Advocates Track - New!
Advocates Track
Member $180
Non-Member $370
Special Attendee $100
Library Board members, Commissioners, Friends and Foundation members are invited to join CLA for a special day of library advocacy training at this year’s annual conference. You will check in at Stewart’s Boathouse (Fairmont Park, 2601 Fairmont Blvd, Riverside). Parking is free at the Boathouse and $15/day at the Riverside Convention Center.
Agenda:
9:00 – 11:30 am: Advocacy 101 with Deborah Doyle, Chris Noll, Paul Signorelli, Amreet Sandhu, and Hillary Theyer
Location: Stewart’s Boathouse
Behind every step of successful advocacy is a story—the story of our libraries, the story of our fundraising, the story of our marketing/pr and use of social media to foster collaboration, and the overall story of how we work with others to make a positive difference in our communities. It begins with the stories we tell to create communities of support where individual advocates support each other through their shared commitment to the positive goals they seek. It continues with an ability to tell the stories that describe tasks to be completed and matching those tasks with available resources--including other dedicated advocates. And it continues with the stories that resonate with our current and prospective partners. Join us for a highly-interactive session exploring these themes and concluding with an exercise designed to help you develop a first-draft story-based action plan you can use in your current advocacy efforts.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Catered lunch and move over to the Riverside Convention Center. Transportation is not provided. You can walk, drive or taxi/ride share. Distance is one mile.
2:00 – 5:00 pm: Stories for Stakeholders: How powerful stories support advocacy at all levels
Location: Riverside Convention Center
2:00 -2:50pm - Session "Fast, Nuanced, and Inspirational: Telling Advocacy Stories in Public Meetings" with Paul Signorelli
When you are addressing elected officials and other potential partners in advocacy in public meetings onsite or online, you often face a two- or three-minute time limit—which leaves you wondering how to cram all that wonderfully lovely, essential, not-to-be-omitted information you have into such a brief period of time. This highly-interactive workshop (quickly!) explores ways to craft advocacy presentations in ways that make every word matter, and in which no presentation feels rushed.3:00 – 3:50pm - Session: "Success at the Ballot Box" with Tim McDonald, Pasadena Public Library
Voters said YES to the Pasadena Public Library in 2022 and 2024 on two separate ballot measures that will generate about 250 million dollars in revenue for libraries over fifteen years. Learn how we planned for victory at the polls, what challenges we overcame, and how telling our story was part of our success.4:00 – 4:50 - Session "Your Voice, Your Library, Your Legislature" with your CLA Legislative Committee
This session spotlights the critical role of the CLA Advocacy and Legislation Committee in protecting and promoting California libraries. Committee members will share highlights from the past year, including how we identify impactful legislation, engage with lawmakers, and collaborate with our registered lobbyist to amplify the library voice at the Capitol. As library workers, we are experts in our field—but our job is to translate that expertise into stories that resonate with legislators and the public. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute ideas and feedback as the committee shapes its 2026 Legislative Priorities. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned champion, join us to learn how your voice and story can drive meaningful change for California libraries.
5:30 – 6:30 pm: Conference Opening Keynote with Julia Whelan
Location: Riverside Convention Center
Registration also includes access to the exhibit hall from 12:15 – 4:30pm.
Advocates Track – Lunch Only Add-On
Lunch Price $20
This option is only for registrants already registered for the Full Conference that want to attend the Advocates Track. See above description for the full day agenda.