Connecting Diversity Equity and Inclusion Values to Public Policies

Using a statement on cultural equity to guide the direction of your organization was introduced by Grantmakers in the Arts and Americans for the Arts. A panel discussed the challenges of addressing the issues with their own statements, and how they keep the document alive through revision and implementation. This was put into context with arts funding, and how this explicitly affects rural communities. Connecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Values to Public Policies brought forth the way that we have to support each other in order to maximize our roles as art advocates. 

By Connor Loughry
Breakout Session-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dr Stephanie Milling, educator at the University of South Carolina.  Dr. Milling outlines a process for advocating, in a sustainable way.

Step one:  Learn political terminology and process, it is the language of our government and adds credibility and understanding to your statements.

Step two: Connect the policy to story, find out how the funding granted last year was used, who benefited, whose life was changed.  Policy + Personal Testament = Powerful Message

Step three: Keep going!  Advocating is a daily privilege we have access to, and repetition makes the master.

We followed by discussing with various people about how we would advocate here and at home, and sharing the comments that resonated with us.  The biggest take away from the workshop is this idea, summed up perfectly in a quote supplied by Dr. Milling, originally stated by Lila Fernandez: “Advocacy is about the daily ness of practice”

By Mar Linski
Breakout Session-Students, Leaders & Advocacy

Today’s session with Massachusetts State Senator Stan Rosenberg was incredibly insightful and helpful regarding not only our sessions with other legislators tomorrow, but with our everyday lives as active voters and art advocates.

Senator Rosenberg made sure to instill his belief that you will get nowhere if you are negative. In order to achieve what you want with your representatives you must remain positive and use your passion. It is important to remain respectful and to always act ethically. When you are speaking with a legislator that is stubborn or unmoved by facts and statistics, you must use the passion that you have for the cause. If you cannot move them to join with you, your best option is to change their position to neutral. If you are able to, find something that that person cares a lot about and tie it back into the arts using personal connection and experiences.

Communication is key when achieving your political vision. More contact with your representatives lets them know that what you stand for is something they should care about and support. They’re going to start seeing people that will talk and ask about it and they should be properly informed on the issue. Urging them to educate themselves on an issue is the first step to winning their support.

Whether you are sending emails, snail mail or meeting in person, you need to not only use facts and statistics in your compelling argument, but make a personal connection. Using those experiences and stories is more impactful when supplemented with evidence and facts.  

By Kaylin Stinson
Breakout Session - Learning from an Elected Official: Massachusetts State Senator Stan Rosenberg

Edited by Nafeesah Symonette and Joseph Rohrer