Music Education Advocacy

Dear KMEA Members,

Advocacy is public recommendation or support. It works better when part of a regularly practiced "wellness program" instead of an "emergency room". An effective advocacy program can help keep music education stay in good shape. It insulates our important programs from some of the dangers of ignorance and apathy.

Here is some information for your concert programs, letters to parents or administrators, or any other communications opportunities available in your communities. Consider asking a supportive parent to assist you with this important aspect of your program. The following websites and links will give you an idea of the resources available.

www.supportmusic.com
This site is co-sponsored by MENC and NAMM and hosts over 80,000 factoids usable in support of music in our schools. There are also case studies containing exceptional strategies for saving or strengthening programs. One feature is the organization of factoids to build a power-point presentation on one of many pre-selected topics. The link to that section of the website: http://www.supportmusic.com/public/index.php

www.music-for-all.org
This website contains editorials and articles on the value of music education. Bob Morrison, industry veteral and KBA 2006 speaker, is the executive director and is one of the most knowledgable and connected advocacy leaders in the country.

www.ecs.org
The Educational Council of the States (ECS) is a nationwide educational initiative of State Chief Executives (Governors). Kathleen Sibelius is Chair-Elect for 2007-09. Current chair, Governor Mike Huckabee, Arkansas, established the Arts as a significant priority during his term. The following link will help explain the important connection for us to foster: all education is enhanced by the arts. http://www.ecs.org/ecsmain.asp?page=html/projectsPartners/chair2005/Huckabee.asp

Please let me know what I can do to help at any time.

Denny Senseney
SCKMEA Advocacy Chair
denny@senseneymusic.com
316.262.1487 Office