Never have I learned so much in a few days span. Arts Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. was remarkable. Training was a delight, the Kennedy Center proved to be inspiring, I was able to share my voice on Capital Hill, and I got to see my friends at EdTA again. I cannot express enough how grateful am to have experienced such an incredible opportunity.
The other ITO and I arrived early Sunday afternoon. After we dropped off our bags at the Omni Shoreham Hotel the ITO headed out to The National Mall. We were able to see America’s famous monuments dedicated to great people who served our country. Personally, the Lincoln Memorial was my favorite. After a good few hours of walking we headed back to the hotel to meet with the other EdTA representatives for a fabulous dinner. There was an excitement in the atmosphere at dinner. We were all eager to advocate for our shared passion of the arts.
We awoke early the next morning for arts advocacy training with Americans for the Arts. All the arts advocates from around the country were in attendance. I sat with some people I had never met before from my home state of Ohio. It was fun to learn about their personal art stories and why they’re passionate about advocating. Throughout the day we had several presentations on a variety of arts advocacy related topics from how to speak to your state representative to all the reasons the arts are beneficial to the economy. Wow, not that I didn’t already know how amazing the arts are, but I just learned so much more about why they are key to the growth of our country. One could say my inner nerd was extremely pleased. We also got to hear Democracyworks Contest winner, Salwa Meghjee, read her essay on the importance of the arts. I have one word for her speech: inspiring. This remarkable young woman spoke of the importance of integrating a wider variety of cultures and diversity into the arts, and making the arts open to everyone. I am looking forward to seeing what Salwa does in the future. After training was finished we attended a presentation at the Kennedy Center by John Maeda on putting the “A” in STEM to make it STEAM. It honestly was like watching a TED talks. It really was the best way to wrap up the day.
Then next day was the moment we all were waiting for, Arts Advocacy Day. All members representing EdTA headed to capital hill. I was in a team with EdTA’s Executive director, Julie Theobald, EdTA’s Deputy Executive Director, Doug Berlon, and a lovely lady who was a professor at a university very close to where I live. We all decided on which topic each of us would speak about in our meetings. It was planned that after we all introduced ourselves I would start the conversation with my specific topic. One could say I was nervous, but I also couldn’t be more excited and honored. Our first meeting was with a staffer of Congressman Bob Latta. My team members were all rockstars. We all kept engaged with our Staffer and each other. I was so honored to work with them. After a quick lunch we headed to our next meeting with a staffer of Congressman Steve Chabot. Really the whole day was exhilarating. It left me hopeful and excited for the future of arts education in America.
After our advocating adventure we went back to the hotel to grab our things and say “See you later.” I stayed an extra day to visit my cousin and his girlfriend. When I left in the evening of the next day I felt ready for the future of arts education. Advocating on Capital has been an experience I won’t soon forget. It really has instilled an even greater hope in me for America’s future with the arts. My time in DC really taught me how the arts will always bring a brighter tomorrow.