Arts groups say they are just looking for fairness when it comes to upcoming cuts from the Minnesota Legislature.

Sheila M. Smith, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, is urging arts supporters to ask their legislators not to expect arts groups to bear the brunt of budget-balancing cuts.

&uot;The deficit is a new situation to be in after years of budget surpluses,&uot; Smith told arts enthusiasts from throughout Freeborn County gathered Thursday afternoon at the Albert Lea Art Center. &uot;We’re not asking for increased funding; we’re trying to protect what’s there and minimize the effect of the cuts. We just ask to be treated fairly.&uot;

Arts supporters will have the opportunity to do just that on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. at the art center. Rep. Dan Dorman, R-Albert Lea, will be on hand to hear from arts constituents.

Smith also talked with arts enthusiasts about the importance of working together, presenting an &uot;Advocacy 101&uot; approach.

She said the keys to successful advocacy are to simplify your message, target your efforts, unite your coalition, and be nice to each other and to decision makers.

When analyzing a situation and deciding what to advocate for, people need to remember to be as specific as possible. They need to get to know the decision-makers for the issue, and to find out about the process.

&uot;Unless you know the process, you may have missed the time period to talk about it,&uot; Smith said.

When organizing for action, Smith recommends drafting a one-page fact sheet that is easy to understand and to the point. &uot;Boil it down and use bullets,&uot; she said. &uot;Leave the word ‘draft’ on it as long as possible.&uot;

Legislators are busy, she said, and they don’t have time to read 30-page statements.

It’s then time to get your friends together and unite everyone you can into your coalition. &uot;If you keep talking to people, you will find you have things in common,&uot; Smith said.

After that, it’s time to meet and talk strategy. Then keep a unified front with the public and keep each other informed. &uot;A coalition happens because of communication,&uot; she said.

The third step, building support vote by vote, comes from deciding the best way to reach each decision-maker, keep track of conversations, and work to have a majority willing to vote with you. &uot;Do not give up,&uot; Smith said. &uot;Educate the heck out of them. Make friends.&uot;

When it comes time for a vote but you don’t have enough votes to get it done, Smith recommends widening that circle of friends and uniting more people. Check with the decision-makers again. If the vote fails, don’t let that be the end. Continue with nice, friendly contact. &uot;Widen the coalition again and use every opportunity to educate community members about the importance of your issue,&uot; she said.

If the issue passes, Smith said be sure to thank everyone publicly and celebrate the success.

Those gathered agreed to meet again at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the basement of the Albert Lea Civic Theatre to discuss ways they can work together.