NAMM Members Encouraged to Participate in NAMM Advocacy Fly-In

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) year-round advocacy efforts for school music education include an annual Advocacy Fly-In to the nation’s capital that NAMM Members are encouraged to attend. The 2013 Fly-In is scheduled for March 18-21. When communities support comprehensive music education in schools, kids, parents, communities and the music product industry win.
 
“Once you attend a NAMM Advocacy Fly-In, you become acutely aware that as music industry ambassadors, we clarify the role that school music education plays in creative development,” said Menzie Pittman, owner and director of music education with Virginia’s Contemporary Music Centers. “If we don’t advocate, we simply stand a higher chance of losing our programs altogether,” continued Pittman, who has attended every Fly-In since 2007.
 
The annual Advocacy Fly-In, held this year from March 18-21, gives NAMM Members the opportunity to advocate to their Members of Congress for policy and funding benefiting music and arts education. The trip timed with school budget season includes an issues briefing and training that will be held at the Kennedy Center. Then NAMM Members will hit the halls of the U.S. Capitol and Congressional office buildings to lobby their representatives about the importance of music education and needed changes to assure access for music learning. During the trip Members are also trained on developing state-level advocacy efforts for music and arts education.
 
“NAMM members engage with leading law makers and key policy advisers to shape the future of music education,” said Chalise Zolezzi, communications manager at Taylor Guitars. “From the morning briefings with elected officials, to evening social hours, the agenda provides opportunities to make meaningful connections.”
 
For Members interested in learning more about the Fly-In, an Advocacy Fly-In planning session will take place during the NAMM Show on Friday, January 25 in the Mezzanine A Conference Room at the Anaheim Convention Center from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Register for the planning session or learn more about how NAMM Members can participate in the 2013 D.C. Fly-In at http://bit.ly/2013Fly-In.
 
“Engaging and enlightening our elected representatives to keep music and the arts in our schools is one of the most important things we can do for the future of our children and develop a quality workforce for mine – and others’ – businesses,” said Susan Lipp of Full Compass Systems.
 
NAMM and the NAMM Foundation provide Members with resources to support and promote music education. Most recently, the NAMM Foundation opened its 14th annual Best Communities for Music Education Survey, which recognizes schools and academic districts nationwide for their commitment to and support of music education. Surveys will be accepted until January 18, 2013.  2013 also marks the 10th anniversary of the SupportMusic Coalition, a national grassroots advocacy created by NAMM in partnership with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to advance community support for music education.
 
“Being a part of the NAMM Fly-In for the past four years has given me special insight into the workings of our government and the importance that NAMM places in fighting to make sure that all public school children will be able to participate in a music program as part of the regular school day,” said Myrna Sislen, owner of Middle C Music.