Turn Advocacy into Activism and Activism into Running for Office with Tom Tresser

Are the arts once again under attack? In this powerful episode of ARTS Redefined, Angela Meleca sits down with Tom Tresser, a renowned civic educator, grassroots advocate, and tireless champion of democracy and creative freedom. Tom reveals why the arts and nonprofit sectors must urgently evolve from advocacy to activism and why creative professionals must step up and run for office. Drawing from over 50 years of frontline experience, including the battle to save the NEA during the 1990s Culture Wars, Tom lays out practical, actionable strategies for artists, arts leaders, and organizations to reclaim political power and effectively defend the future of the arts. Don’t miss this candid conversation on moving beyond outdated tactics and securing sustainable support for the arts.Tom TresserCivic Educator. Public Defender.Book time with Tom - [email protected] Stay connected to my work by subscribing to my “CivicNotes” Substack newsletter. Recent work -> click here.Read my latest piece in The Nonprofit Quarterly -> “How to Stop TIFs & Megaprojects”