ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

The Basics:  Understanding the State Budgeting Process

        History of State Appropriation to the Virginia Commission for the Arts

Advocacy Tool Kit

LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER -- Go here to see latest legislative alerts, for resources for contacting legislators and the media, and to determine your legislative district.

A Primer on Advocacy  VFTA Advocacy Handbook

Making the Case

• VFTA Summer 2010 General Assembly Talking Points on Arts Funding 
• HOME ADVOCACY FAQs - Meeting in the home district with your legislator
• VFTA 2010 Legislative Elevator Speech
• About Virginia's Goal to Fund the Arts at $1 Per Capita 1997 VA General Assembly Resolution Affirming Dollar-Per-Capita Goal
• How to Place an Op-Ed in Support of the Arts

Important Information About the 2010 VA General Assembly

• Members of the 2010 Virginia Assembly "Money" Committees/Budget Conferees
• Contact information for the Virginia General Assembly

Link to map of Virginia Senate Districts

Link to map of Virginia House Districts

Listings of VA Commission for the Arts Grants

• 2009 - 2010 VCA grants by Senate District
• 2009 - 2010 VCA grants in House Districts 1 - 50
• 2009 - 2010 VCA grants in House Districts 51-100
  
• Grants by Virginia City/County 2009
• Local Government Challenge Grants Awarded FY2009/2010
  

Great Advocacy Ideas

• ARTS FUNDING RESPONSE AND READINESS KIT From Americans for the Arts
• Tips for Advocates and Arts Organizations from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
  

Arts Education

• Local Advocacy Resources- This PFD is compilation of local advocacy resources provided by the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network. Resources to assist with comprehensive messaging, advocacy, media, research documents and more are sited in this document.
  
• The Arts in Virginia - Making Essential Contributions to Virginia Education - Document focuses on education involvement of Virginia Commission for the Arts-funded arts organizations.
• Talking Points and Suggestions on WHAT TO DO and SAY about LOCAL CUTS TO ARTS EDUCATION
• 2009 Study -- Staying In School - Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates.  Findings suggest that increasing students’ access to arts instruction in schools with low graduation rates can be a successful strategy for lifting graduation rates and turning around struggling schools, not just in New York City, but nationwide.
• Advocating for Arts Education--A 2009 Advocacy Tool Kit is available from the Kennedy Center, which can be used for planning, organizing and implementing arts education advocacy efforts. The Tool Kit includes information on topics such as messaging, developing an advocacy plan, and the nine habits of effective arts education advocates. A companion video helps prepare advocates to make visits to their state and national legislators. 
• KeepArtsinSchools.org an online community for arts education advocates, focusing on the efforts and successes of local organizations, communities, teachers and leading voices throughout the country who are all working o Keep Arts in Schools

See the Research Section for additional advocacy tools