Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Authors
League? (YAL)
The YAL is a volunteer speaker program whose purpose is to enhance literacy
of students attending public or private elementary, middle and high schools
that invite YAL participation.
School teachers and administrators are excited about CIPA authors and
speakers visiting their classes.
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Who is eligible to
participate as a YAL Speaker?
All CIPA members in good standing are eligible to participate. Any
interested member must fill out and sign the Speaker Application Form and
submit it to the YAL Director. You will be contacted with more information.
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What types of
presentations are most effective?
Your presentation should be fun for you and your class. It should last
between 30-45 minutes. Your presentation must be both age and topic
appropriate for school children. You need to speak to the children at their
level. Interactive presentations are very effective. You can read from your
book, talk about the topic of your book, as well as promote reading, writing
and publishing. Presentations are based on your area of expertise. You
possess valuable information that can be shared with these youngsters. The
YAL Director reserves the right to refuse a topic if it is not within the
YAL guidelines.
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How can I become involved?
Fill out the YAL Speaker Application Form and return it to the YAL Director.
The form is available on the YAL website. Once your application is received,
it will be reviewed and each participant will be contacted with more
information.
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Can I promote my books
after my presentation?
Book promotion is permitted provided the book is appropriate for the
presentation age group. Information regarding the book such as synopsis,
price (recommend discount), availability to students, parents, teachers,
etc. should be sent to the teacher prior to the presentation. CIPA Education
and Literacy Foundation (ELF) will donate one copy of your book to the
school library.
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What are the benefits
of being a YAL speaker?
• The fun of sharing your knowledge to help others
• Get experience speaking in front of an audience and add this to your
resume
• Share your passion of reading, writing and publishing
• Know that you have played a part to inspire, encourage, motivate and
educate a child
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Are there speaker
guidelines that I must follow?
Yes, listed below are the guidelines. These are also listed on the Speaker
Application Form. Each speaker must fill out and sign the form and return it
to the YAL Director.
1. I agree to follow the speaker guidelines listed below and to
represent CIPA and CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation and myself in a professional manner. This includes dressing
appropriately and showing up on time.
2. I understand that I am volunteering my time as a speaker for YAL.
3. If I am unable to fulfill my speaking commitment for any reason, I will
notify
and confirm the change with the teacher 24 hours in advance.
4. I give permission to CIPA to include my name and contact information on
the YAL
website for a teacher(s) to contact me directly.
5. I will advise the YAL Director of my speaking engagement and provide
feedback.
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When I volunteer as a YAL speaker, how many times during the school year am
I required to give my presentation?
We ask that you give one presentation during the school year. Your
name, contact information and presentation description will be listed on
the YAL Speaker Directory. This information is available to all YAL
partnering schools for the current school year. Should you receive multiple requests, it is completely up
to you to accept or decline the invitation. We fully understand that
this is a volunteer opportunity. If it is in your heart, and you have
the time to participate in all the requests, go for it!
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