Coffee Chat: Public Comments & Advocacy

Join us on Thursday, October 22, at 12:00 PM for an informal coffee chat on participating in the public comment process across local, state, and federal levels.

Policy decisions affecting library services, funding models, and intellectual freedom often come down to public administrative records. This session walks through how to translate everyday library impacts into effective formal comments, letters to the editor, and community advocacy. There are numerous upcoming opportunities to provide your expert public comment, such as the Maine Library Commission's proposed updated standard’s rules and the Federal E-Rate Review.

We will also touch on: 

• Tracking municipal ordinances , school board policies, and agency notices where professional library input is needed.
• Writing concise letters to the editor, and using LinkedIn to educate local stakeholders and town leadership.

Bring your lunch, your questions, and your perspective from the field! 

The Coffee Chat Series is typically an MLA member benefit, but due to the timely nature of this topic, we're opening this session to everyone! The Zoom link will be included in your registration confirmation email, or you can join the meeting here:

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82163393168?pwd=4yoSfbnBgN8j5rdvTfn9maxCeJxtso.1

Meeting ID: 821 6339 3168

Passcode: 869142