SILS IDEA Advocate Certificate

The UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).  The SILS IDEA Advocate Certificate which can be earned during a student’s time at SILS aims to offer formal recognition to SILS students who are active participants in making UNC SILS and the field of information and library science a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.

If you are interested in completing this certificate, click here for the registration form. You will be added to the SILS IDEA Advocate Canvas site, where your progress will be documented. All requirements must be completed 30 days before your graduation date from SILS.

SILS IDEA Advocate Certificate Requirements

1. Attend Three DEI Events & Write Statements

Attend at least three events or programs that focus on equity, diversity, or inclusion. These may be organized by SILS student groups, by other campus/community organizations, by professional associations in our field, or by local community organizations. For each event, write a response of at least 250 words about how the event relates to ILS; post it to the Canvas site in the appropriate assignment section. Here is a list of potential resources for events. Events will also be shared periodically through the SILS email listservs, Student Services Newsletter, and on social media:

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion webinars offered by the ALA. Some of the webinars are free. If you would like to watch one of the others, coordinate with a relevant SILS student group to plan a viewing; SILS will pay the group fee for two per semester.
• Events sponsored by SILS Queer Library & Information Collective.
• Events sponsored by the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life (CITAP).
• Performances at the Carolina Performing Arts Center(link is external) or the Playmakers Repertory Company that feature themes of race, LGBTQ+ issues, disability, or other topics related to equity, diversity, or inclusion.
• Performances, lectures, or other programs focused on equity, diversity or inclusion at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, UNC LGBT Center, UNC American Indian Cente,Carolina Latinx Center, UNC Asian American Center, Carolina Center for Jewish Studies, and the UNC Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
• Speakers on race, gender, disability, or other topics related to equity, diversity, or inclusion sponsored by local community organizations (ex. Let’s Talk Racism Conference sponsored by We Are (link is external)a Durham based organization working to extend anti-racist education).

2. Organize a DEI Event & Write a Statement

Help to organize at least one event or program. You may plan an event (program) or assemble a group to attend an existing one. Write a response of at least 250 words on the experience and how it relates to ILS; post it to Canvas in the appropriate Assignment section. Note: Participation in SILS annual Symposium for Social Good does not count towards this requirement.

3.  Complete a Relevant Elective Academic Course

Take at least one of the following elective courses in your time at SILS. Post the name and semester of the course in the appropriate Canvas Assignment section.

• INLS 690-276: Informational Professional in the Makerspace
• INLS 690-313: Humanistic Theories for LIS Inquiry
• INLS 690-323: Community Archives
• INLS 690-324: Design for Accessibility
• INLS 737: Inclusive Information Services for Diverse Populations
• INLS 739: Information Services for Specific Populations
• INLS 754: Access, Outreach, and Public Service in Cultural Heritage Repositories
• INLS 758: International and Cross-Cultural Perspectives for Information Management
• INLS 735: Youth Services in a Diverse Society
• Any language class, such as SPAN 401: Beginning Accelerated Spanish

4. Complete a Training & Write a Statement

Complete at least one of the following trainings. Write a statement of at least 250 words on how the training is relevant to ILS; post it to the Canvas site in the appropriate Assignment section.

• SafeZone: LGBTQ awareness and allyship.
• HAVEN (registration here ). ”Provides students, faculty, staff and Post Doctoral Fellows with tools to be an ally to someone who has experienced sexual or interpersonal (relationship) violence or stalking.” -Student Wellness website).
• Mental Health First Aid
• Project Ready: Reimaging Equity & Access for Diverse Youth
• Digital Accessibility Awareness Training
• Web Accessibility Basics Training
• Other relevant training. Check with the IDEA Committee to see if something qualifies.

5. Final Response and Portfolio

After completing the above requirements, write a personal statement on your position on equity and inclusion in ILS. This should be at least 250 words; think of it as a statement that you can  share with potential employers and other ILS professionals. It can include a summary of your experiences of equity, diversity, and inclusion related to ILS concerns, what you learned from the attended events, and/or how you sought to promote an equitable and inclusive environment and would do so in future. Post the statement to Canvas in the appropriate Assignment area. Everything must be submitted by 30 days before graduation.

Approval:

The SILS IDEA Committee will review and approve the IDEA Advocate Certificate portfolios, and the Certificates will be awarded by the School of Information and Library Science at graduation each semester.