Do you serve youth who live in the margins? Youth who are reluctant readers? Are you looking for the best of the best books for them?
Call for In The Margins Committee Membership
How to Apply
Committee Membership and Requirements
We are excited to announce the opening for new members to join the In the Margins Book Awards (ITM) committee. The ITM committee plays a crucial role in recognizing and promoting literature addressing the unique experiences and challenges marginalized youth face. Here's what you need to know:
- Committee Composition: Up to seven (7) members, including the Chair and Administrative Assistant.
- Commitment: A two to three-year commitment. We are looking for an Admin Assistant and people who want to take on this project, take it to the next level or evolution of the times.
- Aspirational Duties:
- Research, request, and nominate titles, with an emphasis on self-published, independently published, or small press publications. It's great if you have some collection development background.
- Read all nominated titles.
- Conduct outreach to youth in custody and/or from street culture, obtaining feedback from at least 3-10 teens on each title. You do NOT need to work with youth who have been or are incarcerated.
- Actively participate in all online discussions.
- Meet all posted deadlines.
- Attend approximately 3-4 meetings per year via video conferencing.
How to Apply
Interested in making a difference and being part of this impactful committee? Fill out the membership application here: https://inthemarginssite.blog/online-forms/
About the In the Margins Book Awards (ITM)
The ITM committee is dedicated to highlighting literature that speaks to the lives of marginalized youth. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of those often overlooked are heard and celebrated. Here's a glimpse into our work:
- Emphasis on Social Justice: This year, we've included social justice titles in our top ten list to emphasize narratives tackling cultural irrelevance, structural exclusion, and the disproportionality of injustices experienced by BIPOC youth.
- Age Range: Our selections cater to a broad spectrum of youth, from ages 9 to 21, ensuring relevance and engagement across various developmental stages.
- Genres: We consider fiction, nonfiction, and social justice advocacy, reflecting a comprehensive approach to storytelling.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Authenticity
The ITM committee values the input from young adults who have firsthand experience with the themes addressed in the literature. By engaging directly with our target audience, we ensure the authenticity and relevance of our selections. Our process includes:
- Direct Engagement: Involving young adults who have lived through the challenges discussed in the literature enriches the selection process.
- Broad Impact: Expanding our selection process beyond juvenile detention facilities to include community outreach programs and secondary schools.
- Discovering Hidden Gems: Facing challenges in acquiring books from self-published authors and small independent publishers underscores our dedication to discovering hidden gems.
- Collaborative Efforts: We work proactively with library services, juvenile detention facilities, shelter programs, community service facilities, and publishing houses to overcome obstacles related to privacy, disinformation, and accessibility.
In summary, the ITM committee's work goes beyond recognizing outstanding literature. It's about addressing complex challenges, promoting inclusivity, and amplifying the voices of marginalized youth in literature. Join us in significantly contributing to the literary landscape and the communities we serve.
We look forward to welcoming new members to our committee and continuing our mission to highlight and celebrate impactful literature.
How to Apply
Interested in making a difference and being part of this impactful committee? Fill out the Online Application, here: https://inthemarginssite.blog/online-forms/
PLEASE FORWARD TO THOSE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED and POST ON RELEVANT LIST SERVES. Thank you!