WeLead Program Information | WeLead Classes

We are now accepting applications for the 2010 class of protégés and mentors. For more information about participating in the program, please contact Lisa Strand at the WLA Office.

2010-12 WeLead Timeline | WeLead Protege Application (Word)| WeLead Mentor Application (Word)

Objective:
WLA is concerned about attracting and retaining new members, and grooming new members who will be active in WLA leadership. The WLA WeLead Task Force developed the WeLead Initiative to identify and mentor three to five emerging and/or new librarians. This initiative will involve three to five protégés and three to five mentors.

During the three year initiative: selected participants will be given a one-year WLA membership

• stipends to attend the WLA annual conference for three years
• a stipend to attend one section conference during the three-year initiative
• an appointment to a WLA committee
• special leadership programming opportunities
• and the ability to network with their mentor

What is an “emerging” librarian?

For the purposes of this initiative, emerging librarians will be defined as students, paraprofessionals, and professionals either currently studying library science or currently employed in the library field.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be students, paraprofessionals and professionals currently in the field of library science
• Applicants should have demonstrated potential to be future library leaders
• Applicants must be willing to attend the WLA annual conference for the three years during the three-year WeLead Initiative
• Applicants must be willing to attend one additional conference (WAPL, WAAL or WEMTA) during the three-year WeLead Initiative
• Applicants may either:
  1) have never been a member of the Wisconsin Library Association or
  2) have been a member for three years or less (not including student memberships).

Selection
The protégés will be selected by the WLA WeLead Task Force. The task force will select a diverse group of participants from all areas of library service.

Impact
This recruitment, retention and leadership development program contributes toward achieving a major WLA goal: strengthening WLA organizationally. WLA recognizes the need to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will advance WLA’s mission to the library profession, and who will benefit the profession by their experience in WLA. Identifying a small group of potential leaders and providing them training, mentoring, and networking relationships and skill development is an investment WLA is willing to assume to ensure a strong and vibrant library leadership.

2009 Task Force Members

Pamela O'Donnell, Chair

Kirsten Houtman

Ann Hunt
Gretchen Revie
Tasha Saecker