Endorsement & Advocacy

Endorsement: The expression of approval or support through any medium, often one-time,  for an individual or organization’s activity, position, or contribution.

Advocacy: proactive planned, deliberate, and sustained effort to influence decisions on an issue of strategic importance.

VPL: The Vancouver Public Library, as represented by the Library Board and/or staff on behalf of the organization.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples observes that Indigenous peoples have the right to their own voices. When the Library is considering endorsement or advocacy, it is important as part of planning to consider the issue with an Indigenous lens and to identify particular considerations that have been raised by Indigenous peoples, with particular attention to issues raised by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

1. Principles

• VPL is a respected civic institution and must carefully consider the implications of its endorsement or advocacy activities.
• VPL will not advance interests that are in conflict with Library policies.
• VPL works in partnership with the broader library sector, and will leverage its position as a large urban public library system to enhance the capacity of public libraries in BC and across Canada.

2. Goals of Endorsement or Advocacy

• To communicate the value and impact of library services
• To advance VPL’s strategic priorities and goals
• To ensure adequate funding
• To support or oppose public positions or policies which have the potential to impact VPL

3. General Guidelines

• VPL may support policy positions or recommendations that advance public library services.
• As a City agency, VPL may endorse or support the advocacy efforts of the City of Vancouver.
• VPL will not endorse or take a leading role in issues that do not directly impact VPL services.
• VPL will not extend its goodwill and brand to the endorsement of partisan activities, including support for a political party or candidate.
• VPL’s purchase of products from vendors should not be considered an endorsement of that product or service.

4. Endorsement Requests

• Endorsement of activities that further VPL’s priorities and goals and do not unduly burden VPL’s financial or human resources will generally be provided.  Examples include:
  • Endorsement of initiatives that protect or advance information rights in Canada;
  • Endorsement of a policy or submission statement issued by a library organization; or
  • Endorsement of activities that seek to enhance access or engagement with library services or information in Canada.
• VPL may endorse activities of organizations it partners with in delivering VPL services.

5. Advocacy

• VPL may undertake advocacy activities to advance the Library’s strategic priorities and/or to communicate to funders and stakeholders the value and impact of library services, addressing areas such as:
  • Policy positions and legislation on issues such as copyright, intellectual freedom, and privacy;
  • Issue areas linked with libraries including literacy, education, and human rights;
  • Funding for library services.
     

Endorsement requests must be approved by the Chief Librarian & CEO.  Where significant outlay of Library resources is anticipated, the request will be referred to the Library Board.

Advocacy activities will be recommended by the Chief Librarian & CEO, and must be approved by the Library Board.

Staff who do not ensure approval by the Chief Librarian & CEO for endorsement or advocacy activities they undertake as representatives of VPL, or otherwise fail to comply with this policy, may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The VPL Board may request that Council remove board members who fail to comply with this policy.

• Code of Conduct