A|L Toolkit Overview

In 2007-08 the Kennedy Center provided funds for Arts|Learning to develop a web-based arts advocacy toolkit. The result is a resource that builds on successful toolkits from around the country but is based on the unique needs of Massachusetts advocates. There are many ways to advocate for arts education on a local, state or national level. You can choose to act as an individual or organize a group to make a broader impact.

A|L utilizes the network approach to advocacy that draws upon the expertise of many to effectively implement change. Within this toolkit you will find recommendations on how you can benefit from this method but there is also a wealth of information for people who would like to take a more individual approach.

The keys to successful advocacy is staying informed and sharing information, identifying and articulating your ideas and actively seeking new audiences to share your message. It is our hope that both novice and expert advocates will find elements of this toolkit that will aid in your efforts.

We suggest a 5 step approach. Each step provides helpful hints, resources, and links.

  1. Analyze and Clarify the Situation
  2. Organize your People
  3. Organize your Message
  4. Implement your Program
  5. Continue the Support

1. Analyze and Clarify the Situation

RESOURCES

State

National

TOOLS

Sample Surveys

CURRENT RESEARCH

  • Creative Minds/ Cognition
    The Arts develop cognition and creative thinking.
  • 21st Century Workforce Skills/ Creative Economy
    The Arts develop skills and habits of mind crucial to 21st Century workforce preparation.
  • Engagement/Drop-Out Prevention and At-Risk Students
    The Arts reach students who are not otherwise being reached and engage students in hands-on, project based learning.
  • Civic Mindedness and Character Building
    The Arts develop character and promote civic engagement through community service and teamwork.
  • State and National Regulations/NCLB
    NCLB states that the arts are "core academic subjects" to be taught sequentially. The new MASSCORE includes an arts credit in the recommended high school curriculum.

What Should be on your bookshelf?

ARTICLES & EDITORIALS

Keep Arts in Schools (organized by topic)

 

CURRENT NEWS

3. Organize Your Message

Once you have determined your goals and have clarified the issue, make your case.

 

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

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.

4. Implement Your Program

Once you have your issue, message and volunteers, create your documents, scripts and graphic displays.

Letter Writing

10 Steps to Composing Persuasive Letters and Faxes

 

Sample Letters

Sample Paragraphs for Letters on Specific Topics

Previously written letters on relevant topics

 

Individual Teacher Actions

Phone Calls, Meetings & Group Presentations

Publicity

Elected Officials

  • Tips for Interacting with Elected Officials
  • Who are your federal and state elected officials?

5. Continue the Support

Hopefully, you have met your goals and rallied support for your message. A good issue never dies and it is always better to continue your support then to have to re-start your effort at a later time. Below are ways to keep the communication open and the support strong.

Keep in contact with those in your group.

  • Free Wiki's.
  • Set up e-mail groups and use services like Constant Contact.
  • Send thank you letters.

Stay current with local, state and national budgets, issues and decision makers.

  • Keep decision makers updated.
  • Be aware when new decision makers take office.
  • Update your fact sheet, lists, and contacts.

Stay involved with local, state and national groups through leadership and membership.

You are not alone. Refer back to local and national agencies and forge relationships.