1. Redefine the situation. The "crisis" is also an opportunity to educate school boards and other decision makers about the value of music education.

2. Prepare your arguments carefully. Your message is: Music belongs in the core curriculum. Be adamant on this issue. Their major concerns are going to be related to funding. Know the budget and be prepared to talk about "bang for the educational buck."

3. Visit each board member separately. Keep the visit positive. You are for students and better education, not against anything. All board members are potential allies.

4. Never argue against someone else's program. Show that you are willing to work for the good of all students. Keep the discussion student centered, not teacher-job centered.

5. Keep current. Understand the pressures they are under and the tough decisions they have to make. Attend meetings regularly and report back to your group.

6. Become a source of solid information. Local board members have a hard time keeping up on all the issues. They need you to tell them exactly what's happening in specific schools and programs. Use information to build trust.

7. Never lie or "fudge." Your long-term credibility is too precious to squander simply to gain a short-term advantage.

8. Work to re-elect board members who support music education. Their support should beget yours.

9. Invite board members to student musical events. Encourage them to experience the results of their support.
Introduce them as a "friend of school music" at these events. If appropriate, as them to say a few words. It helps them vote your way next time.

10. Anticipate crises by:
* Having a telephone tree in place for quick response to network hundreds of phone calls in a 24-hour period.
* Having a "speaker's bureau" poised to talk to community groups, visit school decision makers, and speak at board meetings.

11. Conduct a telephone campaign before the big meeting. Petitions are OK, but letters and calls just before the meeting carry more weight. All board members should get several calls.

(Based on an article, "Strategies for Effective Lobbying" by Joanna Newhouse, Action Chairperson, Los Angeles City Elementary School Music Association)