In continued support of the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives of the Oregon Library Association (OLA) EDIA Committee and their tremendous work in developing the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Toolkit (PDF), the State Library of Oregon is offering Libraries Leading with Equity, a four-part EDI training opportunity facilitated by librarian and EDI practitioner Christina Fuller-Gregory. Using a cohort-based model, this training will provide participants with opportunities to learn, develop, and implement skills and best practices that will be critical to introducing lasting and successful EDI initiatives in their communities. This regional training is open to all library types, all library staff, library volunteers, and library advocates.
February 10, 2025 Update:
We have received many questions about whether it is still happening, and the answer is yes, we are still offering this equity-based learning opportunity, and we are moving the cohort entirely online in order to accommodate more participants. We have heard that you are looking to reconnect and reaffirm a commitment to this work in light of recent happenings and changes, and that you are looking for a safe space to do so. It is our hope that by moving the cohort entirely online, we can help provide that opportunity for conversation and commitment and expand the cohort’s reach during a time where uncertainty and needs are at a high.
Our facilitator, Christina Fuller-Gregory, plans to pivot and reframe the training to include more opportunities for personal reflection and ideation around what it might look like to start, support, and sustain DEI work under the current administration.
Given these changes, we are extending the application deadline until Friday, February 28, 2025.
The 2025 Spring session of Libraries Leading with Equity learning cohort is a fully virtual four-part training that provides comprehensive EDI training based on principles and practices introduced in the Oregon Library Association’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Toolkit (PDF). This free training champions the importance of understanding and incorporating EDI efforts into all aspects of library services, challenging participants to identify ways in which they can build their skills as strong allies and collaborators.
Online training dates, via Zoom, will be hosted on the following Mondays:
Participants can expect to learn about:
The trainings will be an opportunity for both those new to equity work and those experienced with equity work to learn more and begin to work together. The cohorts are safe spaces for learning, growing, and community building.
Please read the participant expectations where you can find the link to apply. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025 and up to 25 applicants will be selected.
This project was made possible in whole by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.
What Are The Expectations for Participants?
Each participant chosen for a cohort will be expected to make a commitment to actively take part in all four learning sessions as well as engage in the implementation projects between sessions. You must come with a learner's mind, ready to engage in the learning (and unlearning) necessary to truly explore the concepts in the OLA Anti-Racism toolkit.
The four online meetings will take place between March 2025 and May 2025. Participants will have post-session assignments between sessions. We anticipate the overall time commitment to be approximately 24 - 30 hours.
Building a network of support amongst cohort members is an essential element of the cohorts project. Successful participants will not only come prepared to engage in their own learning, but to provide empathetic and open support to their fellow learners; there will be opportunities for individual and group learning.
Application Process
Applications are now open: up to 25 applicants will be selected to participate with a preference for those in eastern Oregon. The deadline for applying is February 28, 2025 or until all seats are filled.
Please note: the State Library asks that all participants engage fully (attend, participate, discuss and complete assignments).
If you are unable or not willing to agree to this, please be kind and leave a seat for someone else.
You can use this form to apply.
What Support is Available For Participants?
We will work to support individuals in their participation, with funds available to support mileage stipends, per diem, hotel, and potentially substitute coverage for any of the four sessions for our colleagues in solo libraries. Libraries are encouraged to send more than one staff person, and extend the opportunity to key volunteers
It is our hope that the barriers that library staff in eastern Oregon may face that prevent taking part in training will be removed for cohort participants.
For these virtual sessions, we will ensure attendees have the support they need to fully participate.
Cohort Facilitator: Christina Fuller-Gregory
Christina Fuller-Gregory (she/her/hers) is a librarian and experienced Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice practitioner. She is also the principal consultant at Fuller Potential Consulting.
Christina is an active member of the American Library Association (ALA), Public Library Association (PLA), and Black Caucus of ALA (BCALA). A 2017 ALA Emerging Leader, she currently serves as program facilitator for the Emerging Leaders program. She has also served as co-chair of the Public Library Associations (PLA) Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Committee (PLA EDISJ). Deeply embedded in EDI work, Christina has served on both ALA’s EDI Assembly and ALA’s Diversity Committee. She also sits on advisory groups for the New Face of Library Makerspaces and for Library Journal’s Equity in Action Series. In recognition of her advocacy work in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, Christina was named as a 2021 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.
Led by Fannie Lou Hamer’s belief that ‘Nobody’s free until everybody’s free,’ Christina's work is driven by a desire to see Libraries develop strategies for weaving equity, diversity, and inclusion into the very fabric of their organizations.