Once you have determined your goals and have clarified the issue(s), make your case. Make careful preparation of convincing arguments as to why arts education in your school and community are important before trying to convince policy makers. Once you have gathered your materials, then you must hone your message to be succinct, powerful, and persuasive.
An important and compelling way of communicating your message is through telling personal stories of how the arts have impacted you personally, or your own children. Arts|Learning can help you with professional development training in storytelling for this specific purpose.
You may find this template useful for developing a plan of action for organizing your message.
1. State What You Want/Believe
2. Craft a Vision and/or Mission Statement
3. Create a Brand, Sound Bite, Slogan or Logo
4. Create a Fact Sheet
- Sample A|L Talking Points
- Quick Facts
- Compelling Responses to Common Excuses
- Scheduling and Time Issues
5. Gather support materials and research for each point.
Check out our links page for more ideas!
6. Samples and Download-able Materials
Americans for the Arts
7. Determine Your Campaign Tools
- Letters/e-mails
- Phone calls
- Personal contact
- PSA’s
- Posters, flyers
- Presentations (video, power point)
- Press releases
- Other media contact
8. Understand Your Capacity to Advocate
When you really begin to organize your group, make sure that you follow the tips in this document: Advocacy and Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts.
Read more about what kinds of advocacy you can participate in whether you are an individual, or represent an organization.