Nearly 1,000 arts advocates that are part of THE STUDENT ADVOCATES PROGRAM, an essential part of Ohio’s annual ARTS DAY will be in Columbus to celebrate the arts and more importantly to call on their House and Senate members to ask for increased funding for arts and culture in their districts. Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation brings High School Students from around the State to lobby their Representatives in the legislature on May 21st. The Student Advocacy Program allows young people (and future voters) to engage elected officials about the need for, and the value of, arts and arts education! The students are each brought to Columbus having first received training in public speaking from Mr. David Leist, a retired theatre educator who will help them hone in on their messaging and feel confident as they deliver tell why learning about art impacts their lives and how arts creates jobs and stimulates economic activity. This year college students from Baldwin Wallace University and THE Ohio State University will also come to the visits to speak with students about college life and how advocacy fits into their daily lives. Art in schools stimulates creative and critical thinking. Advocacy and finding your voice is a life-long tool and encouraging young people to be part of the conversation can translate into action in so many situations.
As part of this program, the legislators are also invited to visit the high school of the Student Advocate to discuss their roles and to answer the tough questions that students have about government in their lives and whether or not, for instance, they support arts and arts education funding.
