Author: Ryan Winfield

Once again, in conjunction with Museums Advocacy Day, Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) are circulating a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee to provide robust funding in FY 2015 for the Office of Museum Services (OMS) at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The deadline to sign on to this letter is TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014. 
The Office of Museum Services is receiving $30.1 million this year, well below its authorized level of $38.6 million. The Tonko/Lance/Slaughter/Grimm letter is your Representative’s chance to go on record in support of museum funding, so  ask them to sign on today!
“This is our opportunity to ask members of Congress to take a stand in support of funding for the IMLS Office of Museum Services by signing this bipartisan letter,” said Alliance President Ford W. Bell. “I applaud Representatives Paul Tonko, Leonard Lance, Louise Slaughter and Michael Grimm for their continued leadership in supporting the essential role of museums in communities across the country.”
Last year, we contacted legislators in record numbers and made a real difference: a record-breaking number of members of Congress signed the letter supporting funding for the IMLS Office of Museum Services. Keep that momentum going by contacting your Representativenow.
Thank you for acting on this important issue!

Now that the government shutdown is over and Congress is beginning new budget negotiations, the proposed 49 percent cut to the National Endowment for the Humanities is back on the table. Just two weeks ago, one of the budget negotiators invoked the cut as he questioned the appropriateness of NEH grants. You can make sure that his are not the last words that our elected officials hear on the value of NEH by sending a message today.
We need you, your friends, and your colleagues to send messages in support of renewed investments in the humanities. Thousands of messages from advocates helped to put the proposed cuts on hold this summer, and by sending this new message, you can oppose the cuts and help restore NEH’s critical support for the humanities.
Lend your name to the effort by sending a message to your elected representatives.
Click on the link below to send a message:
http://cqrcengage.com/nhalliance/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=28058
Help us reach more advocates by sharing this message with your friends.
Background

Funding for NEH is already at just 29 percent of its peak and 62 percent of its average.
After years of deep cuts, the Obama Administration has proposed restoring some of NEH’s capacity with a 12 percent increase in funding.
Click on the link below to send a message:
http://cqrcengage.com/nhalliance/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=28058

Please read the message below from the National Humanities Alliance:
The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee released its FY 2014 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill this morning with a 49 percent ($71 million) cut for the National Endowment for the Humanities. If enacted, this funding level would devastate an agency that has already been reduced by 19 percent since 2010.
This drastic cut would end programs that provide critical support for humanities teaching, preservation, public programming, and research, and result in positive impacts on every community in the country. Programs supported by the NEH teach essential skills and habits including reading, writing, critical thinking, and effective communication that are crucial for ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to learn and become a productive member of society. Further, NEH’s programs strengthen communities by promoting understanding of our common ideals, enduring civic values, and shared cultural heritage.
Click here to send a message today to urge your Representative to vote against these devastating cuts.
Please share this message with your friends.
The NEH desperately needs your help.

Once again, loyal museum advocate Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is circulating a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide FY14 funding for the Office of Museum Services (OMS) at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The deadline to sign on to this letter is Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
Ask your Senators to sign the OMS appropriations letter today!
The House version of this year’s OMS appropriations letter has already closed and at least 95 Representatives have signed the letter–a new record!
“This year’s record-setting effort in the House of Representatives is a testament to the hard work of museum advocates nationwide,” said American Alliance of Museums President Ford W. Bell. “But we can’t afford to lose any momentum, so I hope everyone will take one minute to contact their Senators today.”
The Office of Museum Services received $30.8 million in the FY12 appropriations cycle, but that was reduced to $29.2 million in FY13 as a result of across-the-board cuts known as “sequestration.” While President Obama has proposed increasing OMS’s budget in FY14, Congress will ultimately decide on funding, so it is imperative that legislators hear from their constituents.
Thank you for taking action on this important issue!

It’s once again time for AAM’s Museums Advocacy Day! Registration for this year’s event, taking place February 25-26, closes this Friday, January 25. In light of the current economic climate and political gridlock, we need all the advocacy help we can get. Please note: AAM does not currently have anyone registered from the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. If you can make the trip to Washington DC, February 25-26, please register for AAM Museums Advocacy day today. If you are from one of the urgent need states listed above, your participation is greatly needed. This year, there will be an “at home” component of Museums Advocacy day. So even if you can’t get to DC, please set aside some advocacy time for February 25-26. But remember–nothing beats an in-person visit to your elected representatives. We will send another email closer to the date with more details. Please consider making the trip to Washington, if it is possible for you. Remember to register by Friday, January 25. Register today >>

Consider helping to ensure the future prosperity of the field of conservation by taking part in one or both of the following advocacy day events:

American Alliance of Museums: Feb. 25-26, 2013, Washington, DC

Work to make a unified case to Congress in support of museums.

Take part in a day of programming geared toward your level of advocacy experience, then visit Congressional offices with colleagues from your community. AAM will set up your Capitol Hill meetings for you, and give you talking points and pointers on how to make the best case.

Representatives from throughout the entire museum field are encouraged to take part–and please note there is NO registration fee if you are an AAM member!

For more information, click here.

National Humanities Alliance Annual Meeting & Humanities Advocacy Day: March 17-19, Washington, DC

Connect with a growing network of humanities leaders, communicate the value of the humanities to Members of Congress, and become a year-round advocate for the humanities.

Sessions and events will be held at the One Washington Circle Hotel, George Washington University, and Capitol Hill.

For more information, click here.

Thank you for all your efforts!