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<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:10.5pt">Dear OLA members and
members of the Oregon library community,</span><br></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">At our business meeting
on February 4, 2022, the 2021-2022 Executive Board of the Oregon Library
Association voted to endorse the petition authored by the OLA EDI
Antiracism Committee, “<a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/1" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">Break the Library Institutional Reliance on Unpaid BIPOC
Labor!</a>” The Board continues to endorse this petition and
acknowledges that insufficient context was provided when we disseminated
it. We apologize for this misstep and share this statement to provide
context and our path forward.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Before we do, we must address the heart of the work we’re doing. We
cannot continue to speak about equity, diversity, inclusion, and
anti-racism in the abstract, as theoretical underpinnings, or as part of
an acronym, workshop, or resource list. We are losing our Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) colleagues because of our
collective hesitance to change the status quo that causes them harm every
day. When we speak of our BIPOC colleagues, we are speaking of real people
for whom we have not assured psychological safety; yet, who have done and
continue to do EDIA work on their own time, without compensation, and
oftentimes without any recognition. With this as our shared
understanding, we must engage in challenging discussions and implement
meaningful change — together. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Moving forward, we acknowledge that not everyone on Libs-OR is regularly
engaged with OLA and the State Library, and as a result the greater
context of the petition was not as clear as it could have been. To
address this lack of clarity, we offer the following information about
the work of the OLA Executive Board. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
We have actively committed to being an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and
anti-racist organization through our strategic plan, the full text of
which can be found on the OLA website (<a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/2" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">https://www.olaweb.org/strategic-plan-2020-23</a>). We
are dedicated to achieving the objectives in order to improve diversity
within OLA through recruitment, retention, and take action in support of
librarians of color in our association and in the field of librarianship.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">OLA is a chapter of the
American Library Association (ALA), and as such we also draw on the <a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/3" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">ALA Code of Ethics</a> which states: “We affirm the
inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and
dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and
oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and
social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and
associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services,
and allocation of resources and spaces.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">During our consideration
of the petition for Board endorsement, the processes for recruitment for
State Library positions were explained and understood. Rather than
directly endorsing a particular candidate, we believe the language in the
petition highlighting the expertise of our incoming OLA President (the
first person of color to hold the position) is important to illustrate
the qualities desired in a person filling a position and intends to
celebrate the fortune of having that experience among our membership. It
is also needed to concretely illustrate the problem of continued reliance
on unpaid labor among our BIPOC members. In that spirit, we did not
consider endorsement of the petition to create a conflict of interest for
Board members or the Association. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
After consulting <a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/4" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">guidance from ALA</a> and discussing the situation with
ALA staff, we continue to believe the endorsement of the petition did not
create a conflict of interest. OLA does have policy statements
related to conflict of interest but the language is dated and is
difficult to apply in nuanced situations. We recognize we need to
consider potential conflicts carefully and will work towards clarifying
policies to better address situations in the future.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
In her <a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/5" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">message on Tuesday, February 15, 2022</a>, Acting State
Librarian Nancy Hoover confirmed that the State Library is seriously
considering creating an EDIA consultant position after hearing feedback
through multiple channels, including the petition. The State Library
thanked and acknowledged Marci Ramiro-Jenkins, the OLA EDIA Committee,
and other Oregon library staff of color for their work, and agreed that a
“statewide paid EDIA consultant would help alleviate some of that extra
weight placed on our colleagues of color and hopefully inspire local
libraries to focus more attention on EDIA issues.” We celebrate State
Library leaders’ recognition of the burden placed on OLA’s BIPOC members
doing EDIA work and their positive response to the recommendation to
address it. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Despite what has been suggested over the course of this conversation, the
OLA Executive Board did not and does not expect tacit agreement with
every action we take. This is a large organization with diverse
membership, and we attempt to consider and represent our members
accordingly. Our strategic goal of inclusion will not always result in
harmony. We do expect engagement in public conversations to be thoughtful
and careful not to cause harm, especially to our BIPOC colleagues. </span></p><p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br></span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The OLA Executive Board
is working to improve transparency and communication within our organization.
If you have any questions or concerns about Board actions and decisions,
we encourage you to reach out to us directly. All members’ names, roles,
and email addresses are listed on the OLA website (<a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/6" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">https://www.olaweb.org/executive-board</a>). </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Additionally, OLA
Executive Board meetings are open and OLA members are welcome and
encouraged to attend. We post our agendas, minutes, and virtual meeting
information on the OLA website (<a href="http://ola.memberclicks.net/message2/link/dd38660f-a773-401f-b0aa-2ff276c90c5f/7" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(35,111,161)">https://www.olaweb.org/executive-board-meetings</a>).
This year, the Board has instituted informal “drop-in” meetings to allow
OLA members to engage with the OLA President, Association Manager, and
other OLA leaders. Our next drop in meeting is scheduled for March 4,
2022 at 10:00 am. We encourage anyone that has questions about Board
activities to attend this meeting. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Sincerely,</span></p><p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Oregon Library Association 2021-22 Executive Board</span></p><p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br></span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Arlene Weible, OLA
President</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Marci Ramiro-Jenkins,
OLA Vice-President/President-Elect</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Kate Lasky, OLA Past
President </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Stuart Levy, OLA
Treasurer </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Star Khan, OLA
Secretary </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Sami Kerzel, OLA
Member-At-Large </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney,
OLA's Representative to ALA Council</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Emily Ford, Academic
Division/ACRL-Oregon President</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Susan Cackler,
Children's Services Division Chair </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Grace Butler, Oregon
Association of School Libraries (OASL) President</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Denise Auld, Oregon
Young Adult Network Chair</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Halsted Bernard, Public
Library Division Chair </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Eduardo Arizaga, REFORMA
Co-Chair</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Bobbye Hernandez,
REFORMA Co-Chair</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Rinny Lakin, Support
Staff Division Chair</span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:140%;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
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</div><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Arlene Weible</div><div>Oregon Library Association President, 2021-2022<br></div><div dir="ltr"><div><a href="mailto:olapresident@olaweb.org" target="_blank">olapresident@olaweb.org</a><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>