The bevy of emails going back and for on the Hls-list seems to indicated that there quite a few of us out there who have opinions on MLA, our involvement, meetings, and programming. So it was very timely that the recent issue of MLA Focus lists two more opportunities for people to help shape MLA and give back to their profession.

Participate in MLA's Upcoming Web-based Election

MLA is preparing for the 2007 election, to be conducted online from November 7-December 12, 2006. All current voting members will receive voting instructions via email at the address on file at MLA. They are asking taht members visit the Online Member Directory, under "Search MLA Directory", to confirm or update your email address. Updates must be made by September 15. You will need your MLANET username/ID and password to enter this members-only section. If you can't remember or locate your ID and password (printed on your membership card), email MLA Membership Services, and it will be sent to you.

Institutional, regular, and student members are allowed to vote, so if you aren't a member you need to join to participate.

Send Your Ideas for CE Courses and Symposia at MLA '08

MLA is now accepting ideas for exciting and innovative courses and symposia to offer at MLA '08 in Chicago. Suggestions must be submitted by Friday, December 15, 2006, for consideration by the MLA Continuing Education Committee (CEC) at its midwinter meeting in January 2007. More information and forms are available on MLANET.

If you have a great idea about programming submit it!

Chapter Meetings
Finally, for those of you belong to the Midwest Chapter and Western MLA Chapters, don't forget about their meetings. Go to the links and check out their programming and register.

Registration Open for Midwest Chapter's annual meeting, in Louisville, KY, October 7-11. Western Chapters of MLA Early-Bird Registration Ends Sept. 15 for the meeting in Seattle, October 14-17.