Turn Your Passion into Action
1. Understand the situation. Each school is unique and it’s important to get involved with yours to understand the situation. Music programs can be compromised for many reasons:
a. competition for instructional time
b. shortage of qualified teachers
c. lack of community support
d. diversion of school funds to subjects evaluated by province-wide testing,
Learn about your school’s music program. Bring up the subject at Parent Teacher Association meetings and let teachers and administrators know how much you value having a quality music program.
2. Let Us Help You. Our FREE Grassroots Advocacy Guide is an easy-to-use tool to help you design and execute your action plan. Use it as a starting point in discussions with other concerned parents and community members. Click here to download or order. Download today and take action BEFORE cutbacks are threatened.
3. Showcase Student Success. Effective advocacy will emphasize the positive and the best interests of students. Look for opportunities to publicize and promote student performances and their points of view with parents, at school board meetings, media and in the community. Not every administrator or policy maker has had the chance to experience the benefits of music education.
4. Form a local group/coalition. Every voice counts. Consider forming a group to increase available resources and ideas. Groups can consist of parents, students, teachers, community members and local artists concerned about the status of music education.
5. Let your local and provincial representatives know the benefits of quality music education programs and the need for ongoing investment. It’s been said that 10 letters to a public official or decision-maker will put issues on their radar, 25 letters will make them explore an issue, 50 letters can change a vote. Click Here for helpful tips as well as letter templates and government contact links. Our website provides further helpful research and support.
6. Show your support. Numbers have power with policy-makers and the media so your participation in Coalition initiatives is very important. Here are two ways you can help:
a. Participate in Music Monday on the first Monday of each May
b. Sign up for the National Effort
Learn in more detail what you can do and Take Action Now. Click Here.