Five Steps to Connect Local Needs to Federal Issues

Want to strengthen your reputation as an advocate for arts and culture? Follow these five steps to connect local priorities with national decision-making.

STEP ONE:
Start with the relationships you already have.

What federal representatives do you already know?

Start with your local MP. You can grow your network from there.


STEP TWO:
Identify what issues matter to these specific representatives.

If they care about economics, frame your message around financial impact.

Speak their language to make your case more compelling.

Find ideas here:
Themes + Fact Sheets

STEP THREE:
Identify what local constituents care about in their communities.

All politics is local.

What are the local stories related to the value of arts and culture that matter to people?

Pick one or two examples.

STEP FOUR:
Write a two-pager.

Develop a concise, two-page position paper outlining why your representative should care about arts and culture.

Frame it in their preferred language, using those local examples.

STEP FIVE:
Follow up.

Go to constituency events. Consistency is key. Always deliver the same message from your position paper.

Use the highlights of your position paper as a set of talking points to stay on track.

You are ready!