WOMEN OF NAMM I BY DANIELLE COLLINS Capitol Conversations, Local Impact
A fter two decades in the classroom, I’ve spent my career building programs, mentoring students, and navigating what it really takes to make music education work. Now, through work in my new role with Inspire EDU, I support schools and districts working to expand access to creative learning. This spring, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for NAMM’s annual Fly-In to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the kinds of programs I’ve seen change lives. BUILDING THE CASE TOGETHER Before we stepped into any meet- ings, NAMM brought us together for a packed day of policy brief- ings and strategic preparation. The speakers offered sharp, practical context on how current legislation is shaping arts access, and what strong advocacy looks like in action. We were given sup- port on current programming that NEA grants support in districts across the country, to cite the need for NEA. We were given data that supported our ask, and context for the offices to which we were entering, learning about our members of Congress’ focus and stance on myriad subjects. This provided the framework for our ask and gave me the confi- dence to hold a conversation in the five meetings I attended. CONVERSATIONS MOVING WORK FORWARD Throughout the trip, I connect- ed with women who lead from different angles — small busi- nesses, product development, community arts programs—and who spoke about their work
with clarity and purpose. We talked about our hometowns, how we’re expanding programs, and where there’s still work to do. They gave me connections that build on my work, support that’s mutual, and growth shaped by sharing what we know. I came away from every interaction with something useful—an idea, a contact, a way to think differently. Selfishly, I came back inspired and excited to do more work with NAMM members! POLICY WITH PURPOSE Meeting with Representative Robert Garcia’s team stood out. I’ve
known him as a leader in my local community, and now as a voice in Congress. I was given support with other members from my state, many of whom ac- companied me to the meetings. Talking through the role of music education with his staff felt natural because I’ve spent my career making that case — first as a teacher, now as a partner helping schools build sustainable programs. I’ve had these conversations in staff rooms, district offices, and school board meetings. Sit- ting across from federal staff felt like a natural extension of that same work — with bigger stakes and broader reach. It was easy to see the office’s interest, quickly scribing notes when I shared how music education and workforce readiness are a through-line, and realizing that supporting
arts programs leads to higher attendance in schools, among other workforce-prep- aration tools gained. YOUR TURN If every NAMM member took one meeting a year with their district’s local congressional office, the impact would multiply fast. Ask for support of Title I, Title II, and Title IV funding, giving support to a well-rounded
First-time delegate Danielle Collins reflects on her NAMM Fly-In experience.
education, student success and teacher development. One real story from your city can shift how a policymaker sees the role of music in education. It grounds the funding conversation in something personal, local and lasting. The Fly-In was an opportunity to speak on a national level — but the follow-up happens in our hometowns. Keep the door open. Share what you know. The work continues everywhere! MI Danielle Collins is a nonprofit arts leader and director of arts, media and entertain- ment at Inspire EDU. After 20 years in the classroom, Collins now works with schools and districts to build student-centered arts programs. At Inspire EDU, she leads ini- tiatives in arts curriculum design, work-based learning, grant support, and profes- sional development — helping align arts instruction with real-world industry standards, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways, and certification models that reflect the future of the creative industries. She is also a member of Women of NAMM.
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