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2026 ILA Conference
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
A practical, tiered approach to library advocacy that empowers attendees to take action at every level, while navigating legal boundaries and responding to Iowa's evolving legislative landscape.

Attendees will learn about a range of advocacy strategies across varying levels of time, visibility, and effort. Distinguish between what library staff, trustees, Friends groups, and Foundations can and cannot do in advocacy contexts. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff. Confidently participate in legislative outreach efforts through the development of clear, compelling advocacy messages tailored to different audiences.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Sand

Amanda Sand

Library Leverage
Amanda Sand is a library consultant specializing in intellectual freedom, board development, and policy
guidance. She works with libraries, boards, and communities to strengthen policies, prepare for challenges, and
build staff capacity to uphold access and inclusion.
With 15 years... Read More →
avatar for Sonja Ferrell

Sonja Ferrell

Director, Ottumwa Public Library
Sonja Ferrell has served as the library director at the Ottumwa Public Library for 15 years.  She is the current ILA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) chair and has been active on the committee on and off over the years. She has worked in libraries.  Previously, she worked in Washington... Read More →
avatar for Aric Bishop

Aric Bishop

Circulation Assistant, West Des Moines Public Library
Aric Bishop is a library professional with experience in library administration, circulation services, community engagement, volunteer coordination, grant writing, fundraising, and library advocacy. He has served in a variety of public and academic library roles, including Library... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

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