Advocacy Kickoff Meeting Notes
Written by Beth H West
Saturday, 07 March 2009 21:32
Beth emailed this :

Meeting Notes: Planning Kickoff - March 4 / Mosaic Templar’s Cultural Center, Little Rock
Attending: Cliff Baker, Ed Clifford, Patricia Cox, Carolyn Dowling, Joy Pennington, Bob Pest, Linda Pruitt, Rhonda Reeves, Warwick Sabin, Julie West
Overview - Arts Advocacy
The group discussed the goal of mainstreaming support for the arts instead of special interest advocacy, and the success of Americans for the Arts and the State Arts Action Network.
Establishing Arkansas’ Arts Advocacy Organization – Next Steps for Moving Forward
Timeline – operational and communicating before next legislative session
Mission – discussion tabled until Board is convened.
Membership Levels – reviewed membership levels of other state organizations: individual, arts organizations and other businesses and organizations.
Funding – along with membership fees, the group discussed the need to establish other funding sources for the organization such as event fees.
Board of Directors – discussed the types of individuals to be considered as Board members. The following attributes or backgrounds were identified as desirable: knowledge of the arts business and management; arts organizations (balance majors and smaller groups); artists from each domain – visual, performing, etc.; arts educators; higher education; nonprofit board experience; arts patrons/supporters; public relations professionals; local or state officials; connections to donors; lobbying experience. Representation from different areas of the state is important. The Board should have 15 members or less. Group members asked to identify candidates for the Board.
Build advocacy website – need to do this soon and begin to build online content but will require funding.
File for Non-profit Status – will consult with another state arts organization to obtain sample of bylaws and articles of incorporation.
Action Steps
Identify 10 arts champions from your network – each member will identify 10 people to be arts champions. Potential Board members will be identified from this group.
Establish advisory group communication strategy – will establish blog or Facebook page where the group can post resources, documents and host discussions.
Will meet again in two weeks. Will email date, time and location.



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enchanted dreams to you dear-hearts, paula
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