Resources: Advocacy

The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose - and is a test to the quality of a nation's civilization. - John F. Kennedy

The following list provides various links to information to help improve and enrich your local music program. Whether you're facing program cuts, or are seeking ways to bolster support for music and the arts in your school, these resources will get you started.

Advocacy Message for School District Levies

MMEA position statement (January 2003) relative to music as a basic part of every child's education. Use this statement as a guide to communicate a consistent and clear message to your legislators!

Advocacy Workbook for Music Education (3.1 MB, PDF). This workbook, compiled by Advocacy Chair Doug Orzolek, is a great tool for teachers or local advocates who want an overview of recent research, ideas about how to get started with local advocacy, and many additional resources in support of music education in schools.

The National Association of State Boards of Education released a report (October 2003) called The Complete Curriculum, which concludes that "arts and foreign language instruction has been marginalized and is increasingly at risk of being completely eliminated as part of the public schools' core curriculum. With most states emphasizing accountability in only a few academic subjects, --- primarily reading, math, and science --- there is a growing fear that schools are narrowly focusing on those subjects at the expense of other important components of a comprehensive education, such as the arts and humanities. The report provides a look at the state of arts and foreign language instruction across the country, a review of the overall benefits of arts and language study, and recommendations for policymakers on how to ensure a complete curriculum in schools." The report is available here for $14.00 (32pp.)

Questions to ask prospective school board members about their position on music and arts education.

Music Education Facts and Figures referencing the latest research and statistics surrounding music and arts education.

Articles on Academic Achievement and music education.

Perpich Minnesota Center for Arts Education

Music Education Online - Parent/Advocacy

Music and the Brain

Texas Music Teachers Advocacy Page

General Music Education Advocacy

Advocacy for music in Canadian Schools

Links in Music Outreach and Advocacy

Americans for the Arts

Music Friends Advocacy (MENC)