Be An Advocacy Leader!

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
Budget driven
  • Time sensitive
  • usually need to work fast
  • not as organized as you could be

Proactive Advocacy:

Goal is to create awareness
  • 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 
  • performances
  • be an integral part of school/district activities
high profile/notable events
  • district-wide concerts
  • community events
  • special performances (themes)
Look for opportunities to bring recognition to the programEngage parents and family members
Engage other teachers/administrators