 | Cultural advocacy network of michigan |
To enhance the focus and flexibility of our advocacy efforts, the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (CAN) will adopt a three-level strategic Advocacy Structure. This approach enables us to allocate resources strategically, support impactful initiatives, and deliver value to our members and the broader arts and culture community. |
Level 1: Legislative PrioritiesDefinition: Legislative priorities are CAN’s primary focus areas, representing the key issues or initiatives for which we mobilize all available resources. CAN’s Board of Directors carefully selects and approves these priorities to guide advocacy efforts. Criteria for Selection:
Approval Process: The Board of Directors reviews and approves CAN’s Legislative Priorities. These priorities are typically selected in August for the upcoming fiscal year, but additional priorities may be considered by the Board throughout the year as needed.
CAN’s Role:
How to Submit a Legislative Priority: To submit a legislative priority, you must be a current CAN member and complete the Legislative Priority Submission Form. This form requires detailed information, including:
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Level 2: Endorsements
Definition: Endorsements represent opportunities for CAN to support initiatives brought to us throughout the year. These may include signing letters of support, endorsing specific legislation, or lending CAN’s name to advocacy campaigns.
Criteria for Selection:
Alignment with CAN’s mission and values.
Potential to benefit Michigan’s arts and culture community. (This does not need to be a state-wide initiative).
Approval Process: The Board of Directors reviews and approves CAN’s Endorsements. An endorsement may be brought to the Board as needed.
Review & Feedback – The full Board of Directors will review proposed endorsements and provide feedback to ensure alignment with CAN’s mission and values.
Board or Executive Committee Vote – Based on time constraints, either the full Board or the Executive Committee will vote on the endorsement. All board members will be able to review the proposal before deciding. A majority vote is required for the endorsement to be adopted.
Implementation – If approved, CAN will publicly endorse the initiative and share relevant information with its members.
CAN’s Role:
Publicly endorse the initiative with Board approval.
Share information with members through newsletters, advocacy alerts, and social media.
Note: Lobbyist involvement is not included at this level.
How to Submit an Endorsement: To submit an endorsement, you must be a current CAN member and complete the Endorsement Submission Form. This form requires detailed information, including:
Description of the initiative and intended impact.
Specific request (e.g., letter of support, statement of endorsement).
Timeline and deadlines for response.
Key stakeholders involved, including supporters and potential opposition.
Any materials, background information, or drafts for CAN’s review.
Level 3: FYI
Definition: FYI items are advocacy-related initiatives or issues shared with CAN to disseminate among members for informational purposes.
Criteria for Selection:
Relevance to Michigan’s arts and culture sector.
Value to CAN’s members or the broader creative community.
Approval Process: The CAN Director will review each FYI submission to determine if it meets the selection criteria, ensuring it is relevant to Michigan’s arts and culture sector and provides value to CAN members.
CAN’s Role:
Share updates through CAN communication channels.
Encourage members to independently engage with these initiatives as they see fit.
How to Submit an FYI: Send an email to culturaladvocacynetwork@gmail.com with the following details:
Title of the FYI item
Brief description of the initiative or issue
Why it is relevant to Michigan’s arts and culture sector
Any important deadlines (if applicable)
Attachments or links to supporting materials
Once reviewed, CAN will determine if and when the information will be shared with members.