Post by Melissa D.
At the January CLEL Steering Committee Meeting, we began planning for 2012 by welcoming our new Steering Committee members and discussing roles and responsibilities for the year. As CLEL has grown in size and scope, the number of our standing committees has grown as well!
Currently, CLEL is operating with 6 committees. Here’s our list:
Advocacy
Provides resources and ideas for library staff to help them take advantage of opportunities to speak up for and promote the cause of early literacy in their libraries and communities.
Annual Meeting
Plans, coordinates, and presents the CLEL Annual Meeting.
Communications
Manages CLEL’s interaction with the library and literacy communities, as well as with the greater world, and maintains and promotes our digital presence (via websites, blog, Twitter, Zazzle, Facebook).
Fundraising
A newly formed group that will coordinate efforts to research funding sources, potential donors, and grant opportunities.
Membership
Maintains official membership rolls, welcomes new members, and facilitates member-to-member interactions.
Training
Provides resources, including conference workshops or state library training sessions when possible, for library staff who wish to build their understanding of early literacy research and information, and to increase their confidence in designing or delivering early literacy programs and services.
To assist in the management of these committees, we are in the process of establishing a co-chair for each committee. Standing committee chairs and co-chairs are appointed by the Steering Committee. The Chair for each committee will be a Steering Committee member, but the co-chair positions are open to any interested CLEL member. You do not need to be on the Steering Committee in order to serve as Co-Chair of a standing committee. However, ideally, a Co-Chair from the general membership would be someone who would be willing to run for a spot on the Steering Committee the following year, and, if elected, step into the role of Committee Chair, allowing for smooth transitions and continuity of projects and momentum.
If you have been considering whether you’d enjoy a term on the CLEL Steering Committee, a co-chair position may be an effective way to find out.
Here are the Chair and Co-Chair appointments for 2012:
Advocacy: Melissa Depper
Co-Chair: Lu Benke
Annual Meeting: Lisa Cole
Co-Chair: OPEN
Communications: Mary Kuehner
Co-Chair: Lisa Chipouras
Fundraising: Carol Edwards
Co-Chair: OPEN
Membership: Ruth Ann Krovontka
Co-Chair: Laura Baldassari-Hackstaff
Training: Crystal Niedzwiadek
Co-Chair: OPEN
The Steering Committee itself also has a Chair and a Co-Chair. Currently serving as Chair is Nancy Maday, and Co-Chair is Becky Campbell.
As you can see, CLEL is looking for a few members who might be interested in serving as Co-Chairs for our Annual Meeting, Fundraising, and Training Committees. If you have been looking for an opportunity to become more involved, or are interested in running for a seat on the Steering Committee in the next year or two, a Co-Chair position is an excellent way to learn more and do more!
If you have questions, please send us an email and we will put you in touch with a Steering Committee member who can help you. Our next Steering Committee meeting will be on February 24, from 1-4pm, at the Aurora Public Library Central Branch. You are more than welcome to attend and get a taste for Steering Committee work as you consider if you’d like to pursue this opportunity!
