief video with library supervisors, school principals, elected officials, policy makers and other local VIPs, or link to it from your site.
• Share: Let colleagues and friends know about YALSA's social media accounts (Facebook and Bluesky) where we share helpful information about teen library services.

If you have 15 minutes...

• Explore ALA's United for Libraries webpage
• Share news & Information with Policy Makers:
  • send them a newspaper clipping/digital news link about a past library event
  • send them an invitation to an upcoming library event

If you have an hour...

• Give a presentation to your coworkers or colleagues at a local library workshop or conference.
• Speak up at staff meetings & community events
• Reach out to Local VIPs to educate them about the great things your library does for teens.
• Engage supporters by letting them know about the ALA Supporter program

If you have lots of time...

• Start a Teen Friends of the Library Group to specifically help support teen services at your library
• Attend your state library legislative day (check your state library association's web site for dates and details)
• Invite your elected officials to your library