In the first chapter of this two-part blog, I talked about the difference between public awareness campaigns that help people better understand the value of theatre education, such as the Theatre in Our Schools program, and direct advocacy that focuses on a specific ask for support from legislators and policy makers, which is what EdTA’s recent Theatre Education Advocacy Day was all about. I did enough talking in part 1, so I thought you might want to hear, in words and pictures, what the Advocacy Day was like for some of those who made the journey to Capitol Hill offices on July 21, 2017.
To begin:
Richard Hogle and former student Megan McCorquodale,
Albuquerque Academy class of 2016, in Senator Martin Heinrich’s office
“The most amazing thing about the day was the number
of former students that we met in the offices of our legislators.”
Richard Hogle, New Mexico Board Member
***
“Our last meeting was the most encouraging. Although we didn't have an appointment, we were able to meet with Rosemary Gutierrez, Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Maria Cantwell. While she initially made it clear that she only had a few minutes, we had an engaging 30-minute visit with her. Senator Cantwell is already a great friend to the arts and education, but most significantly, she is on the Commerce committee that works directly with the Federal Communications Commission. They were unaware of the situation with the wireless microphones and Rosemary asked us to send her personal stories on the impact of this decision on our theatre programs. She (and/or Maria Cantwell) will be writing a letter to the FCC regarding this issue. Rosemary was thoroughly excited for the opportunity to work on a solution to our problem, as she stated this is her favorite part of her job. We were heard, respected, and there is a plan for some action!”
Kristina Cummins, Washington Board Member
***
The Iowa team, from left to right: Liz Hansen, Aaron Dean, Helen Duranleau-Brennan,
and Brittany Smith.
“I asked each staffer in our meeting to tell us their own personal arts experience story
and how it shaped who they are today. We learned that each staffer had an arts story
from learning to dance at age 4 to our most reluctant staffer for a senator who revealed
he was the drum major for his high school and learned leadership skills via a camp he
attended for drum majors. What a great way to connect with each person and establish
common ground!”
Liz Hansen, Iowa Board Member
***
“My ‘aha’ moment was that I can do this and I want to do it again, especially at the state and local level, AND I even have an idea and plan for training for my State Student Board."
Sarah DeGrandpre, Montana State Chapter Director
***
Mark Drum, Kate Brown (legislative assistant to Representative Grace Meng),
and Lindsay Shields
“The biggest take away for me was how important it is to get the students
involved in advocacy. So in partnership with my Chapter Directors, we'll be
setting up ways for our students to advocate for theatre education back in
New York and challenging ourselves to keep in touch with our representatives.
One of our reps, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, will be having
an Arts Day in September and we were more than happy to volunteer
ourselves for the event as well as our student leaders!”
Mark Drum, Thespian Alum from New York
***
“My favorite part of advocacy day was the diversity of our team:
- Someone who’s taught less than 10 years
- Someone who’s taught more than 30 years
- A student from the wealthiest district in the U.S.
- A student from the most diverse district in the U.S.
- A teacher from a rural community
- A teacher from a 17+ HS district
- A rep from EdTA National Office
Together, we had a wealth of knowledge and were the best representation of the diverse issues of our state, nation, and content area!”
Tori Kesling, Virginia State Chapter Director
***
“I realized that my voice does matter, even if I don’t agree with all of
their values. We have more in common than we realize, and we CAN
affect change.”
Ray Palasz, Indiana Board Member
***
“This event was both inspiring and provided a model for tangible action. I feel like I could return here with colleagues and students to continue an advocacy push. I also feel inspired to go to our statehouse to do the same! Let’s do this event every other year in the summer!”
Ben Stuart, EdTA Board Member from Washington
***
Cheri Ducote Firmin and former student Patrick Flanagan.
“I had no idea what to expect from this experience. I was really scared!
But now I feel accomplished and ready to do it again. My favorite
moment was a meeting with a former student, Patrick Flanagan,
who is an intern in Senator Kennedy's office. And he pulled out his
Thespian card from his wallet!”
Cheri Ducote Firmin, Louisiana Board Member
***
The California team, left to right: Anthony Robinson, Gai Jones, Krista Carson Elhai, Stacy
Castiglione, Vanessa Montgomery, and Alison Johnson.
“All of my meetings were productive and I realized the importance of follow ups so I can get
back to the officer with the answers to their questions and to stay on their radar.
This experience has energized me to continue my arts advocacy and keep learning!”
Krista Carson Elhai, EdTA Board Member and President, California Educational
Theatre Association
***
“When I was in Senator Sherrod Brown’s office, the aide picked up her pen when I spoke about JumpStart Theatre and its impact on urban areas and the desire to move the program to rural areas. I did mention that the program now is privately/grant funded but that might be something that EdTA advocates could use as a touch point regarding the importance of NEA funding.”
Irene Imboden, Ohio State Co-Chapter Director
***
The Pennsylvania team, left to right: Mark Zortman, Melissa Mintzer, Grace Alt, and
Andrea Roney.
“Pennsylvania was nervous, but we had positive experiences, got the “asks” in, and had
wonderful conversations on brief/wireless, ESSA, NEA, and personal experiences/connections.
I feel more experienced to take on advocacy in PA and beyond. I want to build models with
my own troupe to model for other troupes and to mold advocacy to our state work, and
perhaps participation in Arts Advocacy Day in D.C.”
Andrea Roney, Pennsylvania Board Member
***
“Although I’ve talked one-on-one with folks about my convictions, I knew advocacy on a larger level was important; it just seemed daunting while trying to balance the day-to-day. However, I felt like it was time for me to join the forces to advocate rather than waiting. I needed to shift my paradigm that “someone” will advocate for “us” and realize that I needed to advocate for theatre education myself. After I received a Hawkins grant that enabled me to attend the National Arts Advocacy Day in D.C. a few years ago, I began to understand how important my voice was. So this time around, I felt much more comfortable with meeting senators and reps on Capitol Hill. But it made me even more excited about advocacy! The next thing for me: expand my advocacy at the state and local level and empower my students so they can be next gen advocates/voters.”
Jo Strom Lane, Oregon State Board Member
***
2016-17 ITO members, from left to right:
Brittany Smith, Ryan Pangracs, and Grace Alt.
“The importance of bringing students into the
arts advocacy network can’t be stressed
enough. Bringing State Thespian Officers or
students of Advocacy Day attendees would be
so valuable, not just to the overall picture but to
educate and empower future advocates. I love
student-to-student moments on the Hill.
They always feel so meaningful and important
and make the process feel more approachable,
and more real.”
Grace Alt, Outgoing ITO Chair from
Pennsylvania
***
See you all the next time on the Capitol steps! JP