North Carolina Music Educator Journal Summer 2021

The path to an A starts with the test of advocacy and embeds
all aspects of it throughout the journey. Advocacy work is a
true testament to the health of an association, particularly an
association such as ours.
Wikipedia has a unique perspective on advocacy that resonates
with me. The site shares, “advocacy is an activity by an individual
or group that aims to influence decisions within political,
economic, and social institutions.” Influence.
Merriam-Webster shares that influence is, “the act or power of
producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct
exercise of command.”
This definition lends itself perfectly to what I believe is the
heart of advocacy currently and for the future. The simple act of
being a member of an association is absolutely critical, laying the
foundation to advocate for the cause of the group.
There are a lot of reasons we’ve joined NCMEA and NAfME.
For many, joining was not so much in the spirit of advocacy. We
joined out of necessity: a requirement in order, as an individual
or for our students, to enjoy the benefits of a
program or offering, such as participating in a
conference or student event. Those who view the
glass half-empty might feel a slight infringement
that membership is a requirement to receive
benefits, while others with hall-full glasses see the
opportunity afforded by the decision to join those
who are like-minded.
Often, membership reminds me of the practice
of tithing from many religious and faith-based
groups. In these practices a tithe is often viewed as
ten percent of one’s income, whereas an offering
is anything above and beyond the tithe. As a side
thought, I am certainly grateful that membership
dues for our association are not one-tenth of
anyone’s income, no matter that level.
In the April 2014 Forbes article, Why I Tithe – And So Should
You, author Andrew McNair shares, “One of the mysteries in my
wealth management practice is the glaring coincidence that a large
majority of my wealthiest clients are some of the largest givers
and tithers I have ever met. For those not familiar with tithing,
it is simply the practice of giving a tenth of your income to your
church or mission, or to charity. It’s a simple idea but not so easily
accomplished; only an estimated 5% of Americans actually tithe.”
That led me to ponder a loose parallel between tithing and
association membership, particularly NCMEA membership.
Fortunately, more than 5% of music educators are members!
In 2014, pre-pandemic, around 56% of NCMEA-eligible music
educators were members. However, we now see that rate more
around 36%, a significant drop. It is understandable – and perhaps
even expected – that membership numbers would fall for all kinds
of associations during the pandemic due to just how fast and deep
the world around us changed and what had to be done in order to
merely survive all that was happening.
While tithing and membership percentages aren’t quite aligned
to the thought of work required to achieve an A for advocacy, it
really isn’t as disconnected as appears.
The simplest
thing we can
do to support
music education,
the least act
of exertion... is
to simply be a
member.
In reviewing the definition of influence from Webster, the
power of membership to advocacy is crystal clear. The simplest
thing we can do to support music education, the least act of
exertion, or the least “direct command” is to simply be a member.
Being a member, and to that end being a part, is the foundation
for advocacy work, and it starts with every single music educator
making the commitment to be a part of the group. A group (or
association) of people have a much more powerful influence over
others to champion and support their cause. As such, joining
together is imperative to passing the advocacy test for our
profession and making that A grade.
Unlike in my college class, we don’t have to work alone to earn
an A in advocacy. It all starts with our membership. Once we
are a part of the association, we are then able to synthesize and
capitalize on the strengths and work of so many strong leaders in
our membership to help us navigate the series of tests we face in
our profession, while simultaneously building our own leadership
and advocacy tool kit.
Sometimes visible and other times behind
the scenes, there are leaders in NCMEA working
hard to support music education, not only when
things seem challenging, but equally when the
environment is perfect for music in our schools,
homes, and lives. Advocacy remains equally
important when there is harmony and support
for music as well as during a critical threat to
the livelihood of music. Being an active member
allows NCMEA to grow advocates through the
sharing of the good work. Through this work, new
leaders are cultivated and discovered, and as such,
advocacy allows for diversification among our
ranks.
This June closes the chapter on one school year
and sets the stage for the beginning of a new year
with new students, new goals, new opportunities,
and most likely, new tests along the way. While the luxury of
knowing how many tests will come our way does not exist, it is
clear a successful course in music advocacy begins with making
our commitment to join, or renew our membership, a priority.
Our membership welcomes perfectionists, procrastinators, and
anyone in between. There is a place and space here for everyone.
NCMEA is prepared to do whatever it takes to pass each and
every test of the pandemic, which may cause concern for music
education’s place in supporting the whole-child and wholeindividual.
Having all those in the musical family a part of the
NCMEA family will build our influence and bring benefits beyond
measure.
Failing music education is not an option. Settling for a B – less
than our best – isn’t an option. Let’s not only pass the advocacy test
for music education, but make an A! Music deserves the highest
grade possible. You deserve the best! Renew your membership
and encourage a non-member to join or rejoin today. Together we
make the difference.
The A in music begins with advocacy.
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