SLA launches new advocacy service

Information Outlook, Feb, 2005

SLA has launched a new Legislative Action Center (www.sla.org/act), a grassroots advocacy service for SLA members to use in learning about and acting on public policy matters affecting the information profession.

Members who visit the online center can review legislation, learn how to communicate effectively with legislators, identify the appropriate elected officials and media with whom to communicate, and share views with law-makers via targeted e-mail, fax, phone, and wire service.

The SLA Legislative Action Center is also equipped with a comprehensive full-service election component, including detailed candidate bios, voter registration forms, and absentee ballot explanations. The expected result: a more informed and engaged SLA membership that participates in the legislative and electoral processes.

The service is currently configured to support communication between members in the United States and their elected representatives. As content and technology allow, SLA will explore the integration of other nations' legislative contact systems into the Legislative Action Center.

SLA Executive Director Janice R. Lachance, a former Cabinet official during the presidency of Bill Clinton, said the time has come for SLA members to use their clout and influence the outcome of critical public policy debates. "With over 12,000 members and countless others in our global community, we have to find ways to shape the development of policies that affect our work and our organizations. Our new Legislative Action Center puts the power to communicate in the hands of the people who matter most and know best: our members."

For more information on the SLA Legislative Action Center, contact Doug Newcomb, SLA Public Policy Director, at (703) 647-4923 or dnewcomb@sla.org.