Snapshot Day: Legislator Recognition

A number of libraries have asked how they should go about legislative advocacy this year. NEKLS is supporting the efforts of the Kansas Library Association to use the upcoming Fall Snapshot Day as a simple and effective opportunity to reach out to Kansas Legislators. This is all your library needs to do:

Choose your Fall Snapshot Day, any time in the week of November 14-20. For more information, check the Snapshot Day web site at http://snapshotkansas.com/.

1. Invite the legislators representing your service area to come to the library on Snapshot Day for a photo opportunity. Don’t forget to congratulate the legislators if the were elected or reelected in the November election.
2. Arrange for a good opportunity for a photo to be sent to local newspapers. A shot of the legislator reading to children is always great.
3. Take a digital photo of the legislator holding a book for a READ poster. Here a few tips for the photo:
   • Invite the legislator to bring a favorite book or give some suggestions.
   • Be sure the title is visible.
   • Snap a photo of your reader and selected book in front of a solid color, high-contrast backdrop.
4. Send the photo along with the name of the legislator to the NEKLS office. We will produce two poster size READ posters, one for your library and one to present to the legislator.
5. That’s all you have to do for this advocacy made simple activity. But while the legislator is there be sure to give him or her a Kansas Library Association library legislation pushcards if you have not already done that. If the opportunity for discussion of library concerns occurs, you only need to mention two items continuation of state aid to libraries without any further reductions, and continued funding for Kan-ed from the Kansas Universal Service Fund. However, this event is really an opportunity to thank and recognize your legislator.

If it is not convenient to do the above activity on Snapshot Day, then just pick any day between now and December 15^th as a legislator recognition day for the above activities.

I am also asking all NExpress libraries to present their legislators with a NExpress patron card if they do not already have one.