Advocacy

Let Your Voice Be Heard - contact your government officials

Nebraska representatives in Congress: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

You'll be directed to your Congressional representatives' websites.

The official site of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature: https://nebraskalegislature.gov

You'll find your State Senator, calendar of events, bills, session information, information for teachers, live streaming of the legislature, and more.

ADVOCACY/ESSA WEBINAR NOW AVAILABLE

On December 3, 2016 Lynn Tuttle, Director of Content and Policy for NAfME, presented a Workshop/Webinar entitled Legislation 101-Advocating for Your Music Programs in Nebraska. This Workshop/Webinar, was the kickoff to our efforts and planning to reach educators and administrators in the schools as well as State Senators starting in January. You may access a YouTube video of the webinar HERE.

ESSA Information

Important Information for key stakeholders in: 1. Fine Arts Education, 2. High Ability Learning, 3. Twice Exceptional Learners, 4. Needs of ALL students in Nebraska.

Nebraska Department of Education ESSA Information:

• https://www.education.ne.gov/ESSA/index.html
• Note email for feedback and input [email protected]
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRxdA0aodnc&feature=youtu.be updated NDE ESSA Overview (NOT the state plan, merely an overview)
• https://www.education.ne.gov/index.html for general info or links to other sites

"It is to our benefit to be our own best advocates as federal monies have been set aside to directly help us in ALL fine arts areas, high-ability learning, and professional development.  Please read the time line carefully.  Please think how best ESSA funds will serve our precious Nebraska learners.  Please take advantage of the opportunity for input (see above for email)." - Debbie DeFrain, Nebraska Department of Education

NMEA Advocacy Committee

The purpose of the committee is to develop a program for advocacy efforts at the local level and promote funding opportunities available for music educators and programs in ESSA. With that in mind, its goals are:

1. To develop a communication strategy that will reach all music educators in Nebraska.

2. To develop a grassroots program with contacts from all 49 legislative districts.

3. To develop an action plan that music educators can use to promote, support, and advance music education through ESSA.

The committee will use resources and personnel from NAfME, tool kits, marketing and promotional materials in part to enact the state plan and program.  If you wish to be considered for appointment for this task force, contact the NMEA office.