turning outward to lead change in your community: aspirations #alamw15#librariestransform
TRANSCRIPT
Turning Outward to Lead Change in Your Community: Aspirations
#alamw15#librariestransform
Agenda
• Libraries Transforming Communities • The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation• How to get the most out of this session• Aspirations conversation
– Experience– Benefits and how to do at home
• Other sessions and tools for community engagement• Evaluation
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Benefits for Libraries & Library Professionals
• Repositioning libraries and library professionals as conveners and facilitators of community innovation and change
• Bringing new tools, skill development and learning opportunities that support enhanced capacity for community engagement
• Demonstrated results in communities to increase their ability to effectively work together on issues the community cares about
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I would describe our library’s community engagement as:
Just getting started; moving beyond outreach Off to a good start and actively exploring Part of how we work now Well established; refining our skills
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About Harwood• National nonprofit working with you to address community
challenges in a way that makes your library and community stronger
• Proven 25-year track record• What’s different: “Turning outward”
If you turn outward and make more intentional judgments and choices in creating change, you will produce greater
impact and relevance in your community.
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Turning Outward
An orientation toward community – literally about the direction we are facing!
Without it, there is little chance for change.
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#librariestransform #alamw15
The Turning Outward Approach: Four Foundational Tools
Aspirations
Turn QuizIntentionality
Sustaining Yourself
Talk to your community, framing the conversation to best understand their hopes, challenges and conditions for change
Approach your work with the community, not the institution, at the heart of all discussion and action
Act intentionally and authentically, evaluating your success as you go
Rejuvenate; make well-being for yourself and your team a priority
Harwood Aspirations Exercise
• Aspirations: What people will “go to bat” for
• The tool can be used for any definition of community
• For today’s session: Define community as the place where you live
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#librariestransform #alamw15
Spokane County, WA A Community Aspirations Narrative
We want a caring and supportive community with a vibrant economy, a quality education system, and recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. We want safe and diverse neighborhoods where people know and talk to one another. However, people are concerned about the businesses and jobs that have been lost and the feeling that people don’t know their neighbors or what’s going on in their community. People don’t feel safe and miss having a stronger sense of community and they are looking for places and ways to connect with each other and with information about events and services. Some people are waiting for someone else to take action while others are willing to take small steps to create the community they want. There are a lot of trusted groups and organizations engaged in splintered effort to support economic growth and community building. By creating a shared vision and collaborative effort we could build momentum towards stronger towns and neighborhoods where people feel welcomed and a part of the community.
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#librariestransform #alamw15
More “Turning Outward” Sessions Today
• Turn Quiz (10:30 a.m. – noon): Are you “turned outward” or “turned inward”?
• Intentionality (1 – 2:30 p.m.): Become intentional about the choices you make, staying true to the “urge within.”
• Sustaining Yourself (3 – 4:30 p.m.) Staying motivated means asking, “What rejuvenates me? Who rejuvenates me?”
All sessions take place in this room, W178.
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Evaluation
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Join Us at These Related Programs• “Libraries Fostering Community Engagement Reception”A networking reception with library professionals working on community engagementTonight from 5-6 p.m., HRM – Hyde Park/CC 11A
• “Leading in Times of Crisis: A Conversation with Ferguson (Mo.) Library Director Scott Bonner”
Sponsored by Libraries Transforming CommunitiesMonday from 1-2:30 p.m., W183C
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Keep the Conversation Going
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To be part of the conversation with other library professionals, go to ALA Connect (connect.ala.org) and join the Libraries Foster Community Engagement group.
Take the Tools Home!
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A Step-by-Step Guide to “Turning Outward” to Your Community
Digital and paper workbooks available on your way out.
Contact us or visit www.ala.org/LTCMary Davis Fournier Deputy Director, Public Programs Office
American Library Association 312-280-5056 [email protected]
Cheryl Gorman Vice President of National Programs The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation 613-614-1213 [email protected]
Carlton Sears Certified Coach The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation 330-402-9149 [email protected]
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#librariestransform #alamw15