We advocate every day to advance issues we care about. What makes it personal is that it builds on our own experiences, beliefs and biases.

Advocacy is defined as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. Advocacy may be a big “A” or a small “a” effort.

What is your point of view in arts education advocacy?

Are you the arts educator, working everyday to advance students’ knowledge and experience in the arts? Or the advocate working on policy levers that will improve quality, equity and access for all students? Can you see the forest for the trees?

The habit of creativity is a muscle we can build. It’s time to demystify creativity and allow students to use their imagination and their whole brain, not only the test-taking part of it. At the heart of creative thinking is the acceptance of failure, the notion of trying and failing and trying again in order to learn something new.

There comes a time for honest reflection in the life of every arts in education program. Whether your organization or project is just finding its footing or is well-established, we all benefit from turning the lens from an outward programmatic focus to an internal review of organizational health.

Data is a powerful tool for arts ed advocates. Quantifiable data helps to answer the question of need. Decision makers want proof that policy is warranted and dollars are needed.*