Name: Three Kinds of Conversations: Preparing Effective Legislative Advocacy for Libraries
Start: 2026-09-09T15:00:00-0600
End: 2026-09-09T16:00:00-0600

Three Kinds of Conversations: Preparing Effective Legislative Advocacy for Libraries

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Library leaders are increasingly called on to speak with legislators about funding, policy, and the future of library services. But not every conversation with an elected official should be approached in the same way. This session introduces a practical framework for legislative advocacy built around three types of conversations: Affirmative, where advocates persuade someone who is likely persuadable; Corrective, where advocates address misunderstandings or opposition; and Confirmational, where advocates strengthen or deepen the support of an existing ally.
Participants will explore how elected officials tend to orient their decisions around the people they represent, the place they represent, or the platform they ran on, and how advocates can tailor testimony, meetings, and messaging accordingly. The session will offer a strategic lens for preparing testimony, planning legislative meetings, and communicating effectively about library initiatives.

Speakers

John Chrastka

Executive Director, EveryLibrary

I am the executive director of EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries. I am open to chat about ballot measures, local political issues, and ways to improve relationships with local elected officials and stakeholders. All of our work is pro-bono and for... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

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CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

John Chrastka

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CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

John Chrastka

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