Advocacy is not just a responsibility of the task force, but is charged to all music therapist and music therapy students.
"What can I do?"...........
Whether you are an experienced clinician or a student just beginning the process, you have a voice and can advocate!
Here are some things to get you started:
1) Be aware of who your legislators are
- not sure who they are.....check the resources page for Senate and Representative Legislators
2) Write letters to your legislators
- contacting these legislatures to introduce yourself and inform them of music therapy can be a vital link!
- not sure what to write....we've already done the hard part for you - Check out a Sample Letter Template
3) Already written a letter?
- GREAT! Write a follow-up letter/email to keep your name and "Music Therapy" on their minds
4) Participate
- The task force is busy planning opportunities to advocate for our profession! Keep your calendars handy!
- Plan your schedules around these events!
- Worried you can't get out of school?
- Take the time to speak with your professors, you might find they support you taking a day off to travel to Jefferson City and advocate for your profession!
5) Collect Letters of Support
- collecting letters of support from clients, family members, supervisors, providers in fellow disciplines (including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical professionals, administrators, etc.)
- Send these letters of support to the task force
6) Make a List of Supporters
- Make a list of client names, family, and related discipline providers who may want to support by being a physical presence as needed to speak in favor of Music Therapy and its benefits.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about your role in advocacy!