April 29, 2010
The group met A Terrible Beauty Pub in Renton. Topics of discussion included:
It was suggested that WLA hold conferences every other year, vs. every year, in order to allow the interest groups time and energy to focus on workshops and programming during the “off” years. It is frustrating to spend time and energy on program proposals that aren’t accepted, and an every other year schedule would be less of a drain on resources.
It was suggested that WLA increase efforts of recruiting new members currently working in libraries. A WLA liaison or advocate at each library could have responsibility for reaching out to staff members and selling them on the benefits of WLA membership. There is a new member flyer, but may need updating.
IGLU presented two successful programs at the 2009 WLA Conference – “Benefits You Can Afford” and “Are We Getting Along? Who Has Influence in the Workplace.” “Benefits You Can Afford” was presented by James F. Brown, Director of Health Services, the Actors Fund of America. Mr. Brown demonstrated the health care website hosted by the AFA The site is accessible by anyone (not just actors and artists!), and the information and resources described are of interest to anyone with a concern about benefits. He distributed the booklet – “How to Access Health Care in Washington State” . (also online in PDF) The site also offers online workshops.
“Are We Getting Along? Who Has Influence in the Workplace” featured panelists Sharon Hammer, retired Fort Vancouver Library, and Diana Pengruber, Washington State Council of County and City Employees. They discussed the potential impact of different influences – cause and effect in different and intangible ways. They urged participants to take advantage of all staff in the workplace and build teams from all staff levels. People in all levels of jobs have knowledge and information. People organize for three reasons: wages and benefits, job security, and working conditions.
