You can't be a good tech without being a good person

I suppose I have always subliminally known this as tech supervisor: one can't really be a good technician without being a good person. 

When we think of effective technical workers, we usually think of those with knowledge, skill set, education, experience, and even some degree of wisdom. We think of techs working with machines and code, not with other people. The stereotypical "techie" is often depicted as nerdy or antisocial.

Our district uses an independent survey tool to measure a number of technology-related efforts. At a recent meeting, the perception the timeliness and effectiveness of our technical services was shared quantitatively.

We were viewed as average. Sigh.

This finding surprised me. I am very fortunate to work with what I consider a talented, responsive, and highly skilled group of technicians. Like most school district tech departments, we are understaffed by business standards, but we work very hard and do a good job.

At our biweekly staff meetings we share technical information, ask questions, clarify processes and procedures, plan projects, and get updates. Standard stuff. But after learning of our "average" rating, I've decided that we need to add some soft skills to our full quiver of hard skills.

How can we become more empathetic? How can we show kindness? How can we better communicate? How can we inform and instruct without making others feel dumb or incompetent? How do we become more culturally proficient? How can we identify and truly believe in our important role in the education of our students?

How can all of us become better techs by becoming better people?

BFTP: Excuses vs Challenges

I will freely admit that many librarians and teachers (and principals and techicians and custodians and secretaries and ...) are working under very difficult circumstances with very high expectations. I am also conscious that I have not been a building level librarian for many years, so my vantage point is from the ivory tower of the district office. But when librarians make excuses, I have issues....

Here is my thought - neither profound nor probably original ...

Any single condition or situation can be either an excuse or a challenge. It all depends on the individual's perspective. I would define an excuse as a challenge that an individual views as unalterable, unchangeable, fated. A challenge is a condition or situation that is real, identified, and important - but we should be working to change. Not just accept.

So any of the following conditions could be either excuses or challenges, depending on how the librarian who is experiencing them, views them:

• My principal doesn't support libraries.
• My budget is inadequate.
• My fixed schedule prevents me from having an effective library program.

But it is the next clause that determines whether the situation is an excuse or a challenge...

• My principal doesn't support libraries which is why I don't have enough a) staff b) resources c) respect.
• My budget is inadequate so the collection is old and unused.
• My fixed schedule prevents me from having an effective library program since I can't integrate my program into the classroom curriculum.

All excuses I hear too much.

However I have respect for librarians who say:

• My principal doesn't support libraries but I am working to convince him/her that libraries do impact student achievement using both internal and external data.
• My budget is inadequate but I am building advocacy in my students, staff, and parents to support my proposed budget.
• My fixed schedule prevents me from having an effective library program but I am working with teachers in the flexible time I have, building support for additional flexible time.

George Washington Carver said "Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." I think that is why I find excuses so abhorrent - that those who make excuses do so from a feeling of powerlessness. 

We do not need powerless librarians. Everyone can change his or her situation - or at least go down knowing one has tried.

Orginal post October 30, 2012

The shy person's guide to lobbying

I have personally never felt more cynical about politics. Exceptionally important issues that will impact my children and grandchildren are being dealt with in ways diametrically opposed to my values - especially on economics and the environment. The temptation to simply throw in the towel and leave the country to the next generation is strong.

Instead, we boomers ought to not hunker down, but double down on our political actions - at least those of us who care about future generations. I have worked to influence legislators (without the ability to make huge campaign contributions) for very long time - and I suppose, it is no time to quit.

I wrote this as legislative chair for our state school library organization (it was MEMO, now it is ITEM) about 10 years ago. A meeting earlier this week of a technology division of a state administrators' organization reminded me that lobbying is now, more than ever, a sacred obligation of any professional who cares about kids and schools.

Please suggest changes/additions. Feel free to adapt to your own state organization if you'd like.  

The Shy Person’s Guide to Lobbying
Doug Johnson, former MEMO Legislative Chair

How can you tell a Minnesota extrovert? He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.

If you believe the stereotypes, MEMO members are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to legislative lobbying. Both as Minnesotans and as librarians we have a reputation for shyness, modesty, and introversion. Despite our brilliant intellects, charming personalities, high moral standards, and devastating good looks, we far too seldom participate in the legislative process.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to influence legislators is through active lobbying. Lobbying is communicating with legislators and the executive branch to encourage them to take action on specific legislation or regulations. Each and every MEMO member should be actively advocating for the bills that will benefit the people who use their libraries and technology resources. Even those of us who are shy.

