November 1, 2020
The Iowa Library Association Committee for Diversity & Inclusion is seeking new committee members! Please see this form if you are interested in volunteering.
The purpose of the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion is to advance awareness and improve service to a wide range of often underserved populations in Iowa. The Committee acts as a representative collective voice for Iowa libraries and promotes awareness of issues related to traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Committee for Diversity and Inclusion is comprised of no more than seven members, one serving as chair. The additional members serve three year staggered terms.
Duties
Promote inclusive library services.
Encourage recruitment and retention of diverse staff.
Provide opportunities for educational and professional development of existing staff focusing on issues of diversity and inclusion.
Communicate timely issues to the ILA membership.
Connect the membership with local and national resources and organizations.
Follow all established ILA policies and procedures that relate to committees.
Throughout the month of November we will be reading, watching, and listening to resources about the topic of Gender & Gender Expression. Discussions are scheduled for December 2nd at 9:00 am and December 14th at 2:00 pm. We would love it if you joined us for either or both calls. The level of participation is up to each attendee; you may actively contribute to the discussion or just listen & learn. Here are some resources for next month’s discussion groups:
There's Heart Here (YouTube video of Indigenous members of Two Spirit and LGBTQ communities)
Hundreds protest Toronto library event featuring controversial speaker
'Pro-lesbian' or 'trans-exclusionary'? Old animosities boil into public view
Trans+Script: Trans and Nonbinary Library People Are Everywhere
