Are you an advocate? Advocacy has to do with the way we make changes. We usually associate this with positive change for a specific purpose. “Music advocacy” is a term that has been in the forefront recently. What does that mean? How can we become music advocates?

There are five basic steps advocacy groups take after they establish a goal:

1. publicly present an issue that needs change
2. find and bring together people who have an interest in the issue and its change
3. develop and sustain an environment that supports the change
4. actively, consistently participate in events that spur change in the issue at hand
5. because of all the above, be known as reliable, accountable, responsible advocates for the change

    

Advocacy groups are important because if they are large enough, they show that people are seriously interested in their cause. Otherwise, they may be overlooked or misrepresented. Having a group of advocates rather than a single advocate is also good because a group can share tasks and other responsibilities.

A music advocacy group might have goals like adding an orchestra program to a school, or using music and arts tools in a school to help teach other disciplines like math and science. They could also build a band booster group and find ways to keep parents and the community involved in the local school’s music programs. As long as the group stays organized and keeps their presence and activities known and consistent, their success will be more probable.

How can you be a music advocate?

• join the PTA at your child’s school and speak out in favor of music programs and events
• join the school’s band boosters
• talk to the local schools about ways you can volunteer at music events and programs
• if you are a musician, volunteer to perform at local schools or talk with the students about music
• go to www.namm.org for more ideas! You can also browse our articles, blogs and vlogs HERE to see how teachers, performers and others in your community are working as music advocates.