2. Organize Your People
Identify a group of stakeholders who should be at the table to set and frame advocacy goals. Consider who should be part of this core group and make sure that they represent your constituency. Consider forming an advisory board with this core group.
Hold a focus group or a series of informal interviews with members of this group to refine your goals. Analyze your situation to get at the heart of your issue and to gain an understanding about relevant current and past circumstances.
Do your homework!
Determine who your allies who can support your case and are help you enact change such as:
- Parents: Booster Club and PTO/PTA Presidents
- Local Businesses: Chamber of Commerce, Arts-related businesses
- Local Elected Officials: Mayor, City Councilors
- State and Federal Elected Officials: Representatives, Senators
- School Committee Members
- Superintendent
- School Administrators: Principals, Fine Arts Director, Arts Coordinator
- Teachers: Arts, General, Retired
- Students
- Arts Organizations Leadership
- Artists/Performers
- Higher Education Representatives
- Print and Broadcast Media
- Community/Civic Groups
- Religious Leaders
- Youth Organizations
Assess the strengths of the group and decide who should join you.
Create a Network of Support
Organize a core group of decision makers and select a coordinator.
KCAAEN Leadership Kit
Recruit other members with various talents.
Volunteer Information Form
Sample Discussion Questions
Define and Delegate Tasks.
Tips for Running a Good Volunteer Meeting
Assess who has the power to help you.
Target Decision Makers List
Find others who can help you (Browse our Links)
- Local Cultural Councils
- Massachusetts Cultural Council
- Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities (MAASH)
- Mass State House Information
- National and Local Chapters of Professional Organizations
Note: Steps 2 and 3 may be happening simultaneously or in cycles until you get ready to implement your plan.
Also: It is important to Organize your Message with a core group of people prior to recruiting a large base of volunteers.
