What is the "Make Your Case" Database?
This resource is designed to help you "make your case" to support your music program. In the database, you'll find statistics, quotations, anecdotes, and research that you can use when approaching your administrators/principals, parents, school boards, or legislators. The database is a project of SupportMusic, sponsored by MENC: The National Association for Music Education and NAMM, the International Music Products Association.
Who can view entries?
The database entries are public. MENC encourages all those who want to advocate for their music programs to use the database.
How do I use an entry?
Copy and paste information from the database into letters to parents, administrators, and media; speeches; electronic presentations; public service announcements; flyers; brochures—any material you use to spread the message about the importance of music education. (It's always good to include sources for your facts and figures when making your case.)
Why rate entries?
Base your rating on how useful the entry is and how well it meets your needs as a music education advocate. One star represents an entry that is the least helpful; five stars represent a rating that is the most helpful.
Who can submit entries?
Members of the SupportMusic coalition, MENC staff, and state music educators association presidents and designees can submit entries. If you're not one of these individuals and you have an entry to contribute, contact Hannah Sharp, MENC Advocacy Manager.
After I've submitted an entry, how do I know it's been approved?
If you have successfully submitted your entry, after you click "Submit," you will be redirected to the "Make Your Case" database main page, and you should see a green bar that reads, "Your entry has been submitted for approval."
Note: Your entry will not be instantly searchable; MENC staff review entries for clarity before they are made public in the database. Once an MENC staff member has approved your entry, you'll receive an e-mail confirmation.
What if I need to edit my entry after I've submitted it?
Once you've submitted an entry, you can't directly edit it, so please review your entry carefully before you submit it. If you do need to edit your entry, contact Hannah Sharp.
I'm having problems uploading a document and/or submitting my entry. What should I do?
If you experience technical problems with the submission process, call Hannah Sharp at 800-336-3768.