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Be Ready for Advocacy
1. Arm Yourself with Facts – Acquire all the information, data and testimonials to refute the very reasons the district is considering a program reduction or cut. Then provide information regarding the positive benefits of the art program to contrast any statements that may attempt to undermine the value of the program.
Keep Arts in Schools- http://www.keepartsinschools.org
National Association of State Arts Agencies/Arts Education Partnership- Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement-http://www.aep-arts.org
2. Present Your Case in an Unemotional Way – “Just the Facts” is the best way to layout your position. Overly emotional or hysterical presentations only work to harden the position of your opponent.
3. Build a case for the best interest of students-
Students should be the center of every argument.
4. Look for Concrete and Hidden Reasons – Hit their argument with additional facts or research. This gives your audience two choices: 1) Respond to the facts and make the proper decision or, 2) ignore the facts and do what they want. If they ignore the facts then there is a bigger underlying issue. Ignoring the facts will also empower advocates to show how the actions are not being considered based on research, facts, and the best interest of… the students! The media always has a field day with an elected body that ignores the facts!
5. Messengers are important. Find the best possible people to make the case and who will be listened to by the audience and who hold opinions the audience will value. Parents, business leaders, concerned citizens all make good presenters when they are empowered with factual information. A letter from an art expert from another community can be read to the audience. Invite school community stakeholders; a community member, parent, and a student should all participate!
6. Leave your cliental happy- this is the best advocacy!
Additional Advocacy Resources:
Americans for the Arts- http://www.artsusa.org/
Arts in Every Classroom/A Video Library for K-5 Teachers and Arts Specialists- video clips to use-
http://www.learner.org/resources/series165.html
California Alliance for Arts Education: Arts Learning in Action Toolkit-
http://www.artsed411.org/advocate/tips.aspx
ArtSmarts Among Innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)