MEDIA CONTACT:
John Crosby
+1.703.647.4916
jcrosby@sla.org
www.sla.org

SLA Launches New Advocacy Service
Legislative Action Center Gives Policy Power to Members

Alexandria, Virginia, USA, 6 January 2005 – The Special Libraries Association (SLA) announces the launch of its new Legislative Action Center (www.sla.org/act), a grassroots advocacy service for SLA members to use in learning about, and acting on, public policy matters affecting the information profession.

When visiting the Center, members can review legislation, learn how to communicate effectively with legislators, identify the appropriate elected officials and media with whom to communicate, and share views with lawmakers via targeted e-mail, fax, phone and wire service.

The SLA Legislative Action Center is also equipped with a comprehensive full-service election component, including detailed candidate bios, voter registration forms, and absentee ballot explanations. The expected result: a more informed and engaged SLA membership that participates in the legislative and electoral processes.

The service is currently configured to support communication between members in the United States and their elected representatives. As content and technology allow, SLA will explore the integration of other nations’ legislative contact systems into the Legislative Action Center.

SLA Executive Director Janice R. Lachance, a former Cabinet official during the presidency of Bill Clinton, believes the time has come for SLA members to use their clout and influence the outcome of critical public policy debates. “With over 12,000 members and countless others in our global community, we have to find ways to shape the development of policies that affect our work and our organizations. Our new Legislative Action Center puts the power to communicate in the hands of the people who matter most and know best: our members.”

For more information on the SLA Legislative Action Center, contact Doug Newcomb, SLA Public Policy Director, on +1.703.647.4923, or dnewcomb@sla.org

About SLA
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves more than 12,000 members in 83 countries in the information profession, including corporate, academic and government information specialists. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. Visit SLA on the Web at www.sla.org.