Become an advocate

An Arts Advocate is someone who is willing to speak, plea or argue in favor of the arts. The following are just some of the ways to be an arts advocate:

Make a call or writing a letter to your district senator and representatives (hyperlink “senator ad representatives” to legislature tab)

• Set up a meeting with your legislators (hyperlink “legislators” to legislature tab)
• Inform your friends and colleagues of the issue
• Be a legislative liaison
• Become a district captain

Communicating with your Legislator

• Introduce yourself & give him/her your contact info to keep in touch
• If you are a constituent, say so!
• Keep in touch year-round on any issues important to you—not just the arts
• Identify bills by number & tell personal stories
• State your position clearly and express the action you want the legislator to take

The Etiquette of Advocacy

• Use the “catch more flies with honey” approach
• Call for an appointment—don’t just drop in
• Focus on a single issue at a time
• Listen to your legislator’s interests and find a way to connect them with the arts
• Practice the golden rule—don’t be angry or argumentative
• Thank them for their attention to your concern
• Share your experiences with AzAA

Your voice is needed; it’s up to you to choose to use it. For Legislative Alerts and to stay informed, join our list.