The Association of Performing Arts Presenters Website - Welcome
Members OnlyJoin50th AnniversaryInside ArtsConferenceAdvocacyNetworkingServicesDonateAbout Us
 
Take Action Now!
Washington Watch
Legislative Priorities
Grassroots Tools
Useful Links
Visa Assistance
     *Urgent Update*
Join the Advocacy Listserv
Advocacy Partners

Site Search

Advocacy

TAKE ACTION NOW!

This Action Alert was sent to our membership in conjunction the American Arts Alliance (AAA), a national network of over 4,000 professional, nonprofit performing arts and presenting organizations. Arts Presenters is a coalition partner in the AAA.

IRA Rollover Survey

Through the American Arts Alliance, we recently asked for your help documenting the value of the recently passed IRA Rollover provision. Initial responses to the IRA Rollover survey indicate that the performing arts community needs more time to educate donors about this new incentive for charitable giving. The survey is still open! Please take a moment to fill out this brief online survey about your IRA Rollover experiences .

Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Representatives Earl Pomeroy (D-ND-AtLarge) and Wally Herger (R-CA-2) have introduced the Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007 (HR 1419). The bill would make the IRA Rollover provision permanent, remove the current dollar limit on donations per year, make all charities eligible to receive donations and provide IRA owners with a planned giving option starting at age 59˝.

If you would like to see the IRA Rollover provision extended, please add your organization to the sign-on letter in support of the Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007. Over 750 nonprofit organizations have already signed on.

********************************************

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Commission on No Child Left Behind:

A complete education includes the performing arts. The federal government recognized this when it included the arts among the core academic subjects in No Child Left Behind (NCLB). When Congress reauthorizes NCLB, I urge them to direct state and local education agencies to ensure that arts education is fully implemented as a core academic subject, so that all American students reap the benefits of a full, comprehensive education in the arts.

SELECT TWO OR THREE OF THE FOLLOWING TALKING POINTS.

  • The arts are designated as a “core academic” subject in NCLB. However, a 2005 report from the Center for Education Policy concludes that since the enactment of NCLB instructional time for art and music in schools has been reduced by 22 percent.

  • The arts are proven to help close the achievement gap. The arts make a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child, leveling the “learning field” across socio-economic boundaries.

  • The arts prepare students for success in school, work and life. Comprehensive arts education for all helps students meet the ever growing demands of the global economy. Students gain skills essential to succeeding in the ever changing information age.

  • A comprehensive strategy for a complete education for all students includes participation and learning in community-based arts programs, as well as arts instruction in the classroom.

  • A 2002 study by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Arts Education Partnership showed that schools with large numbers of impoverished students are aided and transformed into vibrant learning environments when the arts are infused into their culture and curricula.

    Teacher retention and recruitment continues to be a daunting challenge for schools. However, when schools embrace the arts and become havens for innovation and creativity, they become places where teachers want to teach, and subsequently, students want to learn. PERSONALIZE YOUR LETTER WITH INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION.

    Congress must address the unintended consequences of NCLB that have diminished the presence of arts education in our schools; preserve and strengthen the arts as a defined core academic subject and improve the implementation of the arts as a core academic subject at the state and local levels.

    I appreciate your time and attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,
    Your Name
    Your Organization
    Your Address

    • Copyright © 2008 - Association of Performing Arts Presenters - 888.820.ARTS (2787)

    Privacy Policy     Photo Credits