Starting a First Artists Advisory Board

First Artists Advisory Boards are designed to empower volunteers and give them the means to support the creativity of children in their own communities. Advisory Board volunteers raise funds locally and select the most effective programs in their communities as First Artists grantees. Programs then use their grant award to purchase supplies from First Artists' art supply partners. These partners provide significant discounts and ship materials directly to the programs with no shipping and handling charges.

If you are interested in developing an Advisory Board:

1. Contact others in your community who would be interested in volunteering with the Advisory Board. Reach out to schools, community service clubs, local businesses, the media, local government, local nonprofit organizations, art schools, galleries, and museums. Explain both the value of having First Artists in your community and the fundraising/outreach elements that will make your Advisory Board a success. Some people have never been asked and would love to get involved. We can even help you draft an outreach letter to better explain how important First Artists is to your community.



2. Contact First Artists to receive more information about how you and other local volunteers can formally begin a First Artists Advisory Board. Call Roopal Saran at 202-393-1222 x20 to discuss your interest and to learn how First Artists can work in your community. You will receive an "Advisory Board Guide" to help you plan your first meeting and respond to questions from interested individuals.



3. Set up your first meeting with the assistance of First Artists. The purpose of this meeting is to formally introduce volunteers to First Artists and to begin talking about the possibilities and the needs that exist in your community. A First Artists staff member is available by phone to help you with planning and to answer questions.



4. Provide First Artists with your Advisory Board's information: your members' contact information, Advisory Board name, and the geographic area your Advisory Board will serve. Staff members will use this information to establish a financial accounting sheet and add you to First Artists' distribution list for regular updates.



5. Congratulations, you are now officially a First Artists Advisory Board!

First Artists cannot fulfill its mission without our volunteers and we understand that they are already juggling the everyday demands of life. Joining or developing a First Artists Advisory Board requires time and energy so we here at the First Artists National Office try to make it as volunteer friendly as possible. We have helpful tips, an Advisory Board Guide, an Online Resource Center (coming soon!), and dedicated staff to help you. We are also interested in hearing your suggestions and ideas, especially if it can help an Advisory Board somewhere else in the country.

First Artists
1319 F Street, NW   Suite 1000   Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 393-1222   Fax: (202) 628-1258
Email: info@firstartists.org

First Artists is a subsidiary of First Book.

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