Arts and Disability Advocacy
Advocacy is having a passionate conversation about what matters to you with the right people.
VSA Ohio works with partners across the state and nation to make the arts and arts education accessible to ALL Ohioans.
VSAO works to empower YOU to speak up for what you know is a sound investment of public dollars.
You are not alone in making this case. There are many organizations, people, and resources to help you refine your message, make it an easy part of your daily work, and convey the value of arts and arts education with legislators and other stakeholders.
Now, more than ever, it is vital that we share our stories about the power of the arts to transform lives and communities.
Get Started! You will need:
- Message – clearly and directly communicate the importance of arts and arts education
- Facts – gather statistics and studies that show how important the arts are to learning, the economy, and personal development
- Persistence – advocacy is an ongoing process
- Remember – every story matters and every effort helps!
Strategies
- Share your support of arts and arts education with friends and family.
- Get involved with your district's tax levy initiative to assure funding for the arts.
- Send copies of arts and education articles to legislative/policy makers.
- Join advocacy membership networks to stay informed and support professionals making the case everyday
- Respond to action alerts from an advocacy network like Ohio Citizens for the Arts.
- Meet with legislators, school board members and other policy makers.
- Write letters and articles for the local newspaper about arts and arts education.
- Recruit others!
Advocacy Resources
Arts Advocacy Checklist for Arts Organizations and Advocates, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
Arts Education Advocacy Tool Kit [pdf], Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network
Arts and Prosperity [pdf], Bowling Green State University
Compendium of Arts Advocacy Toolkits, National Performing Arts Convention
Legislative Process FAQs, Ohio Citizens for the Arts
Making the Case, Ohio Arts Council
Speak Up! for the Arts TOOLKIT, a project of WCET and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education
Take pART, Ohio Arts Council
Why Should Government Support the Arts?, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
Contact Your Elected Officials
Ohio House of Representatives
Ohio Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
Advocacy Organizations
Arts & Culture
“The Creative Industries in Ohio means jobs, economic development, and an innovative workforce.” – Jeff Rich, Ohio Citizens for the Arts President
Americans for the Arts, Arts Action Center - Information on policy & advocacy, research & information, professional development, partnerships and visibility of the arts and arts in education. They also have a variety of listservs to help parents and teachers stay informed.
National Endowment for the Arts, Office for Accessibility - The advocacy-technical assistance arm of the Arts Endowment to make the arts accessible for people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and people living in institutions. Website includes laws, resources, leadership initiatives, and checklists, including the Section 504 Self-Evaluation Workbook.
Ohio Citizens for the Arts -
A statewide, grassroots arts advocacy organization working to secure public dollars for arts and culture. Website includes E-Advocacy Center, talking points to support the arts, and Advocacy FAQ’s.
The OCA Blog - provides regular updates and incredibly user-friendly tips on advocacy made easy.
Ohio Arts Council - Committed to the economic, educational and cultural development of the state. The Council believes the arts should be shared by the people of Ohio. Also provides funding opportunities for artists in residence programs at schools in Ohio.
OhioDance – Presents resources that inform, enhance and facilitate the teaching, learning and research of dance.
Disability
Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. -
“Advocates for outcomes that promote dignity, respect and enhanced quality of life for individual persons with developmental disabilities.” Provides guardianship and protective services to individuals over 18, referrals, and information on rights.
http://www.olrs.ohio.gov/ - An independent agency of the state of Ohio designated under federal law to protect and advocate, in partnership with people with disabilities, for their human, civil, and legal rights. Website includes legal library, resource center and newsletters to stay informed.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council - “Planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.” Website includes legislative action center, publications, products, and opportunities.
Education
Arts Education Partnership -
Information and guidance to assist arts education organizations and partnerships to advocate for the arts at national, state and local levels and learn about government funding at the federal and state levels.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – The Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) is a coalition of statewide non-profit Alliances for Arts Education that speak out on behalf of arts education to citizens, policy makers, state agencies and others about the value and benefits of arts education.
National Art Education Association - Links to advocacy kits, resources, campaigns and news media for parents, students, retired educators, arts councils, schools and others concerned about the critical role of the arts in teaching and learning.
Ohio Alliance for Arts Education – Website outlines goals and objectives to improve arts education in Ohio for all students and provides tools and resources for advocacy.
Ohio Art Education Association - Supports visual arts teachers and educates citizens and key decision makers about the knowledge, skills and values provided by quality arts education.
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities - Working to ensure that every Ohio child with special needs receives a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment. Provides programs and services to inform families about laws, resources, rights, and responsibilities; assist youth in advocating for themselves.
Ohio Educational Theatre Association - Strives to help shape the way our leaders think about arts education by providing a list of important issues related to advocating for arts education.
Ohio Music Education Association - Provides advocacy materials to support music education for use in advocating with parents, school administrators, school board members, legislators and others.