Advocating for the Fine Arts MAP

 

  1. In communicating to your state representative and state senator, the order of effectiveness starts with letters, followed by FAX, then phone, and last, e-mail communication.  (E-mails can be effective if the e-mail is sent close to the time for voting on an issue.)
  2. Short letters are more likely to be read than long ones, and handwritten letters send the message that you take the issue seriously.  Only handwrite if you can do so neatly.  When you sign the letter, be sure that your name is printed as well.
  3. Letters and other means of communication always count.  Most legislators keep track of the number of letters on various issues and keep a running tally of those in favor of a measure and those opposed.  (One State Representative indicated he had never heard from a teacher in favor of the MAP.  Of course, people who are opposed to the MAP are frequent writers.)
  4. Form letters are not particularly effective; however, a form letter is better than nothing, especially when keeping a running tally.
  5. Use one of the sample letters provided or create a new letter.  (Form letters for teachers and parents to senators and representatives can be found on the MMEA Web site:  www.mmea.net/advocacy.htm )
  6. Prepare a letter for a supportive parent, superintendent, or other teacher in your building or district and ask for a signature.  You may get more support if all the person has to do is sign his/her name.  Offer to mail the letter.
  7. Write to the legislators who serve on the education committees and the appropriations committees.  If you only have a few minutes, write to your own legislators.
  8. When writing:

·      Use the correct address and salutation, e.g. Dear Senator (last name), or Dear Representative (last name), or Dear Governor (last name).

·      Type or write your letter clearly.  Include your return address on the letter.  Non-constituent mail may be thrown out.

·      Use your own words.  Legislators feel that personal letters, rather than form letters, show greater personal commitment on the part of the writer, therefore more weight is given.

·      Keep your message focused.  (We are asking for the appropriation to reinstate the Fine Arts MAP for Missouri fifth graders.)

·      Be brief.

·      Do not use a negative, condescending, threatening or intimidating tone.  Only write in tones that you would care to receive in the mail.

  1. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.  The legislators are very much aware of the content in newspapers across the state.
  2. Contact a newspaper reporter.
  3. Call a radio talk show.  (There have been numerous calls to radio station hosts from teachers who oppose the MAP.)