Resources and Slidedeck from Miranda Hein and ArtsEd Washington from the 2024 State Thespian Festival.

When advocating, it’s important to know your sphere of influence. Teachers, students, parents, and community members all have the power to influence decision makers — so enlist them all in your efforts. For example, you may find that parents’ voices help sway the school board in a more powerful way than yours alone.

In the rapidly changing landscape of education, it’s often important to frame your local and state-based advocacy with a big-picture perspective. Issues and policy decisions made at the federal level can have a direct impact on what happens in your state, district, and even in your theatre program. Knowing and stating that your national arts education organization is invested in important efforts in support of arts educators and students can help strengthen your advocacy position and credibility.

Have an advocacy need or a question? Wondering about policy, legislation, or issues in your region, state, or district? Contact us, and we’ll connect you to an advocate.

Our mission is to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America.

Connecting your best ideas and leaders from the arts, communities, and business, together we can work to ensure that every American has access to the transformative power of the arts.