Advocacy

Advocacy Chair

Oversee the advocacy committee.
- If your chapter doesn't have one, get one started!
Actively promote the participation of members in state and local legislative affairs that affect music education.
Stay up to date and keep members apprised of any affairs taking place in the Florida or national legislature regarding music education.
Promote music and music education in the community and surrounding schools.

Host professional development seminars/speakers that help with the matriculation of current students (how to build a resume, mock interviews, etc).
- Make sure that events are diverse in content (not strictly instrumental, choral, orchestral).
Host events in conjunction with other clubs and organizations on campus.
Ensure all events are publicized well.
Host events that are open to the entire music department (karaoke night, game show, game night, etc.).
- Yes, we are an organization specifically designed for music education majors, but including people outside of our career field gives us more credibility and more advocates in society. Music education is an amazing experience that everyone should have the opportunity to be a part of.
Provide food at your meetings (if financially feasible for your chapter).
- This will not only encourage attendance, but also make meetings more enjoyable for those who do attend.
Make time for bonding/socializing between chapter members.
- These are your peers, and eventually your colleagues, so it’s good to remember that you’re in this together.
Welcome freshmen and new students! Provide them opportunities to get involved and join your community.
- Consider helping with auditions, acting as guides to students who are lost, or offering a mentoring program.

Ask arts administrators, principals, and local teachers how you can help.
- This may be distributing notes of encouragement, helping run a rehearsal, or assisting with inventory,
Offer to help high school students with college or all-state auditions.
Shout-out teachers who have done a great job whenever you can. This may be for:
- Community outreach
- A great concert
- Supportive clinical educators
Volunteer for teachers and school districts who need help.
Visit alumni who are now teaching and give them a hand or surprise them with something kind.
Ask teachers what they need from their districts, and advocate on their behalf.

Go to a school board meeting and make your chapter known to the county in which you are in.
Work alongside Tri-M chapters within your school district.
Go meet your local state senator or representative to discuss legislation that affects the current state of education.
Host an advocacy event and invite local lawmakers or school board members to attend (advocacy discussion, fine arts discussion etc.)