IN PREPARATION FOR ADVOCACY DAY

Build a relationship with your legislator now.  Don't wait until there's a crisis to give him/her a call.  Advocacy Day is a good time to familiarize your legislator with your organization, program or issue.  Many legislators hold town meetings throughout the year or publish a newsletter.   Keep up with their issues.   Plan to attend and speak  -- to the importance of the arts and arts education at one of those hometown meetings.  Remember that every day should be an “Arts Advocacy Day”!

Request a visit with you legislator.  If he/she is not able to meet with you prior to their arrival at the Statehouse, the morning of February 12th plan join up with arts advocates to greet them on the 1st and 2nd floor lobby areas between 11:30 AM and 12:15 P.M. as they enter for the day's session. Wear and share the “ART WORKS”advocacy button and a “hard-hat” on your visit. Plan to sit with them at our Legislative Appreciation Luncheon.  Why not partner with a colleague or friend and make an appointment to visit with your legislator after the Legislative Appreciation Luncheon. During the day’s session, you can always “call out” your legislator by filling out a form in this Handbook – a copy of the same form you will find at the House or Senate Information Desks on the 2nd floor, outside of each chamber. 

FOR YOUR OFFICE VISIT

Consider sending a packet of information about your organization, school or community programming, in advance of your visit along with your letter requesting an appointment.  You will have a built-in conversation-starter!  Mention successful programs and services involving the arts and art education and the importance of increased funding at the state level to meet the growing needs and expectations of your community or school. 

Be familiar with the “talking points” and issues in this Handbook. Understand the impact of budget increases AND funding cuts. Put a “face” on the issues. 

Let your legislator know if you are an Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) site, receive grant monies from the South Carolina Arts Commission, from State Department of Education’s Arts Curricula Grants, National Endowment for the Arts or U.S. Department of Education, as well as private funding from foundations or business support.  Don’t be afraid to share your concerns regarding proposed budget cuts to the arts and arts education.  You may want to discuss any innovative partnerships and collaborations you have formed with other community entities such as the school and business communities; city or county council government, tourism, chamber of commerce, churches, downtown development association, social services and after school programs for children at risk.

Be brief and be prepared.  Know your legislator’s stance on issues regarding the arts and arts education through print, on-line, electronic media, and through the Arts Alliance. Make use of the sample letters in this Handbook.