The Intellectual Freedom Teen Council (IFTC) is a virtual space where teens from across the country can connect with a peer-support network and discuss book challenges, censorship, and intellectual freedom.
Participants will learn how to help youth from coast to coast protect the right to read whatever they choose. In addition, IFTC participants will provide feedback on programming related to BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative as well as hear from authors, librarians, teen advocates/activists, and others with experience combatting censorship.
Why Join?
- Learn how to be an effective intellectual freedom advocate in your local community.
- Earn a certificate, a recommendation letter, and resume-boosting experience.
- Connect with peers across the country, discuss books, and find community.
Requirements
The IFTC welcomes teens ages 13-19 who are interested in issues of book challenges/bans, intellectual freedom, and anti-censorship advocacy.
Responsibilities
- The Intellectual Freedom Teen Council meets from 5-6 pm EST once a month (usually the 3rd Tuesday). Meetings are ongoing throughout the calendar year.
- Meetings take place virtually via Zoom.
How to Join
Please register to receive a Zoom link the day of the meeting.
Questions? Send an email to Summer Boismier at [email protected] All teens are welcome!
What Else?
The Intellectual Freedom Fellows program is an opportunity for teens interested in leadership roles within the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council. IF Fellows support the IFTC by planning activities, sharing resources, and writing blog and social media posts about book challenges, censorship, and intellectual freedom. The Fellows meet once a month virtually in addition to the regular IFTC meetings. Because of the added time commitment, IF Fellows receive a small stipend for their efforts.
Email Summer Boismier at [email protected] for more information.