Advocacy Tips

Look For Your State Legislators:   

Assembly       Senate

2008:  Post-Election Outreach Reminder
Once the ballots are counted, it's time to reach out to newly elected and re-elected officials:

·        Write to your recently elected or re-elected officials congratulating them on their victory and informing them of what your organization does and how you are ready to assist them in office. 

·        Invite elected officials to visit your museum or ask for a meeting with their staff to acquaint them with your services and programs. You are a powerful resource to assist them in communicating with constituents and alerting them to perspectives on issues affecting your community.

What You Can Do

These tips are provided by the Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations.  For more tips on making Congressional, state and local visits, preparing for meetings with your elected officials, and following up on visits, click here.

• Writing your Legislator

1. Put your letter on your organization’s letterhead
2. Begin by thanking your legislator for his/her support of the arts and cultural organizations in your district
3. Make your request for his/her support
4. Tell your legislators why his/her support of your request is important to your organization
5. Include your organization’s brochure, program information, poster, a fact sheet or annual report with your letter
6. Send copies of your letters to the Governor, the Legislative Leadership, to the New York State Council on the Arts (if appropriate), and to MANY
7. Encourage your audiences and members to do the same

• Invite your legislators to your organization when he/she is next in your district.
  Ask them to speak at an event or tour your collections storage areas. Use this opportunity to show them first-hand how important your collections are to your community. Publicly recognize them at an event for their support of your organization or of arts and cultural activities in your community.

• Put your legislators on your mailing and press release lists.
  Keep them informed about what’s taking place at your organization and who is funding your activities.

• Be a source of reliable information which may be helpful to your legislator and his/her staff.

• Send your elected officials thank you notes and congratulatory messages.

• New York State Board of Regents
  The Board of Regents charters many museums and heritage organizations in our state. They need to know who you are, what you do for education in New York State, as well as your concerns and your needs. Add the Board of Regents to your mailing and press release lists. Be sure that they receive a copy of your annual report and samples of your educational materials. www.regents.nysed.gov

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