Recording procedures extends the institutional memory to all members. One of these tasks directly addresses the issues of constraints on political activity by public employees. Distributing guidelines for appropriate political action is essential to help members feel comfortable in the political arena. Guidelines include the mundane such as using a home address for membership mailings so any political information stays out of the office. They can also cover the latest interpretation from the state Attorney General on when an appointed board member can take a political position.
Guidelines provide a mechanism to open the conversation on political activity.
Each member can use them to clarify situations before becoming involved rather than justifying political activity after the fact. Regular communication with the membership, such as distributing the guidelines, keeps the issues and the process in front of the membership, slowly increasing participation in political activity. Suggested Guidelines for Safe Political Action Use your home address when joining your state library association. This directs political mailings from the association to your home rather than your office. Consider getting a personal e-mail address for your political and legislative activities rather than using your institutional one.