Why Advocacy Matters

Although we may pay more attention to politics when it is on a national scale, the strength of your vote can have tremendous impact when used at the local level. Just this past November's election, Newton (including parts of Chestnut Hill, Brookline and Wellesley) saw the election of two new state representatives. The Suzuki School of Newton is located in the district newly represented by Dr. Greg Schwartz, and I happen to live in the northern section of Newton newly represented by Amy Sangiolo.  The third Newton representative is John Lawn who is the incumbent representing northeast Newton and Watertown. I know many of you do not live in these areas, so it is important to find out who your state representative and your state senator are. (Newton's state senator is Cynthia Creem.)

In the past the combination of Cynthia Creem, John Lawn, Ruth Balser and Kay Khan--were all advocates of the arts and culture sector of Massachusetts. I remember well, travelling home on an airplane where the announcement was that we were about to land in Boston, Massachusetts---home of the American Revolution, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum and the New England Aquarium.  These are tourist destinations (not to mention Tanglewood) and fall under the arts, culture and the humanities in the state budget.  The grant programs are administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Suzuki School of Newton has been fortunate to receive a state grant for the work we do in arts education and program in the community since 1999!  We would not be able to offer so many of our events without the MCC's grants programs. These include our Playathon, Multicultural Festival, our book graduations, our solo recitals, Pianos Galore and Newton PorchFest among our many events. Many people do not realize that the arts and culture activities of our communities have a high economic impact on all industries and surrounding local businesses. For this reason, we must advocate for the arts' budgets to be preserved and even increased.

Part of our role as citizens is to improve the quality of life in our community.  This is an important aspect of our Suzuki philosophy. Sharing our music with others,contributing to society in a meaningful way, building self-respect and respect for others--are all part of our learning philosophy.  As a part of our role in society, we can also understand the importance of advocacy to our elected officials to make their votes in the legislature count towards the principles we value.

Understanding how the laws are created to protect and support our lives can be put into action by writing letters to our elected officials. I hope you will consider sending a letter to your local state representative and state senator, in support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council's budget.