The Advocacy Leadership Team has identified these priorities:.
- Promote the work of the Arts for All Coalition, formerly called the State Policy Pilot Program (SP3).
- Present at Superintendent, School Committee, and Principals conferences to relay the important message about the role of the Arts in 21st Century Skills and development of the whole child.
- Convene an annual summit of Arts Education Professional Education Association leaders.
- Enhance web site with advocacy resources and online community building opportunities.
- Promote the A|L 10-minute documentary film showing the results of significant arts education research occurring in the New England Region to be used as a powerful arts advocacy tool.
- Recognize excellence in arts education advocacy at the annual Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards Ceremony.
The Arts|Learning Advocacy Group has accomplished the following advocacy activities:
- Created a Leadership Team to oversee statewide arts education advocacy efforts.
- Defined Membership benefits for Arts|Learning’s advocacy work.
- Recognized excellence in arts education advocacy at the annual Champions of Arts Education Awards.
- Developed the Arts Leadership Advocacy Toolkit with funding from the Kennedy Center, which was shared at state and national arts education conferences.
- Advocated for the passing of MassCore, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s recommended program of high school studies that includes 1 credit of arts.
- Obtained annual proclamations from the Governor and a resolution from the MA State Senate proclaiming March, each year as “Youth Arts Month in Massachusetts.”
- Informed and educated constituents through Arts|Learning’s e-newsletters on state and national policy developments, advocacy alerts, funding opportunities, and professional development.