IDEA Team BIPOC Unconference Advisory Committee Call for Applicants

 

Hello IDEA Team Allies and Advisory Committee Alum!!

We are looking ahead to the next iteration of the Libraries Talk about Race Project for 2025. We are calling for your expertise, insights, and in-the-field/lived experiences to make this next year a success! Drawing on input provided by the Libraries Talk about Race Facilitated Discussion Leaders; the IDEA Team Advisory Committee; and feedback from the Wisconsin Library Community at-large we are planning a gathering that centers BIPOC library staff voices.

We’re reaching out to invite you to apply to serve on an BIPOC library staff unconference advisory committee. The event will take place Spring 2025, but we’re looking for help in the early planning phase in the fall of 2024. What, exactly is an “unconference”? An “unconference” is a learning, sharing, and networking opportunity similar to a conference, but, importantly, does not have a set schedule or the ‘sage on a stage’ format of a traditional conference. It is highly participatory and networking focused. However, it is not without its planning. This is where we could use your help.

Would you be interested in being part of a compensated advisory committee? Diversity is a cornerstone of our work on the IDEA Team. While we are dedicated to providing this unconference for BIPOC library staff, we are significantly lacking in racial diversity. Without the input from the voices of our colleagues of color, we would only be working through the perspective of the perceived wants, needs, and lived experiences of our colleagues. Critical voices would be missing. This committee would be instrumental in helping to plan the topical suggestions for participants, activities at the event, and other logistical matters.You will not be asked to define the budget, run the event (we hope you’ll join us as participants), nor work on the details.

Does this interest you?

Complete the following form https://forms.gle/GLFrBzKNKeyFmWcN8 and tell us why you are interested in participating on the committee; how you can contribute to it; and how this opportunity can help you professionally as well. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, August 6th at 5 PM. Applicants will be informed of their participation on Friday, August 16th.

Have Questions? Please contact Project Leader, Sherry Anderson. Thank you for all your time, energy, and your insights!

Apply Here

This project was made possible thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) Public Library Development Team, with funding support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.