Committee, Task Force, Discussion Group or PG Name
Belpre Award Selection 2024
Priority Group
PG5 - Awards Even Years
How many times did your group meet this reporting period?
2-3
Please summarize work accomplished, decisions made and follow-up actions determined during this reporting period.
At present time, the committee's primary focus is on reading and re-reading eligible titles. During the reporting period, we held a two-part mandatory Zoom during which we reviewed the ALSC community agreement; the award's terms, definitions, and criteria; ALSC's DEI statement; discussion expectations; and the calendar for the year's work. We also held a practice discussion. Lucia Gonzalez spoke to the committee about the need to balance literary excellence and cultural authenticity, with our Cultural Competency Consultant, Alicia Long, contributing her insights as well. We also had an optional meeting to review nominations, as our first nominations deadline is fast approaching.
Which area of ALSC Strategic Focus does the work described align?
Media EvaluationEquity Diversity & Inclusion
Inclusion Goal
Although our committee does not have a formally stated EDI statement, we plan to adhere to ALSC's diversity statement in our work. With their emphasis on celebrating and affirming Latino culture, the Belpré awards would seem to be well on their way to meeting ALSC's EDI goal, but as a committee, we are aware that this work goes well beyond the award's scope.
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Eileen Makoff
Librarian
PS 234 Independence School
She/Her/Hers
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