The Wyoming Library Association has a number of interest groups. One of the youngest is LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development), formed in 2012. Starting in 2017, LEAD members began facilitating and sponsoring workshops at WLA Conferences about leadership development, customer service, association membership, and the importance of EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) in libraries.
Another workshop and its subject evolved into a wider discussion for LEAD, WLA and library leadership statewide: the need for a library mentorship program for all Wyoming library staff members, professional and support staff alike. In October 2020 the WLA Mentorship Program was successfully launched at the WLA Virtual 2020 Conference.
“Our hope in WLA is that this mentorship program will grow each year and encourage the ongoing professional growth and confidence of both established and emerging leaders in the library field,” said Anna Street, WLA LEAD Interest Group Chair.
LEAD and WLA are now taking applications and starting the matching process between mentors and protégés. This is a 12-month program between a mentor and a protégé, inspired by other successful mentorship programs at organizations like ALA.
Learn more and apply to be either a mentor or a protégé. If you have any questions or want verification that your application was received, contact the LEAD chair or co-chair.