VLA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

1. Chair
The Chair is appointed by the President for a two-year term and is a member of Council. During the second year of the term, the Vice President/President Elect appoints a chair for the upcoming year.

2. Membership
The Second Vice-President, as Chair of the Adminsitrative Services Committee, appoints at least 7 members, 1 from each region, for two year terms. Appointments are staggered. The ALA Councilor, Region Chairs and the Immediate Past President serve as ex-officio members. The Immediate Past President serves as liasion to the Executive Committee. Additional members may be appointed by the Committee Chair as needed.

3. Committee Charge

a. Propose a legislative agenda for the Association each year. Initiate studies of state/federal programs and legislation affecting all types of libraries.

b. Develop a network of VLA members and other library supporters in all Congressional Districts who are willing to write or talk to Legislators, Congressmen, and state and federal agency representatives. Activate this network as needed, organize events, and attend meetings as appropriate.

c. Coordinate activities for Virginia Legislative Day in January of each year.

d. Assist ALA Councilor in planning activities for ALA Legislative Day in Washington, DC.

e. Prepare to give testimony at the state or federal level whenever needed, by being informed about the effect of proposed actions on the Virginia library community. Issue press releases or respond to the media when authorized by the Executive Committee.

f. Conduct the Association's specific legislative campaigns, or recommend the creation of an ad hoc committee appointed by the President for a particular campaign.

g. Participate in the appointment of a legislative liaison and work with that liaison when hired.

h. Ensure that the gubernatorial candidates are informed about library issues in Virginia as well as about the VLA Legislative agenda.