Han, Mitakuyapi! Greetings, All Relations! I am a member of the Santee Sioux Nation, and in Dakota beliefs, we are all connected, and we make sustainable decisions that will have a positive impact on current and future generations. This is the work we are called to do as ALA members, and it is an honor to stand for election as president-elect, as the greatest calling of leadership is to support others equitably and in a good way. I am humbled by the nomination and appreciate the work of the nominating committee and leadership team.
With a passion for leadership, I make myself available to help speak out about matters of inclusion, community and team building, intellectual freedom, equal access, literacy, and career development. To quote my role model since the 3rd grade, Martin Luther King Jr. called so many to action by stating “the time is always right to do what is right,” and the time is most definitely right to stand up for equality, social justice, and belonging in our communities. I see all of you, and I am proud of our fierce spirit to stand up for what is right while creating welcoming experiences for all in the face of censorship and adversity. While we continue to make incremental changes, there is always more work to be done, and I believe that we have more than enough talent to make our dreams a reality.
If elected, I will support organizational change through process improvement as it applies to implementing the Pivot Plan, Operating Agreement, and bylaws revision. The ALA Council and Executive Board have done a lot of work in listening to members and reviewing the governing documents. It is time to implement those moving parts to secure a strong Association for all.
Access. As knowledge keepers, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are called upon as guardians of records and protectors of data who provide accurate information and connect library users to shared resources. We also have a lot to learn from our communities as we respond to societal needs, and this is an opportunity for us to recognize, research, and respond to areas of growth that are needed to move the profession forward. We will continue to ensure equal access for all and champion library services on a global scale.
Belonging. As a Spectrum Scholar, I use a lens of inclusion with the goal of celebrating our diversity by acknowledging how our differences make us stronger. This work is both challenging and necessary to reinforce the foundation of this community. It is the role of leaders to commit to this charge while taking action to build sustainable plans using tools of data analysis and policy review to provide literacy resources for all.
Core values. The challenges faced by the profession require our full attention. And while we have been planning to make the necessary changes, it is time to implement them. We are stronger together, and I will continue to uphold our values as we forge a path forward.
Diversity. There has never been a better time to be a librarian. We are committed to upholding the work of this noble profession by recognizing our differences and celebrating our growth to create a welcoming space for everyone to feel heard across our public, academic, school, special, and tribal libraries. I will listen to your feedback and offer my support.
It is an honor to serve, and I respectfully ask for your vote.
