LAS is a network for the literature sector run by the literature sector, and relies on the strategic direction of an experienced Board of Trustees nominated by an active, engaged Membership. By bringing our Membership together at meetings online and in person throughout the year we forge new partnerships, network and collaborate. These meetings offer opportunities to campaign for and celebrate literature in and from Scotland.
LAS reps for Member organisations are invited to attend member-only meetings throughout the year, consult on collective responses, vote at our AGM and nominate individuals for our Board of Trustees. LAS also facilitates Special Interest discussions and subgroups which are open to non-members, and support access to opportunities and resources more broadly through our monthly newsletter and LinkedIn.
Through these meetings and ongoing conversations with our membership, the LAS Board identifies and develops professional development programmes that strengthen resilience, inclusivity and skills across the literature sector in Scotland, with a focus on how organisations can work together to support the freelance workforces on which we rely.
We welcome new member organisations to our network on a rolling basis.
Membership fees
Membership fees are £100 per annum, invoiced at the start of each financial year. Members facing financial precarity may request a discount of 50% of the annual fee, or a full fee waiver.
Eligibility
Membership of LAS is open to constituted literary organisations (of any size) based or operating in Scotland and providing a strategic national or regional role or service. This includes local, international and special interest groups.
As a Membership body for organisations, LAS membership is not open to individuals, but we do support freelancers through our annual programme and welcome them to join us at our annual Sector Day.
What does being a Member involve?
Membership is held by an organisation, with one or two members of staff designated to act as LAS rep.
LAS reps attend our regular meetings on behalf of their organisation and keep us and other members informed of initiatives, activity and areas of challenge. They support us to flow information back to others in their organisation. They are also responsible for identifying the right person at their organisation to attend themed meetings or Special Interest groups. Representatives of member organisations have the right to vote at our AGM and to nominate candidates for the Board of Trustees.
Unconstituted groups, organisations and informal networks without the capacity to play an active role as a Member may instead choose to engage with discussions through our Special Interest meetings, or by joining subgroups such as the Scottish Book Festivals Network.
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