Working at the State Level
Take Action Now: Become a Squeaky Wheel for Arts Education
UNITE with others who share your concern, who are willing to speak up for the importance of arts education.
FIND OUT what’s going on in your school district. Contact your local Visual Performing Arts Coordinator, or if there isn’t one, contact the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum.
CONTACT members of your local school board and your school superintendent, and let them know that arts education is a priority to you. Request a meeting and/or plan to speak during the public comment portion of a school board meeting.
BUILD support in your community to advocate for arts education at school board meetings throughout the coming year.
SUBSCRIBE to ArtsEdMail, the Alliance's free bi-monthly e-news bulletin.
JOIN the California Alliance as a member.
What you should know before contacting your legislators...
When you visit or write your legislators, be prepared to discuss:
- Why is arts education important to you?
- What are the benefits of a complete education, including the arts?
- What is your compelling story that illustrates the value of providing arts education for all students?
- What are you asking for?
The Legislative Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation
This booklet is published by the California Senate Publications and includes a very comprehensive and easy to understand overview of the legislative process including:
- How the legislative process works
- How to communicate your position
- Guidelines on letter writing and e-mailing
- Understanding committee hearings and sample committee analysis reports
- Understanding the parts of a bill
- Path of a bill from idea to the Governor's signature
- List of all Senate Standing Committees
- Glossary of Legislative Terms
You can view or download the PDF version [PDF: 1.4Mb] of this booklet or for hard copies contact Senate Publications at 916-327-2155. Hard copies are free and they will ship as many copies as you need.
Lobbying, Advocacy & Non-profits FAQs
Many tax-exempt 501(C)(3) non-profit organizations don't understand that they are able to do a good amount of lobbying under IRS regulations, but most importantly that much of what people misconstrue as "lobbying" is actually "advocacy" which non-profit organizations can and should do! For an overview of Lobbying and Advocacy by Nonprofits, go to the Center for Nonprofit Management website.
Finding Your Legislators & Tracking Legislative Bills
Looking for your state legislators? Go to Leg Info and type in your zip code.
Interested in following the progress of a legislative bill? You may subscribe to specific bills in order to track their progress through the legislature by going to Leg Info. Click on "Bill Information" and
follow the directions to subscribe. You will receive periodic email updates
on the status of the bill, any amendments, hearings and votes. This is a
good way to stay informed and receive up to the minute information.
Information about membership of the Assembly Education Committee may be found here.