Contact Your Members of Congress
If possible, boost your impact by taking just a few minutes to make your email more personal with these tips and suggestions. Learn about your representatives and find out how to check their voting records here. As a reminder, public employees should not use their work emails or phone numbers to take political action. Even from private accounts, you may need to make clear that you are speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of your employer.
Save the National Endowment for the Humanities
- Take action now to save the NEH using resources from our partners at the National Humanities Alliance and the State Federation of Humanities Councils
- Use the template below to ask your Member of Congress to support the NEH by signing on to a “Dear Colleague” letter led by Rep. Dina Titus
Dear <Insert Representative/ Senator Last Name>:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I am writing to convey my support for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). In light of proposed cuts to the NEH, Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-01) is circulating a letter in support of this vital federal agency. I hope that you will consider signing on to show your support for the NEH at this time.
The impact of Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE)’s recent actions at the NEH will prevent the agency from fulfilling its congressional mandate and will negatively impact communities around the country. [INSERT LOCAL EXAMPLE]
To sign on, please use this Quill link or contact Anna Moeller (anna.moeller@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Titus’ office. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
[Insert Name
Address
City, Town, Zip]
Welcome New and Re-Elected Members of Congress to Office
Dear <Representative/Senator + Last Name>:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I am writing to congratulate you on your successful election to the 119th Congress. I know that you will face tough decisions in the months ahead. That’s why I want you to know that I believe investments in higher education including the arts and sciences are extremely important.
A well-rounded arts and sciences education develops both inventive employees and thoughtful citizens. College graduates also benefit the economy locally and nationally. For each additional college graduate, the annual GDP of [Insert State] will increase by approximately [Insert Data from National College Attainment Network]. Studies have also shown that liberal arts and sciences degrees increase tolerance, civic engagement, and strength of democracies.
This upcoming Congress, I hope that you will make higher education, the nation’s cultural endowments, and scientific research a priority:
- Fund the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities at $209 million each for FY 2025.
- Uplift millions of students throughout the country by doubling federal Pell Grants.
- Support science research at the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health that contribute significantly to the nation’s human and economic growth.
- Join the [If Senator: Senate Cultural Caucus by contacting Molly Ryan (Collins, 202-224-2523) and Moira Lenehan (Reed, 202-224-2251)/If House of Reps: Congressional Humanities Caucus by contacting Steven Dyke (Carey, 202-225-2015) and Mitchell Moonier (Titus, 202-225-5965)]
I hope that you will make investments in higher education including the arts and sciences a priority in this Congress. Again, congratulations on your election and please add me to your newsletter list to keep me informed about your activities.
Sincerely yours,
[Insert Name
Address
City, Town, Zip]
Tips and Suggestions to Make Your Call More Personal
- Keep your message as short, simple, and specific as possible. If you can, reference pending legislation in your state or specific budget line items.
- Personalize your message with state-specific data using these tools:
o National College Attainment Network – State Economic Value of College Profiles
o National Endowment for the Arts State Profiles
o National Endowment for the Humanities State & Jurisdiction Impact
o State Higher Education Funding
o National Science Foundation by the Numbers - Tell a brief personal anecdote when possible to tie your message back home for your legislator.
- Ask for a response by indicating you would appreciate a reply on the issue.
- Follow up when appropriate by thanking your legislator when you agree with their votes or informing them when you disagree.
