WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL GUIDELINES FOR ADVOCATING FOR MUSIC PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE?

1. Recognize that each advocacy program must be customized to each individual music program and situation.
2. Recognize that sporadic, uncoordinated actions are not enough. Sustained campaigns are essential for sustained results.
3. Don't reinvent the wheel. Join with an existing advocacy group if there is one available, such as a parent booster group or an arts coalition.
4. Work with both adversaries and allies to turn adversarial, combative situations into cooperative efforts to find a solution.
5. Obtain or create literature and pertinent data for distribution.
6. Know your state's policies on music education. If you find them lacking, work to change them.
7. Know your school district's policies and regulations regarding teacher participation in advocacy efforts.
8. In addition to parents and school officials, connect with businesses, politicians, and the media to promote your message.
9. Keep detailed records such as enrollments, budget expenditures, instructional time allocations, and student academic achievement scores.
10. Define what's needed using a systematic approach and regular reevaluation.
11. Work in groups. If you must work alone at the beginning, plan how you will make connections with others who can help you.
12. Maintain a "legislative scorecard" to track votes of state legislators and board of education members on issues affecting music programs.