Sara Womack, AMEA President Goalposts
With the beginning of each school year, comes an opportunity for growth. The enthusiasm from stakeholders is unlike any other time and the potential for success is limitless. However, this progress can be misplaced unless goals and strategies are developed. Arnold Glasgow stated, “In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” This is especially relevant in the world of education, where objectives, standards, and plans are routine. What goals have you established for your program in the coming year? How do you plan to accomplish those goals? What tools do you need to make your vision into a reality?
Just as we establish music education goals at the beginning of the school year, I have established a few goals as I begin my two- year term as president.
These goals are
living and will change throughout my term as the governing board works to determine our needs and wants. The board, including newly elected President-Elect Dr. Carl Hancock, Treasurer Dr. Chris Walker, and Secretary Dr. Carla Gallahan, will be working to develop a plan to accomplish these goals. Below, targets for the coming years are listed, along with tasks to accomplish those goals. If you have any additional areas in need of improvement, please share them with yor division president or contact me at
sara@music.org.
Increase membership of underrepresented populations Make connections to younger members and potential members through social opportunities and recognition
Build affiliations with the music industry in Alabama through membership opportunities and acknowledgement
Reach out to retired members by offering opportunities to share their expertise
Strengthen relationships with current members Gain data regarding wishes and necessities of members through a survey of Alabama music educators
Develop a technology plan for online data management, event registration for division events, and social media functions
Offer innovative, engaging, and relevant professional development (e.g., the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performance with Gabriel Kahane at the 2013 In-Service)
Plan for the future by updating the strategic plan, officer and committee chair handbook, and bylaws to reflect changes in needs and policies
Intensify advocacy efforts with a strategic design Develop a list of “asks” and a strategic advocacy plan with innovative ideas (e.g., the AMEA “Music Matters” advocacy video) through data analysis and a survey
Connect with other arts organizations in Alabama to strengthen our advocacy efforts
Take Note of National News
In late June, Executive Director Garry Taylor, President-Elect Dr. Carl Hancock, and I represented AMEA at the NAfME National Leadership Assembly in Baltimore. Newly installed President Nancy Ditmer outlined goals for our national organization. Recent news include the following stories:
NAfME is restructuring the professional development opportunities. In the fall of 2013, a national music education conference will be held in Nashville, Please look out for more information on this exciting, new format!
Peruse the new NAfME website at
nafme.org. The navigation and ease of use has been greatly improved. Some areas are still migrating from the old site. If you see an area that cannot be accessed, please contact NAfME.
Groundswell, NAfME’s comprehensive resource for advocacy, can be found at
advocacy.nafme.org. Advocacy how-to guides, webinars, and the “Make Your Case” database, a searchable repository of facts, statistics, quotes, and anecdotes, are available to help in program advocacy.
The Common Core Standards for Arts Education are currently under development. NAfME’s immediate past president, Scott Shuler, is part of the leadership team that is coordinating the progress. Visit
nccas.wikispaces.com for more information.
Our national association staff is eager to help with any matter. Do not hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns.
6 August/September 2012
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