Advocacy Resources

 

To complement our article on Advocacy 101, we've developed a handy list of resources to help you to stay on top of current issues and carry out your advocacy efforts.


Chorus America Resources

 

High Notes

Chorus America posts information about policy issues that affect the choral field and advocacy alerts on the online news digest section of our website. We also share this kind of information in our Update enewsletter for members and on our social media channels.

 

The Chorus Impact Study

Chorus America’s research can help you make a strong case for the choral field. This 2019 study found that an estimated 54 million Americans regularly sing in choruses today. The study also found that singing in a chorus is strongly correlated with personal benefits - such as feeling less lonely and more resilient - and contributing to communities through volunteerism and civic leadership.

Visit the website for talking points, an adaptable op-ed, and presentation materials that you can use in your advocacy work.

 

Making the Case for Your School Choir

Chorus America developed this guide to help chart a path toward proactive advocacy on behalf of choral music education. It includes a step-by-step advocacy plan as well as research and statistics on the value of choral singing in school from more than 40 studies. Chorus America also developed a number of useful tools and worksheets to help build a successful advocacy effort.


Other Resources

 

The Performing Arts Alliance (PAA)

The Performing Arts Alliance is the national policy advocate, leadership forum, and learning network for America’s nonprofit performing arts organizations, artists, and allies. Chorus America, along with many of our fellow service organizations, is a member of the PAA and regularly participates in meetings of this group.

The PAA website has information about federal issues that impact the nonprofit performing arts sector, as well as details on how to contact your legislators, lobbying guidelines, and more. You can also sign up directly for the PAA’s mailing list to receive action alerts and other policy news related to the nonprofit performing arts.

Fellow PAA members the League of American Orchestras and Opera America also have helpful advocacy resources on their websites that are particularly relevant to performing arts organizations that focus on music.

 

Americans for the Arts (AFTA)

Americans for the Arts has a mission is to serve, advance, and lead the network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain, and support the arts in America. The online Arts Mobilization Center includes policy statements, case-making tools, and suggested ways to take action.

AFTA organizes an annual Arts Advocacy Day in March that brings arts supporters from around the country to Washington DC for advocacy training and to meet with their members of Congress. Chorus America participates every year as a National Partner.

The Arts Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with Americans for the Arts that is entirely focused on advocating for and advancing the arts in America. You can join for free to receive action alerts, updates, and more. The Arts Action Fund PAC tracks the votes of all members of Congress that affect the arts, and compiles the results in a biannual Congressional Report Card.

 

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA)

In addition to information about arts advocacy at the federal and state level, NASAA’s State Arts Agency Directory is a helpful starting point for looking up your state arts agency and regional arts organizations.

 

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

ACDA’s standing Advocacy and Collaboration Committee maintains an active Facebook group.