Amplifying Your Voice: Advocacy Strategies for Music Educators

As music educators, you understand the transformative power of music in the lives of students. But how do you advocate effectively to ensure music programs are valued, funded, and prioritized in your schools and communities? This interactive workshop equips music educators with the tools, strategies, and confidence to become powerful advocates for their programs.

Participants will learn how to:

• Communicate the impact of music education using compelling data and personal stories.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders, including administrators, policymakers, and community members.
• Navigate local, state, and federal advocacy opportunities to protect and expand music programs.
• Effectively communicate with your local, state, and federal lawmakers with concrete tips and tools.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will inspire and empower you to champion music education as an essential part of every child’s learning experience. Join us to amplify your voice and ensure that every student has access to the joy and benefits of music education!

 Bethany Snyder, MPP, is the founder of Snyder Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that supports nonprofits in creating effective advocacy programs. With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public affairs, she has worked as a grassroots advocacy director, lobbyist, consultant, comms director, and US Senate staffer. Bethany holds a BA in sociology and women’s studies from the University of Iowa and a master’s in public policy from the University of Minnesota. She is also deeply involved in her community, leading Central Iowa Rainbow Families, serving as Chair of One Iowa Action and the Urbandale Civil Rights Commission, and serving on the Family Equality board.

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.