Affiliate Assembly II

So, just what is the "Affiliate Assembly" and what does this have to do with an American Library Association conference? The Affiliate Assembly meets twice during ALA conferences, both the annual in June (where we are now) and the midwinter conference in January. There are nine regions, (New England being one of them) with each state in a region sending two Affiliate Assembly delegates to the conference meetings. I am currently serving as the Affiliate Assembly delegate for Massachusetts. The assembly was established in 1977 to provide feedback to the governing board of AASL and to further broaden the base of communication between the AASL membership and the governing board.

Region One members in Attendance:

On Sunday morning, June 29th, the Affiliate Assembly met from 8am - 12noon to review the concerns set forth by a number of regions, to vote on open positions, and to hear from our current president, Sara Kelly Johns, as well as to welcome our incoming president, Ann Martin.

The session began with committee reports. Among some of the reports were:

1. Intellectual Freedom Committee: now have a new brochure entitled "What is Intellectual Freedom" which should be coming to their website soon.
2. The Standards and Guidelines Task Force: Susan Ballard of NH talked about the committee's plans to implement the new standards.
3. Legislative Committee: Bob Roth spoke of plans for Virtual Legislative Day as well as strategies to support the Skills Act.
4. Standards and Indicators Task Force - Kathy Lowe (MSLA) discussed the timeline for completion of standards and indicators designed to make the new AASL Standards for the Twenty-first Century Learner more concrete and measurable. They are currently in draft format, and a new revision is planned for this fall.
5. Knowledge Quest - editor Debbie Abilock placed an all-call for suggestions for future issues for 2009 - 2010.
   

The assembled delegates then heard from both Sara Kelly Johns, our outgoing president, and Ann Martin, our incoming president. Sara thanked the membership for their support, and announced that though there was still much to do, that AASL was in good hands with the upcoming presidency of Ann Martin. Sara reiterated the fact that there are many task forces that need members, and for all AASL Members to check the website for information on committees being formed and those that need members.

Ann Martin outlined her plan of action as new president of AASL as follows:

1. Increase membership in each region by 10%
2. Encourage all members to vote in all elections
3. Discover Leadership in AASL through:
1. Professional Integrity
2. Collaboration
3. Innovation: challenge the status quo, make your mark

Julie Walker, AASL Executive Director, spoke to the assembly about her survey for all states asking what quantitative standards they had in place. These surveys were distributed and completed by the affiliate assembly representatives from each state.

Additionally, information about professional development opportunities, including the Fall Forum, sponsored by AASL was distributed. The opportunities available through AASL's e-academy were discussed. There are many wonderful opportunities for valuable professional development through AASL, accessible through the e-Academy website. Registration for spring and summer 2008 is currently closed, but updates and new opporunities will be coming soon.

That's all for now. Very busy and exciting times here in Anaheim. Sometimes, I am amazed at the fact that I am present during decision-making which affects all of us every day!!

Valerie
Affiliate Assembly Delegate