Advocacy Network Meeting Minutes - 4/22/09

Sonoma County Arts Education Alliance Advocacy Network
Notes from Meeting April 22, 2009

Attending: Wendy Hicks, Bonnie Raines, Cheryl Scholar, Mary McDougal, Jennifer Sloan, Fred Vedder, Vickie Arden, Walter Collins, Sally Baker, Laura Bennett, Karin Demarest

1. Developing Our Message: Review CAAE Messaging points:

The group engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding whether to first create message content based on the audience, or to begin with developing a relevant, applicable message. It was determined that developing a relevant message was the most effective approach. A strong case was made for our efforts to address the cultural and social issues unique to Sonoma County, in particular the efforts to “close the achievement gap.” We discussed the opportunity to collaborate with the business community to collect message content that could address the impact of arts education in preparing a competent work force. The group stressed that the message must be relevant.

At the end of the discussion, it was agreed we would not spend time framing the messages as of yet – but would hold our intention with regard to messaging as we addressed other agenda items.


2. Addressing short-term and long-term objectives for the group: Short Term: Which group of people gives us the best leverage in our communication plan? How can we best communicate with them?


The group discussed various options for target audiences and realized that common advocacy practices (ex: writing letters to school boards) do not fully address the needs of a multi-cultural community. We decided to focus on the business community as a means of collecting data that could be relevant to all audiences – i.e. necessary skills for a strong Sonoma County workforce. Jennifer and Karin will develop questions to be included on an Economic Development Board survey.

We also considered addressing parents and students through the use of new technology, for example, using local poets (Paul Flores) on YouTube to share culturally accessible stories. Cell phone use by the Latino community was also discussed as a means of communication.

3. Long Term: How do we educate ourselves about how to be successful at bringing about change as a result of our advocacy efforts?

We need to study Best Practices - Roseland Univ Prep.; Venezuela Program – El Sistema, LA models. We are eager to understand how we can “be the change we want to see in our community”.

Many people at the table mentioned websites, reports, books, reference material that they were going to make available for the group to use.

Next Meeting: Originally Scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 – Request has been made to change to Tuesday, May 12. Final decision still pending.