How to Lobby a School Board in Time of Crisis

How to Lobby a School Board in Time of Crisis

Based on an article "Strategies for Effective Lobbying" By Joanna Newhouse
Action Chairperson, Los Angeles City Elementary School Music Association

1. Redefine the Situation. The "crisis" is also an opportunity to educate school boards and other decision makers about the value of music education.

2. Prepare your arguments carefully. Your message is: Music belongs in the core curriculum. Be adamant on this issue. But their major concerns are going to be related to funding. Know the budget and be prepared to talk about "bang for the educational buck." Let them know how much support you have.

3. Visit each board member separately. Keep the visit positive. You are for students and better education, not against anything. They are not the villains. They are potential allies.

4. Never argue against someone else's program. Show that you are willing to work for the good of all students. Keep the discussion student centered, not teacher-job centered.

5. Keep current. Understand the pressures they are under and the tough decisions they have to make. Attend meetings regularly and report back to your group.

6. Become a source of solid information. Local board members have a hard time keeping up on all the issues. They need you to tell them exactly what's happening in specific schools and programs. Use information to build trust.

7. Never lie or "fudge." Once found out, you will never be trusted again. Your long-term credibility is too precious to squander simply to gain a short-term advantage.

8. Work to reflect board members who support music education. Their support should beget yours.

9. Invite board members to student musical events. Encourage them to experience the results of their support. Introduce them as a "friend of school music" at these events. If appropriate, ask them to say a few words. It helps them vote your way next time.

10. Anticipate crisis by:

Having a telephone tree in place for quick response to network hundreds of phone calls in a 24-hour period (revise annually).

Having a "speaker's bureau" poised to talk to community groups, visit school decision makers, and speak at board meetings. You will need many back-up speakers to cover cancelled/rescheduled meetings.

11. Conduct a telephone campaign before the big meeting. Petitions are okay, but letters and calls just before the meeting carry more weight. All board members should get several calls. If your school administration uses an e-mail system, send letters directly to board members. Don't use form letters. Encourage supporters to make specific points, but in their own words.

12. Learn school boardroom etiquette. Know the rules of the school boardroom (e.g., public comment scheduling, rules on signs, time limits on remarks, etc.) Observe them closely. Address people by their proper titles. Be respectful.

13. Use the "1-2-3 Punch" rotation to schedule your speakers.

1. A parent speaks about the value of school music education and its value to his/her child.

2. A student speaks in his/her own words ("I came myself, not because my parents or teacher sent me") about effect of cuts - "What music means to me personally."

3. A music teacher or university professor speaks to the educational value of music and its power in the curriculum.

14. Cover all points, but do not repeat yourself. Speaker after speaker talking about "how wonderful school music is" gets real old real fast. Address issues from many different directions. Provide a broad spectrum of information. Key emotion to facts, not opinions. Do your homework.

15. Fill the boardroom. Numbers count; think in hundreds.

16. Videos. Use the Action Kit for Music Education for videos and other materials and ideas (see resources in this kit).

17. For submitting written proposals, use Dr. John Benham's "How to Save Your School Music Program" (see resources in this kit).

18. Follow up with "Thank you" notes to administrators and board members for their position comments and support. Don't be a sore loser. Thank even those who didn't vote with you; there will be other battles.

19. Be proud of your work. Take control. Plan analyze, and act professionally.

Permission is granted to duplicate and distribute the articles and other materials included in this document.