How You Can Make A Difference
CLA depends upon its members to remain a vital and dynamic association. You are invited to become an active participant in the organization by participating in an interest group, serving on a committee or holding office. Getting involved is easy-just let us know your interests.
Interest Groups
An Interest Group is a group organized around a type of library, type of activity, a special interest or geographic area. Only Voting Members or Associate Members of the Association are eligible for membership in Interest Groups.
Committees
Most committees meet two or three times a year. Increasingly, committees transact their business utilizing technologies such as video-teleconferencing, email, conference calls and fax. Standing committees include the Board of Directors, the Leadership Development Committee and the Finance Committee. Working committees are to be established each year as needed. If you are interest in volunteering for a committee, please visit our Volunteer page.
Become a Library Advocate
Take advantage of the advocacy tools provided by the California Library Association, a leading advocate on all statewide library issues. Annually, our Association develops a Legislative Agenda, monitors legislation, takes positions on issues and keeps members informed on the status of bills of interest and concern to the Association and its members. With that information, it's important that you, our members and advocates, are actively meeting your local elected officials and stressing the importance of libraries.
To keep you updated, Legislative Alerts are distributed on the CLA listserv (CALIX), CLA Facebook, and Twitter pages as well as being posted to this website via Capwiz, the CLA Blog, and also delivered to you monthly via the California Libraries e-newsletter.
To contact your local elected officials and be aware of current legislation, CLA recommends that you utilize our CAPWIZ Library Advocacy Center. Furthermore, printable forms found on our Legislative page will be helpful when meeting with an elected official. Finally, CLA encourages members and library advocates to participate in its Day in the District and Library Legislative Day events. Both events are a great way to meet with legislators and staff on library issues while getting to know your fellow peers.
Make a Donation
One of the easiest ways to support CLA is to make a donation. When you donate, you help CLA promote the library profession and advocate for libraries and their communities. Donations to CLA are fully tax-deductible.
Become a Member
If you are not a CLA Member already, join today! Becoming a CLA member not only entitles you to the multiple benefits, it also supports CLA's many programs, such as advocacy, professional development, scholarships, and the Summer Reading Program. CLA has three types of membership: one for individuals, another for businesses, and the third for library institutions. We encourage you to direct any membership-related questions to Richard Berta, CLA Communications, Marketing, and Member Manager, at rberta@cla-net.org.
Volunteer
Our members are invited to become active participants in CLA by serving on a committee. Learn more about volunteering here. Additionally, student members are encouraged to volunteer at our Annual Conference, and in return, receive discounted conference rates.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
CLA offers the opportunity to underwrite various conference events and programs. To receive information on corporate sponsorship, please contact Richard Berta, CLA Communications, Marketing, and Member Manager, at rberta@cla-net.org.
Give through Stock Donations
Donation of stock is a great way to contribute to CLA. Please contact the CLA office or your broker to discuss your options and make arrangements.
Include CLA in Your Planned Giving
Make a lasting contribution to the library profession through a will or bequest. To learn more about planned giving, review United Way's Planned Giving Guide or talk with your estate planner.
Become a Mentor
Serve your profession as a mentor and experience the satisfaction of helping a colleague develop personally and professionally.
The California Library Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable donations. CLA Membership is tax-deductible less $20 for the cost of a Clarion magazine subscription. CLA Donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, contact our office at 916-233-3298 or info@cla-net.org.