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Advocacy
Definition:
- Speaking of or writing in support of (Webster’s New World Dictionary)
- Pursuit of influencing outcomes (Wikipedia)
Synonyms:
- Support
- Encouragement
- Backing
- Promotion
- Sponsorship
Comment: Notice that the definition and synonyms say nothing about "fighting" for your program.
When do we usually think of advocacy?
- When program is in jeopardy
- Budget Time
- When there is a potential job loss
- Basically, when it is too late!!
Types of Advocacy:
- Reactive
- Proactive - To create awareness
- Promotional
Reactive Advocacy:
Often too late
- frequently based on emotion
- can be perceived as self-serving
- not focused
- Time sensitive
- usually need to work fast
- not as organized as you could be
Proactive Advocacy:
Goal is to create awareness
Use as many resources and advocacy vehicles as possible
- many resources are available with research and statistics
- educational and social value of music/arts education
- be repetitive
- the more times people here the same message - the more they remember (think like an advertiser)
- use your teacher skills for making a point
- Use local student achievement data (how are music students doing?)
- show how music students that represent high risk groups are doing on standardized tests, i.e. special education, economically disadvantaged, African American, Hispanic, etc.
Use as many resources and advocacy vehicles as possible
- local cable access channel (play PSAs, concert info, publicize events, awards, etc.)
- websites (school sponsored web resources)
- social networking (under controlled circumstances)
- newsletters (traditional and electronic)
- newspaper articles
- Play PSAs (Public Service Announcements)at concerts (get PSAs here)
- information in concert programs, i.e "Did You Know" (find "Did You Know" statements here)
- information at booster club meetings
- material provided to Board of Education
- music presentations at Board of Education meetings
Promotional Advocacy:
Take advantage of your built-in opportunities
Engage other teachers/administrators
- performances
- be an integral part of school/district activities
- district-wide concerts
- community events
- special performances (themes)
Engage other teachers/administrators