Washington Library Association

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ROUND TABLE

The Washington Library Association Social Responsibilities Round Table is a forum for individuals/groups who are concerned with issues/problems of social responsibilities of libraries and librarians. SRRT adopts an action-oriented stance to look at such issues as participatory decision making, services to minorities and the disenfranchised, and diverse collections and staff.

SRRT's program proposals (approved) for WLA 2006 Conference

1. PROGRAM TITLE
Growing with Emerging Immigrant Groups

TARGET AUDIENCE
Public Library Staff; Programming and ESL Staff

PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Two programs at King County Library are described: A citizenship class and World Languages Story Time Program. Hear about a program at Seattle Public Library for patrons to learn English using computer software in conjunction with community organizations offering ESL classes to integrate library software as part of their teaching.

PROGRAM RATIONALE
Learn how to create a citizenship class in library, how to create a World Languages Story Time Program and how to set up a library program for ESL Patrons to use computer software for learning English.
____________________________________________________________________
2. PROGRAM TITLE
The Medicine Wheel: An Ancient Unity System for Today's Library World

TARGET AUDIENCE
All staff and administrators.

PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Diversity can add to the strength and richness of life. Does diversity divide us or unite us? Don't expect to sit and be lectured to; this is not your mother's diversity program. Storm Reyes, of Puyallup Indian descent, will introduce the Medicine Wheel. This ancient system advances a "natural world" view of diversity and its important purpose in our work, home and society.

PROGRAM RATIONALE
1. To ease some of the fear and anxiety surrounding diversity issues.
2. To assist the participants to recognize their individual uniqueness as well as those they serve.
3. To broaden the participant's cultural perspectives as the Medicine Wheel is actively used in native communities and programs throughout the United States. Participants will create living Medicine Wheels.
____________________________________________________________________
3. PROGRAM TITLE
Promoting library services with culturally diverse populations.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Outreach, administrative and public services staff, public and academic libraries

PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Nancy Press, Library Director at Mars Hill Graduate School, and Mary Hobson, Executive Director of African Americans Reach and Teach Health (AARTH) Ministry in Seattle, partnered to provide culturally-appropriate health information to African Americans in the Seattle area. Nancy and Mary will describe their partnership and present lessons learned while carrying it out. As a librarian with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Nancy has prior experience with First Nations peoples. Mary is an expert on partnerships with non-profit community organizations."

PROGRAM RATIONALE
At the end of this program, participants will: understand the importance of integrating library services with people's current information services grasp the range of specific communities' information needs, and realize that librarians should empower the community they serve, not just offer services.

2002 & 2003 Programs

WLA SRRT activity depends entirely on individuals contributing their ideas, time, and energy.
Please join us in working toward a more just society!


 WLA Home  |  Contact WLA SRRT  |   Join WLA SRRT |  Links | Minutes


WLA SRRT is an affiliate of ALA SRRT.
The content of this page is the sole responsibility of WLA SRRT.
Please send comments and report problems to srrt@wla.org