About Advocacy Now
Over the past year, we’ve found ourselves in unique situations facing unexpected challenges. Overcoming these challenges requires inspiration, dedication, and creative solutions.
As we begin to move back toward the familiar, music advocacy remains essential. Advocacy Now materials are is designed to be “bite-sized,” actionable ideas that you can implement to be the best music advocacy you can be, whether you’re a brand new advocate or a seasoned professional.
Student Testimonials
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Students are the center of a music program. Student voices are the most important advocacy tool – an essential aspect of recruiting new students and in proving a program’s value.
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Blog on testimonials – In Their Own Words: Building Social-Emotional Competency Through Advocacy
Teacher Appreciation
- A teacher’s job is far from easy. Show your teacher what they mean to you! Project: Thank A Music Teacher
Postcard Exchange
- Students can lead the charge in fostering a sense of community in a music program! Project: Postcard Exchange
Content Ideas
- If you’re teaching elementary and/or vocal music, check out A-Choir-Ing Success!
- Excerpt: maintaining diverse repertoire
- Incorporating Social Emotional Learning into the music classroom
Professional Development
- Mind the Gap webinar series for young and future music educators
Inspiration
- With a Little Help From My Friends webinar series
- Navigating Burnout in a Pandemic with Nolan Jager Loyde, presented as a BAND Director Hub Live Webinar
Program Support
- Project: Testimonials
- Blog: Give a State of the Music Program Address!
- Blog: Advocacy at Performances
- Blog: Activate Your Alumni
- Mind the Gap – Breaking the Code: Resources for Relief!
- Post-Pandemic Planning Guide
- Protect Arts Ed Now!
School Board Letters
- Writing a letter to the school board can be a powerful way to share the power of a music program. Boosters and administrators could be a tremendous help here, taking something off a teacher’s plate or adding a fresh perspective.
- Download a School Board Letter Template
State of the Music Program
- Regularly updating school administration and the community about what’s going on in a music program is a great way to keep everyone informed and to gain points for being proactive. Remember – they can’t support what they don’t know about!
- Blog: State of the Music Program
Alumni Engagement
- Alumni are a powerful and ever-growing group. Alumni-driven advocacy efforts can have a significant impact on a program. Whether you ARE an alum, or just know some, try activating this powerful group!
- Blog: Alumni Engagement
