Everyone involved in an orchestra, whether as an administrator, musician, volunteer, or concert-goer, cares deeply about the future of orchestras and the communities they serve—which means we cannot afford to rest when there is advocacy to be done. As 501(c)(3) organizations, orchestras are permitted by the Internal Revenue Service to engage in issue advocacy, and many orchestras are leading such efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. Through its online handbook Playing Your Part: An Orchestra’s Guide to Public Policy Advocacy, at www.americanorchestras.org/playingyourpart, the League of American Orchestras offers advice on how to get engaged in the policy process and build successful relationships with policymakers. The goal is to support and empower you to play your part in influencing public policy. The guide includes:
- Facts about advocacy and lobbying
- Tips for identifying your policy issues, partners, and strategies
- Easy steps for tracking and reporting lobbying activity
- A Q&A section that explains the lobbying rules for orchestras
Read or download the complete Playing Your Part: An Orchestra’s Guide to Public Policy Advocacy for free at www.americanorchestras.org/playingyourpart.
