AC member / liaison from IRTF
|Good Morning Mark,
I reached out to Richard Ashby from EMIERT to work with SRRT and CSKBART. We can draft an open letter to ALA Council (and our members) about what SRRT has accurately described as the intentional (or unintentional) consequences of ALA Forward?
ALA may not realize how the loss of democratic governance may adversely impact membership. A top down leadership model certainly does not reflect the past 150 years of ALA.
Some of the items to discuss with council:
The current Constitution and Bylaws, Rules would need to have input from a majority of CSKBART members (i.e., CSKBART Constitution and Bylaws, Article IV. Amendments, Item a, states: The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the CSKBART members.) Therefore, a timeline was developed which would allow our members 30 days to review/submit any concerns that they may have. And, an additional 30 days for the CSKBART Executive Board to capture and post in the Executive Board minutes any and all concerns received from members.
As the newly elected Vice Chair/Chair Elect it is my duty to ensure that the wishes of CSKBART members guide the work of the Executive Board. In addition, since the majority of the Executive Board members and appointees are new to Coretta Scott King legacy, current history, and procedures, it is unfair to place this enormous burden on them. To make certain that we are guided by the will of CSKBART members, we must continue to make decision making processes transparent. We must give members ample opportunities to share their concerns and make recommendations in decisions that will definitely impact how CSKBART will continue for the next 57 years!
The Constitution Bylaws are currently on the 2026 A.L.A. ballot. We are having meetings for discussion, but what good is input from members if the Constitution Bylaws are already on the ballot for a vote. Member comments are not included if the Constitution Bylaws are on the 2026 A.L.A. ballot for a vote.
I have included an EMIERT Richard Ashby chair's response below.
Proposal for SRRT, CSK, and EMIERT
Democracy in Action: A Collaborative Plan to Protect Member Governance in ALA
Submitted for discussion at the March 25 SRRTAC Meeting
Colleagues,
ALA has a 150-year history built on member leadership and democratic governance. Many of us are concerned that under ALA Forward, decision-making is becoming more centralized and less transparent. Whether intentional or not, this shift may reduce member voice and weaken trust in our Association.
This proposal outlines a clear, practical action plan for SRRT, CSK, and EMIERT to work together in a constructive and strategic way.
This is not about attacking leadership. It is about protecting democratic participation and ensuring ALA remains a member-driven organization.
Purpose
To create a unified, thoughtful response that:
Affirms the importance of democratic governance
Raises concerns respectfully and clearly
Offers constructive solutions
Engages members in meaningful dialogue
Immediate Action Plan
1. Form a Joint Working Group (Within 2 Weeks)
Each group (SRRT, CSK, EMIERT) appoints two representatives.
The group will:
Identify shared values
Clarify concerns
Develop common language
Coordinate communication
Deliverable: A one-page statement affirming our commitment to transparency, equity, accountability, and member voice.
2. Draft an Open Letter to ALA Council and Members (Within 3 Weeks)
The letter will:
Recognize the intent behind ALA Forward
Clearly state concerns about centralized governance
Explain how reduced member input may affect engagement and retention
Offer specific recommendations
Invite open dialogue
Tone: Firm, respectful, solutions-focused.
The goal is to inform and strengthen - not divide.
3. Gather Member Input (Within 30 Days)
Create a short survey asking:
Do members feel represented under the current structure?
Do members feel heard in decision-making?
Has ALA Forward increased or decreased transparency?
How does governance impact your decision to remain active in ALA?
Data will strengthen our credibility and ground our concerns in member experience.
4. Request Structured Dialogue
Request:
A listening session with Executive Board leadership
A Council forum on governance impact
Clear communication about how member input is incorporated
We must move from concern to conversation.
Strategic Principles
Stay focused on structure, not personalities.
Lead with values, not emotion.
Speak with one unified voice.
Offer solutions, not just criticism.
Possible Recommendations to Present
Establish a Governance Review Task Force
Create an annual democratic accountability report
Guarantee Council consultation before major structural changes
Conduct a formal impact review of ALA Forward
Why This Matters
ALA's strength has always been its members.
If members feel disconnected from decision-making, engagement declines. If engagement declines, membership declines. Protecting democratic governance is not symbolic - it is essential to the future of the Association.
We have an opportunity to lead responsibly and collaboratively.
Time is of the essence.
I recommend we approve the formation of a Joint Working Group immediately and begin coordinated action.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard