​Advocacy in Action

Music In Our Schools Month - MIOSM
March is a great time to advocate for you, your program and music. With the month of March with a spotlight on Music we can help demonstrate to our communities how critical music is, to students, education and the communities we serve. Take pictures and share stories with us about how you are celebrating MIOSM. Below you will find some Daily Prompts created by NAfME to help get MIOSM started.

Interested in being a part of the Advocacy team? There is always room for more advocates!
Follow this link to fill out the advocacy interest form.
Advocacy Interest Form

What’s happening in current legislation:

•  Local & State
  • Tax season... Now is the time many districts/charters are preparing their budgets for next school year. Is there something that may be concerning you? Has your program, parts of your budget, or even staff been considered for cuts? If you have any concern about this being a possibility for you, please reach out ASAP.
• Federal:
  • A resolution to federally designate March as Music in Our Schools Month has been introduced to congress. Thanks to NY Representative Nydia Velasquesz and NJ Senator Cory Booker. Reach out to DE Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester today and request their support for this resolution. Follow the link below to votervoice.net and share your story and request to our state representatives and learn more about the resolution. Voter Voice - Support MIOSM
    
  • Dec. 19th President Biden signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations bill. Key funding areas, specifically impacting music education, received slight increases:
    
    • Title I, Part A - $18.4 B (5% increase over FY22)
      
    • Title II, Part A - $ 2.19 B (1% increase over FY22)
      
    • Title IV, Part A - $1.38 B (8% increase over FY22)
      
    • IDEA, Part B - $16.3 B (22% increase over FY22)

Please reach out to me and tell me about your current needs. If you are in need of any assistance, maybe you’re not sure if you are but have questions about advocacy.

Our greatest resource is each other,
​
Anna Ramon
DMEA Advocacy Chair