IMLS looking for input

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is looking for input in examining all grant programs, research, and leadership initiatives to assure they continue to meet the evolving needs of the American public. Provide your comments and ideas to help shape the future here.

IMLS is developing a strategic plan to guide its work and priorities over the next five years. The new plan will help IMLS to rigorously examine all of its grant programs, research, and leadership initiatives and to focus on results. The years ahead will be critical ones for the nation's libraries and museums and your help is needed to shape IMLS programs and services to most effectively meet public needs. They have developed five strategic questions and a special website to gather answers.

How can IMLS leverage its resources, position, reputation and relationships to...

1. Promote effective public access to physical and digital content?
2. Promote policy that sustains information access for the American public?
3. Support lifelong learning for a competitive workforce and engaged public?
4. Promote museums and libraries as community anchor institutions?
5. Achieve excellence in public management?

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit the web site.

Follow Up on MHAC Membership Day

More details have surfaced about the Mental Health Association of Connecticut (MHAC) Membership Day on Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The event is designed to make friends, raise awareness, and increase membership. There are two 45-minute breakout sessions in the morning, and in the afternoon (did you guess) well, it's at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol.

Cost: $10.00 for members & children, $50.00 for non-members.
How do you get to be a member? See below - it's FREE.

The ticket price includes continental breakfast, educational workshops, lunch, almost all of the rides, the water park and lake access. Membership is free either online or by mail. Attendees also get 1 free ticket for another full day at the park anytime before June 30, 2012.

For tickets, contact Maryann Steele at 860-529-1970 or 800-842-1501, extension 16, or email her at msteele@mhact.org.

If you want that $10.00 ticket price and you're not already a member, simply visit the website, go to the About Us tab, and click Become a Member in the drop down menu. FREE.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Day at a Glance

9:00 to 10:00 Registration and Coffee
9:45 to 10:00 Welcome
10:00 to 10:45 1st Set of Breakout Sessions
Listen to Community Renewal Team's Mari Merwin present "Exercise Anyone? Yes We Can Feel Better in Body and Mind" or Southwest Regional Mental Health Board Director Kim O'Reilly's presentation on Smoking Cessation, complete with video, speaker, games and a brainstorming session.

11:00 to 11:45 2nd Set of Breakout Sessions
Since we just heard about the benefits of exercise, we thought we'd try some. Participate in a FREE Zumba class with Independence Center's Fatime Yusuf, a certified Zumba instructor, or go to Stress Beating Strategies with MHAC's Remi Kyek.

12:00 to 2:30 Lunch in the picnic area

11:00 to ? The park opens at 11:00 and closes at 8:00 and you are welcome to enjoy the rides and attractions for the entire day! Please note that because the park does not open until 11:00, early arrivals are asked to join us in the Starlite Ballroom (hopefully for the breakout sessions!) until then.

ReachOut.com

ReachOut.com is an information and support service for teens. It's run by the Inspire USA Foundation, supported by a lot of partners and sponsors.

It uses "evidence based principles and technology to help teens and young adults facing tough times and struggling with mental health issues. All content is written by teens and young adults, for teens and young adults, to meet them where they are, and help them recognize their own strengths and use those strengths to overcome their difficulties and/or seek help if necessary."

The site offers information on a range of mental health issues, the personal experiences of teens and how they got through these issues, information about how to find help, and teens can also contribute content to the site if they wish.