Even as California municipalities face arguably the bleakest budget season ever, arts education advocates can take inspiration from LA arts defenders who warded off a proposal to erase the city council's $4 million grants program. As reported in the Los Angeles Times:

"The LA City council heard from more than 30 speakers who decried the proposed arts cuts. Scores of others looked on in the council chamber, many sporting red stick-on badges provided by the Arts for LA advocacy group, which during the days before the meeting had led an e-mail campaign opposing gutting arts programs to help bridge a projected two-year budget gap of nearly $700 million."

Take heart! Organized, impassioned advocacy of only a few dozen people can make a huge impact. Advocates in LA explained how by eliminating arts grants the city "risked losing part of its civic soul," pointed out economic arguments and the critically important role the arts play for youth and thriving communities.

We know school districts, counties, cities and states all over this country face terrible decisions as we struggle to emerge from this economic downturn. And the LA arts will likely suffer some reduction of support, but they have already won a victory and set a fine example for us all.