News - MLA
Written by Deborah E. Mikula, MLA Executive Director   

Letter From Debbie

September 23, 2021

Over the past 2 years, a tremendous amount of time, energy and input has been shared by the board, staff and members to make sure that MLA’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion were solidified in our strategic plan, in our statement of commitment, and through our training and educational opportunities. 

With each passing day, we have become more stalwart in our commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility and belonging, and how each serves individually and collectively as a critical lens to drive MLA’s strategic priorities and measure the magnitude of our impact. As a mission-driven organization that applies best practices to benefit the library community, and improve the lives of library workers throughout Michigan, MLA recognizes that the inclusion of diverse people, viewpoints and experiences are key to our success. It is essential that we embed these values in a robust framework that touches and informs all aspects of our work.

This framework continues to bring respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives into focus - shaping a healthier, more vibrant future for all of us. 

What are we committed to accomplishing?

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff, board, ambassadors and members.  

We are committed to fostering and supporting equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging in all of our libraries that serve both rural and urban patrons here in Michigan. 

We are committed to increasing our educational opportunities through the lens of equity, diversity and inclusion.  

We are committed to respecting the individuality of each member of MLA. 

We are committed to engaging in a collaborative process that systematically and comprehensively advances equity, diversity accessibility and belonging within our strategic plan and MLA’s vision and mission. 

And we are committed to an association free of any kind of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, national or ethnic origin, politics, or veteran status.

This framework provides the foundation for the next phase of our work - including ensuring resources and future activities are responsive to the needs of MLA members. MLA’s statement, our strategic plan and our educational opportunities aspire to unify our efforts and achieve specific goals over the next three years. Our promise to you, our members, MLA will embed and champion equity, diversity, accessibility and belonging in all that we do.

There is still much to accomplish.

Debbie Signatiure

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director

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