Navigating DEI and Advocacy in a Challenging Environment

The political environment may change, but the core principles of library services remain steadfast. Embracing the diverse cultures, character, and viewpoints in the community is a crucial part of any library’s mission. Strong leadership not only shapes organizational culture but also ensures that advocacy efforts are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the ever-changing landscape of policies and societal needs. 

This session will provide leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to drive lasting change within their libraries. The instructor will begin with the concept of relentless advocacy—what it means to be a persistent and effective advocate for social justice and equity despite challenges such as burnout, resistance, or political pushback. Attendees will learn how to build coalitions, leverage grassroots movements, and develop strategies to keep advocacy efforts focused and impactful over time. Attendees will then learn about sustainable leadership, emphasizing the need for ethical leadership practices, personal well-being, and long-term vision in navigating complex organizational landscapes.

What we will cover:

• Advocacy that Endures: We’ll explore what it means to advocate with intention and consistency—even when facing burnout, institutional resistance, or legislative hurdles.
• Leadership with a Long View: We’ll dig into sustainability leadership strategies that prioritize ethics, well-being, and accountability while keeping teams engaged and aligned with their mission over time.
• Mindset for Positive Change: Effective change management demands a mindset grounded in resilience, adaptability, and conviction. We’ll talk about what it looks like to lead with purpose in uncertain and politically complex climates.
• Reading and Responding to the Landscape: As legislation continues to evolve, we’ll cover how to stay sharp, informed, and ready for defending DEI efforts, working with policy influencers, and/or accountability.
• Designing Spaces Where People Thrive: At the core of it all is culture. We’ll share strategies for creating inclusive, empowering environments where people can show up fully, contribute meaningfully, and drive innovation rooted in equity.

Dr. Aisha Johnson is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Outreach at Georgia Institute of Technology Library. An influential leader in both scholarship and practice, she champions access, inclusivity, and strategic leadership. Her mission is to advance the field by cultivating new and experienced professionals as scholar-practitioners and leaders who advocate for the underserved. Dr. Johnson authored The African American Struggle for Library Equality and has published extensively on representation and inclusion in Library and Information Science (LIS). With contributions rooted in impact, she was dubbed the 2020 Distinguished Alumni of Florida State University's College of Communication and Information, iSchool for her research and scholarship. Subsequently, in 2021, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History recognized her work and impact with the Freedom Scholar Award. Most recently, she was recognized in the 2024 class of Library Journal's Movers and Shakers. Dr. Johnson has been featured on Good Morning America for her contributions to The Black Librarian documentary as well as CNN discussion on inclusive pedagogy.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within a day after the event ends.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.