United for Libraries is presenting a FREE preconference workshop, The ABC's of Preserving Intellectual Freedom - Anticipating, Bridging and Conversing: How to Help Protect Your Library, on Fri., June 24, 1-4 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., during the ALA Annual Conference.
This workshop will help library Trustees, Friends, and Foundations to develop a framework of responses to intellectual freedom challenges. Topics include becoming familiar with varying viewpoints, working with your library to customize responses to difficult questions and situations, and educating the public. The workshop will include discussion about your past experiences, as well as interactive exercises that simulate scenarios library Trustees/Friends/Foundations might face in the future. Following the workshop, the trainers and United for Libraries will provide access to a toolkit of resources to help you and your library be prepared to speak with one voice on intellectual freedom concerns. Presenters will be Robyn L. Stein, President, Robyn L. Stein Group (RLSG), and Cara Taback, founder/president, Cantata Communications.
Robyn L. Stein established RLSG, an integrated marketing/communications consulting firm for nonprofits, in 2006. For more than 35 years, Robyn has worked to leverage impact, drive visibility and fundraise for issues ranging from the digital divide and the environment, to food insecurity, reproductive rights, and arts and justice. Clients include Harlem Stage, Planned Parenthood, City Harvest, and the American Library Association (ALA) where she consulted for nine years with incoming presidents, garnering attention for Banned Books Week, National Library Week, #eBooksForAll, and other key issues such as Supreme Court decisions and the digital divide. Her work also includes toolkits and workshops for ALSC (100th anniversary Mock Newbery Award Toolkit) and the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Robyn is an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She earned an MBA from SUNY Binghamton and a BFA from the University of Colorado. An avid hiker, Robyn backpacks in upstate NY, Colorado and Utah in her spare time.
Cara Taback, founder and president of Cantata Communciations, is dedicated to translating the mission and values of an organization into compelling content, conversations, and campaigns. She recently partnered with the American Library Association (ALA) on the Build America's Libraries Act and #eBooksForAll initiatives. As VP, Communications, Madison Square Garden (MSG), Cara conducted media trainings and helped develop what is now called the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Before starting Cantata Communications, Cara served as City Harvest’s Communications Director, where she assisted in guiding the renowned food rescue organization through its strategic plan. Cara has worked extensively with the New York City Marathon, North Shore Animal League, Bideawee, the KIND Foundation/Empatico, and Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. She served as writer/editorial assistant for MSG’s 125th anniversary book Garden of Dreams, City Harvest’s 100 Recipes from 100 Great New York Restaurants, and the New York Road Runner Club’s Complete Book of Running. She enjoys literacy volunteering and exploring scenic trails.
Please visit www.ala.org/united/preconference to register (registration is free but space is limited so please register only if you are committed to attending).
For complete information about United for Libraries events and programs at the ALA Annual Conference, visit www.ala.org/united/annual.
