ISME has recently joined the Support Music Coalition (SupportMusic.com), a public service initiative that was initially established to support music education in local communities around the United States. Their advocacy efforts now unite over 130 international, national and regional organizations including parents and community leaders who seek to improve access and opportunities in music and arts learning.
The Support Music Coalition believes that local citizens – parents, grandparents, and teachers – have enormous influence which they can use in effecting access to art and music education in schools. Proactive, community-based interest and support for music education in schools is vital to sustain and grow quality programs. On the SupportMusic.com website there are several advocacy related resources such as: "Turning Passion for Music Education into Public Policy and Grassroots Action", The Support Music Community Action Kit, the brochure "Keep Music Education Strong" and "How to Materials". Anyone interested should go to the website www.supportmusic.com to check the latest projects. ISME´s role in the Support Music Coalition will be to work with partner organizations to improve our advocacy efforts in different parts of the world.