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<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Over the years, many contributions have been made to MLA – most with specific use attached. As we looked for ways to recognize the needs of underrepresented individuals within the library community, the MLA board approved a
change to a fund that didn’t have any restrictions or ties. With the dollars already within the fund, and a commitment to fundraise each year to keep it a healthy resource, we proudly unveil the MLA Equity Fund Grants.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">MLA affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by supporting the broadest participation of racially and ethnically diverse librarians and library support staff who provide leadership in the transformation of libraries
and library services.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The new MLA Equity Fund will be used as an individual grant geared toward the professional development of individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession. This fund will reduce financial barriers and uplift
the professional development for Black, Indigenous, <span style="color:black">Latinx, Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern individuals
</span>by providing resources to be used for memberships, attendance at workshops, educational events or conferences of applicants’ choosing, or for other purposes that they believe increase their ability to impact and transform the library profession.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Download the <a href="https://www.milibraries.org/assets/docs/MLA%20Equity%20Fund%20Guidelines-FINAL%20062520.docx" target="_self">
MLA Equity Fund Guidelines for complete details</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Applications should be submitted using the online form:
<a href="https://www.milibraries.org/equity-fund-application" target="_blank">https://www.milibraries.org/equity-fund-application</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">All application materials are due to MLA by Friday, July 31, 2020, by 5:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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