OLA Advocacy Committee
Terms of Reference
Mandate
The OLA Advocacy Committee reports to the OLA Board of Directors to support initiatives related to advocacy as outlined in the 2025-2028 OLA Strategic Plan. This committee will provide opportunities for individual library workers to gain advocacy skills through organized networking and professional development opportunities.
Responsibilities and Deliverables
In order to fulfil this purpose, the Committee has been given the mandate to:
- Facilitate networking, professional development, and communication opportunities relating to advocacy;
- Develop resources for members’ individual growth (i.e., toolkits, individuals, associations);
- Liaising with OLA Councils to ensure advocacy is coordinated and strategic;
- Ensure that the Committee engages with the many voices of the library sectors in order to meet members where they are;
- Provide recommendations for actions and improvement to the Board related to advocacy for Ontario libraries (e.g., advocacy campaigns, such as Ontario Public Library Week).
- Support the success of Strategic Plan Goals, specifically,
- 1.4 Champion Libraries. Secure their Future: Train and empower members to serve as advocacy leaders for the sector, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively champion key issues, mentor their peers, and train others within their divisions to drive collective impact.
Composition
Membership shall represent OLA’s current advocacy and strategic priorities. Composition will be open to any active OLA member at the discretion of the OLA Board. The Committee will comprise 3-9 members. The committee is supported by the OLA Executive Director and the OLA Advocacy and Research Officer, with the OLA President serving as an ex officio member. Quorum for committee meetings will be in effect when at least half of committee members are in attendance for a meeting. When deliberations are being made for Board appointments, a diverse complement will always be the goal. This includes voice, region, or sector represented.
Qualifications
- OLA members who have an interest in a leadership role in library advocacy;
- Candidates will ideally have advocacy experience, which may include: knowledge of current and systemic issues that affect libraries; experience with government relations and public policy; development of communication strategies; and, expertise in social media, online engagement and new media technologies. While previous experience is not mandatory, a passion for advocacy is required.
Resources and Budget
This committee has access to funds which are defined in the Board approved annual budget. All financial management will be conducted for the Committee by the Director of Operations. Should a need arise, the Committee Chair may provide a request for staff support through the staff liaison to the Committee. The Committee Chair may present said requests forward to the Board if the need surpasses availability funds or budget lines.
Resources required for this committee include:
- Ongoing support from the OLA Executive Director and OLA Advocacy and Research Officer;
- OLA staff support for virtual meeting arrangements and completion of meeting minutes, as needed; and maintaining a public advocacy web page on the OLA website;
- Funds for special projects, at the discretion of OLA Executive Director;
- Opportunity to meet in-person at OLA Super Conference, at the discretion of the OLA Executive Director.
Expectations & Timelines
- Committee members can expect to meet every other month (5-6 times a year) virtually;
- As needed, working sub-committees will be created to complete specialized, time-limited projects;
- The OLA Advocacy Committee will report to the OLA Board at least once per year and complete action plan updates on a regular basis;
- The Meeting Agenda should be available to members at least 5 business days prior to meetings.
- Minutes will be completed by OLA staff or committee designate and made available as soon as possible following meetings.
- Items will be distributed to committee members through email.
Type of Committee
☒ Standing Committee (responsible for a specific program or function)
☐ Task Forces (time-limited tasks on a specific topic)
☐ Action Groups (development of a limited program or activity)
Term of Appointment
The Term of Appointment begins when the committee is formed; and re-appointment of members occurs at the January Board Meeting for any Board appointees. Members should sit for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of extending for up to two more years if needed, as approved by the OLA Board. This approach supports continuity while also making space for new voices and perspectives.
Updated: May 2025
