Well, it's been announced, so I suppose I can announce it, too.
I've been selected for the ALA's 2011 Class of Emerging Leaders!
What is that?
Emerging Leaders is a program that gives young and/or new librarians a chance for leadership training and networking with the goal of getting them involved in their professional organization. From ALA's website: "The program enables librarians and library staff from across the country to participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers."
What will I be doing?
Well, I'll be attending the Midwinter Conference and meeting 82 of my new best friends. We'll network, learn about ALA, and then we'll be divided up into groups to work on some sort of project, which will be presented at the ALA Annual meeting in June.
I'm excited to see what it's going to be like. I'm excited to meet all sorts of library people from all over the country. And yeah, I'm excited to go to San Diego in January. :)
I'm also excited because a few weeks ago, I told you that ALA is not your mom. Being part of Emerging Leaders might just help me put my money where my mouth is. Maybe it's the first step towards changing the world. Who knows?
So, what I want to know is who will be at Midwinter? And can I coerce you into hanging out with me?
And also, any past Emerging Leaders out there? What did you think of the program? Got any advice for me?