AdvocacyReport 2021-22 Advocacy Tools
E
Jeanne W. Reynolds Chairwoman Government Relations Committee
ach summer, in preparation for a new
trict supervisor of elections’ website.
effectively address advocacy issues spe-
with supplies, we attend trainings, and
supervisor of elections.” On the home
members are scrambling for resources
school year, we fill our “toolboxes”
we build up our intellectual property to be at our best when students return to
school. When the year begins, we focus on reviewing and building music fundamen-
tals. We know our students need those strong musical fundamentals to succeed.
The same applies to advocacy. At the
beginning of the school year, we need to refill our advocacy toolboxes and review
Search the phrase “[county name] page there will be a link to find your
precinct. After you enter your address,
typically there is another link that will take you to officeholders. There you
can see every single elected official that represents you, from the president to judges, county commissioners, school board members, etc.
advocacy fundamentals to fulfill FMEA’s
Advocacy Messages and Resources
comprehensive music education in ALL
This always perplexes me a bit. Teachers
mission statement: To promote quality, Florida schools. Notice the verb promote.
Our mission statement quite literally calls on us to be strong, effective advocates.
This month let’s commit to reviewing
advocacy fundamentals and restocking our advocacy toolboxes.
Know Your Decision Makers/Office Holders
In addition to your school’s administra-
tive leadership team, learn the names and
I am often asked for advocacy materials. have the best advocacy tools at their fin-
gertips. These tools are stories and data
about your own program. Be prepared to share that information. Your stories are compelling. Refine your “elevator”
speech. Be prepared on a moment’s notice to tell community members and decision
makers why your music program is so vitally important to the success of your students and the life of your school.
roles of district leaders as well. Commit
Curate Advocacy Resources
members’ names. Get to know them per-
articles, videos, and ideas that most
to knowing more than your school board sonally. It’s not too early to invite them to
« Your state and federal elected officials fall and winter concerts.
can be found here: https://fiscalnote.
« CLICK HERE
com/find-your-legislator.
to link to Florida’s
2021-22 legislative education committee members. If your elected official is one of these committee members,
reach out to them by phone or email or schedule a visit. Share your passion
« A complete list of your own elected for music education.
8
officials can be found on your disFlorida Music Director
Create a designated place to collect
cific to your program. Too often, FMEA
at the last minute before an important
meeting, conference, or concert. There are endless advocacy resources; curate the ones that best meet your needs so they are
always at your fingertips. Here are some
« FMEA advocacy page, fmea.org/advo-
places to begin your search: cacy.
Bookmark this page and visit
often. It has information and profes-
« Americans for the Arts and Arts sionally produced advocacy videos.
Education Partnership – Make sure
you are familiar with these two organizations. Take some time to look
around these websites. Undoubtedly,
you will find some articles and research for your curated advocacy resource file.
• •
americansforthearts.org
« CLICK HERE
aep-arts.org
for Americans for the
Arts “Encourage Creativity” videos
« CLICK HERE
available for your use.
for an example of an
article you may want to keep on file.
