TEN STEPS TO BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE ARTS ADVOCATE

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

1. Learn who your legislators are, their committee assignments, their positions in the

legislative leadership, and their records on arts issues.

2. Build a relationship with your legislators and their staff. Visit them in their offi ces in the

capital or when they are at home.

3. Keep informed about issues affecting the arts and let your legislators know your position

on these issues.

4. Become involved with your elected offi cials. Reinforce the support you receive from your

legislators with letters of thanks, awards and campaign support.

5. Understand the legislative process, including the strategic importance of compromise.

6. Alert other advocates to take action on arts-related legislation.

7. Coordinate advocacy with other groups. Build a coalition of arts advocates.

8. Participate in local political events to give visibility to the arts on the public policy

agenda.

9. Understand the impact of public arts funding in the community.

10. Provide policy makers with the information they need to make the case.  Know the facts,

and present the information clearly and succinctly.