LEGISLATORS LISTEN TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ADVOCATES

High school arts advocates that are part of THE OHIO CITIZENS FOR THE ARTS FOUNDATION STUDENT ADVOCATES PROGRAM, an essential part of Ohio’s annual ARTS DAY on May 17th, 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. It provides an opportunity for high school students to engage in dialogue with their districts’ elected official at the local and state level.      The students are each brought to Columbus having first received rigorous training in public speaking to help them hone in on their messaging so that they feel confident as they tell why learning about art best impacts their lives, how it will be helpful in their college education and, how the arts creates jobs and stimulates economic activity in their communities. They will also be receiving as part of their training a packet of information that contains data that supports the fact that arts education leads to high level critical and creative 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. Reaching out to high school students, who are preparing to enter the work force or attend college, and providing the opportunity for them to interact with emerging arts leaders encourages dialogue about life as a young adult and the role that advocacy plays in daily life. After their legislative visits, students will attend the Governor’s Awards for the Arts Luncheon where awards for excellence in arts education, administration, patronage, business support of the arts, community development and participation, and individual artistry are presented by the leaders of the Ohio House and Senate. WWW.OHIOCITIZENSFORTH ARTS.ORG