Advocate for the Humanities
The current administration has suggested elimination of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). As an affiliate of the NEH, we invest in and leverage federal dollars to libraries, museums, festivals, and community events across the state. Without the support of our representatives in Washington D.C., this funding could vanish.
We are heartened that we have allies across the political spectrum who understand that the humanities are vital for the cultural, civic, and economic life of our country. But our representatives need to hear their voices in order for them to take action.
What you can do
1. Call your elected officials. Find your district’s representatives by typing in your address below and tell them you want to keep the humanities in Washington. Use the script below or speak from the heart.
Your address:
Sample script: “Hello! I’m a constituent from [CITY/TOWN] and I am calling to express my support for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the work of its state affiliate, Humanities Washington. As a constituent, I hope that [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR] understands that public humanities programs like free discussion and family reading programs are an important part of my community, and that [HE/SHE] will fight to preserve them. Thank you again for your time.”
2. Attend a member of Congress’s town hall or other open meeting. Note that in August of 2017, legislators are on recess and many will be returning to their districts to hold constituent meetings and town halls.
3. Email the member if you are unable to place a call or attend a meeting.
4. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspapers and magazines.
5. Create a buzz on social media. Follow your elected officials, and tell them why humanities programming is important. Tag Humanities Washington on Facebook and Twitter.
6. Provide Humanities Washington with personal stories, testimonials, recent press, and other materials that demonstrate the impact of the humanities in your community.
7. Sign up for our email list to keep updated on news and opportunities to advocate.