Listed below are some of the projects and initiatives for the Society beginning in 2026. This list includes only new initiatives, i.e., it does not include our ongoing activities (e.g., publishing the Knight Letter, or conducting conferences and Zoom sessions throughout the year). The LCSNA Board annually reviews our progress on each initiative, and may update, modify, or add new initiatives.
LCSNA Mission
To encourage study and promote awareness and appreciation of the life, work, times, and influence of Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), including the advancement of public knowledge and appreciation of the works of Lewis Carroll in North America by publishing the writings of Lewis Carroll, arranging literary programs concerning the works of Lewis Carroll, promoting historical research on the life and works of Lewis Carroll, and collecting and preserving materials of historical value relating to Lewis Carroll.
Initiatives and Priorities
October 2026
1. Membership Growth and Retention
1.1. Membership Committee. Charge a new Membership Committee to launch a systematic and effective membership drive aimed at both membership retention and growth.
1.2. Member Involvement. Publicize organizational needs and specific opportunities for members to volunteer/engage in the work of the Society.
1.3. Institutional Memberships. Work with universities, museums, and libraries that hold significant collections of Carrolliana to create a scholarly network that makes scholars more aware of their holdings, and that will further the study of Lewis Carroll and his works.
2. Finances
2.1. Development Committee. Redouble efforts to appoint a Development Committee to develop and execute a fundraising plan, including the identification of non-membership dues funding sources.
3. Publications
3.1. Publications Committee. Appoint a new chair of the Publications Committee.
3.2. New Publications. Identify potential new book publication topics and authors for publication by the Society.
3.3. Digital Publications. Develop a plan and funding to digitize previously published LCSNA publications and make the books available in PDF format through the website.
3.4. Digital Databases. Publish content databases (e.g., the combined database of the Alice in a World of Wonderland checklists of 2015 Translations and 2023 English-Language editions)
4. Programs and Events
4.1. In-Person Conferences. Develop a new strategy regarding in-person conferences, and create a multi-year schedule for future conferences.
4.2. Virtual Conferences. Develop a list of potential speakers and topics for future conferences and other virtual events.
4.3. Schaefer Reading Program. Consider and approve a plan for a nationally available program for readings beyond those held during in-person conferences.
5. Membership Communications
5.1. General. Update the website to provide a clear and up-to-date statement of membership benefits.
5.2. Website and Blog. Continuously review the organization of and content on the website to ensure it is easy to use and is up-to-date, and provide better access to non-Society generated but authoritative information about Carroll and his works.
6. Administrative Operations
6.1. Committees. Update all committee charges and encourage members to join a committee or to participate in the work of the Society in other ways.
6.2 Archives. Update the Society’s archives at the New York University Libraries, and ascertain their requirements for the submission of digitally created documents and files.