Here is a short primer on how even Shrinking Violets and Shrinking Vincents can gain the confidence needed to be effective lobbyists:

1.    Recognize that lobbying is your job and find opportunities to speak to your legislators face-to-face. 
Obtaining funding and directing policy by being an active part of the legislative process is an important professional duty. No MEMO member should simply assume that MEMO “leaders” or our hired lobbyist can effectively be his/her voice to our legislators. This is work is too important to be left to other people. I mean this. 

MEMO and MLA annually host Library Legislative Day. This event is held at the Capitol in St. Paul and has proven to be an expedient means of speaking to many legislators in a short time frame. Check the MLA and MEMO websites for registration information. Being surrounded by other MEMO and MLA members is, well, comforting. 

For those working stiffs who find it difficult to get a day off and travel to St. Paul, watch for regional legislative events. Our state multitype library organizations often host these get togethers. Be there, be counted, be heard.

2.    Learn something about the legislative process – or at least who your representatives are.
There is a genuine wealth of information at <www.leg.state.mn.us>. At this site, you can find out who your House member and Senator are and their contact information – phone, e-mail, and mailing address. You can also track the status of bills that are important to MEMO members on this site.

Truth be told, most of us are mystified by the legislative process, even after being politically engaged for many years. A very good overview of our state legislature and how laws become enacted can be found at <https://www.leg.state.mn.us/youth/> OK, so it written for kids, but at least I understand it!  And if you have a question, please let a member of the MEMO legislative committee know it.

3.    Understand the MLA/MEMO platform and know the talking points. 
Each year MEMO and MLA join write a joint legislative platform that includes planks of interest to all types of libraries.  The document itself is usually only a page or two long and can be found on the MEMO website’s Legislative section <http://mnitem.org/Advocacy-Legislation>.

The second set of documents that are important to read are the “talking points” that go with each platform plank. These short statements give reasons for and research behind the issues addressed by each plank. Check these regularly for updates.

Having a basic understanding of the platform and the reasons behind the planks in it is vital for effective lobbying efforts. While you do not need to be an expert, you do need to be familiar with the issues. If a legislator or staffer asks a question that you can’t answer, it’s just fine to say, “I don’t know that, but I will find out and get back to you.”

4.    Be effective when visiting with your legislator.
One guide suggests that when talking to legislators to remember the ABC’s - Accuracy, Brevity, and Courtesy. Stick to the platform. Be clear about what you want the legislator to do. (Vote for HF 101, for example.) Always frame the request by demonstrating the benefit to those you serve, not the benefit to you. Listen as well as talk. Answer questions. Leave copies of the platform with your legislator. Oh, work with the legislators who represent your district.

5.    Be a rational, pleasant human being.
If you are a school library media specialist or technology person, I can simply say, “Be yourself.” But just in case you are new to Minnesota or the profession, here are a few do’s and don’ts… Thank your legislator for past support when possible. Avoid party politics. As the Humane Society reminds us, “Animals have friends on both sides of the aisle.” Do tell personal anecdotes related to the issue for which you are lobbying. Don’t threaten retaliation, especially in the voting booth. It’s fine to disagree – but don’t be disagreeable. Make your case firmly.

Send a thank you after you visit. Your mom would be proud,

6.    Write, call and e-mail – effectively.
Face to face conversations with your legislators are excellent ways to put your message across, but writing, calling and e-mailing on specific bills are also important. Here are a few “rules” for such correspondence:

• Be clear about what you want, listing the bill, and the action you want your legislator to take.
• Tell a story or give an example to make the issue relevant to your legislator and to his own part of the state.
• Ask for a direct response with his or her position on the issue or bill.

Personal letters are better than form letters or petitions. Use your official letterhead. Letters are usually more effective than e-mails. Calls on an issue can be helpful since legislators sometime simply count the number of calls pro and con on certain matters. Watch your e-mail for requests for calls for action from MEMO and MLA. Then do it!

7.    Work on developing a relationship with your representatives.
The people I know who have the most success in influencing legislators are ones who have a long-standing relationships. Few things are achieved in a single legislative session. Cultivate a friendly, trust-worthy reputation that will serve you and your patrons well into the future. Become your representative’s reliable source of information on school library and technology issues.

So, eat your Powdermilk Biscuits or whatever it takes, but overcome your reticence and make your voice heard. 

For additional information:

• Democracy Center <www.democracyctr.org>
• Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest <WWW.CLPI.ORG>