Advocacy Information & ResourcesHappy Music In Our Schools Month®! NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan has designated "Music Is All of Us" as this school year’s Music In Our Schools Month theme. Share how this theme resonates with you, your students, your school, and your community as we celebrate the 38th annual Music In Our Schools Month—tag @NAfME and include the hashtags #MIOSM and #MusicIsAllOfUs on Twitter and Instagram. Easy Ways to Participate:
SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH NAfMEThis March, NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan wants to highlight the inherent virtues of music, including its ability to bring people together, create a sense of belonging, and cultivate relationships. Join President Sheehan in sharing your and your students’ stories showing “What Music Means to Me.” Submit photos, videos, or short written testimonials (using this survey link) sharing the impact music has had on you and your students. Please ensure you have permission prior to sharing student testimonials. The photo, video, or written testimonial will be shared on NAfME social media accounts and member communications in March (be sure to follow @NAfME and the hashtags #MIOSM and #MusicIsAllOfUs). Suggested Testimonial Prompts
Share Your Story!ADVOCATE DURING MIOSMSen. Cory Booker and Rep. Nydia Velázquez introduced bicameral legislation (S.Res. 54 and H.Res. 119, respectively) expressing support for the designation of March 2023 as Music In Our Schools Month. Urge your members of Congress to support these bills. Send a LetterUse this social media toolkit to spread the word and encourage your network to help advocate for music education support and funding. More ideas for advocating for music education at the state and local levels To determine whether a proclamation or resolution is needed, click here for more information on getting a proclamation/resolution introduced. MIOSM LESSON PLANSNAfME is excited to once again partner with the Young Voices Education in Music Foundation and American Young Voices, which hosts the biggest school concerts in the world, to put more music in your students’ hands! In 2023, American Young Voices and the YV Foundation provided resources for “Take Time for Fun.” The classroom resources—including lyrics, lesson plan, vocal tracks, and more—for “Take Time for Fun” are available for all schools at no cost! Learn more here. More resources:
JOIN THE CELEBRATION!At the conclusions of the 38th annual Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), music educators and music education advocates will have much to celebrate! Join in this event on March 28 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time as we gather virtually to share the inherent virtues of music, including its ability to bring people together, create a sense of belonging, and cultivate relationships. Join this exciting gathering as we celebrate the efforts of our State Music Education Associations to advocate on behalf of music education. Register Now!State & Local AdvocacyLET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! CONTACT YOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALSNebraska 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. ESSA INFORMATIONImportant 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:
"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 COMMITTEEThe 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. |
