A check-in on your ML to-do list

As we speed towards September, let's do a quick review of what should be on your to-do list to get ready for NaNoWriMo!

New ML onboarding tools:

Neither of these are mandatory, but may be helpful for helping you feel confident in what you need to know as a Municipal Liaison

• The new ML orientation 
  • ~75 minutes, includes screenshares, captions included
• The new ML training Google Classroom
  • 13 text-based sections reviewing the essential elements of being an ML

Things you should do now if you haven't already (both returning and new MLs):

• Introduce or re-introduce yourself to your region on your regional landing page
• Connect with any co-MLs in your region. (If you've already posted in that thread and haven't gotten a response, feel free to send me an email and I can introduce you to your co-ML via email.)

Things to start working on in the coming weeks:

• Start planning events you want to host
• Write an introductory regional message if you haven't sent one yet, including information on how people can submit events
• Check for any submitted events in your region under the "Pending" section of the events tab

Update on ML kits

If you missed the pre-order for ML kits, don't panic! We'll have some extra kits available once we send out all the pre-orders. I'll send more information out as soon as those are available. We may also have more stickers available if you run out of the ones you pre-ordered, but if that happens, just remember that it means your events are more popular than you expected, and that's a good problem to have! 

Relevant ML resources

As many of you will just be starting to plan your events for this year's NaNoWriMo, I want to highlight three of our resources in particular that can help you make your events and community more accessible and inclusive.

Fostering an Inclusive Environment
This section of the ML Guide to Life can help you think about how to make your events more accessible and your online spaces more inclusive. 

What Should I Expect at a NaNoWriMo Write-In?
This is a document that you are welcome and encouraged to share with your participants! It's particularly valuable for those who might be anxious about attending an event to give them a clearer understanding of what to expect. 

Harm Reduction for In-Person Events
COVID is still a significant concern and risk in our lives. This document offers some options to help you make any in-person events safer.

And on that note, a quick reminder that you are not required to host in-person events. We know that many MLs are immunocompromised, otherwise vulnerable, or continuing to be vigilant about avoiding crowded indoor events.  You also do not have to share private health information with us or your participants to justify your decision not to host or attend in-person events. If you have any issues with participants around this, please let us know so we can back you up. 

Frequently used ML links

ML Support Hub
ML Forums
Join the ML Discord
ML Facebook group
New ML Training Google Classroom