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.
Urge Support for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities
Dear <Insert Representative/ Senator Last Name>:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I am writing to convey my support for the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) and Humanities (NEH) and request that you support funding each Endowment at $211 million in FY2024. As an integral part of a well-rounded arts and sciences education, investments in the arts and humanities foster a globally competitive workforce, strengthen civic engagement, preserve our heritage, and protect national security.
As you know, the NEA and NEH are the primary sources for arts and humanities research, teaching, preservation, and public programming in the United States. Additionally, NEA and NEH funding strengthen the cultural infrastructure of communities like ours in every state and territory across the nation.
I know you will face tough decisions in the months ahead. The NEA and NEH are outstanding stewards of the relatively small amount of federal support they receive annually. That’s why I want you to know that I believe that federal investments in the NEA and NEH should be a stronger priority in FY2024.
Thank you for your service and please add me to your newsletter list to keep me informed about your activities.
Sincerely yours,
[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 118th 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. In fact, countries like China, India, and Singapore are now integrating the arts and sciences into their higher education models to foster more innovation. Studies have also shown that liberal arts and sciences degrees increase tolerance, civic engagement, and strength of democracies. Additionally, excellent communications skills serve public health officials and technologists well, and it’s helpful to understand the broader social context for products and projects. Likewise, arts and humanities students know how to marshal data and figures effectively to enhance research, creativity, and transferability.
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]
Thank Members for Past Support for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities
Dear <Representative/Senator + Last Name>:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I am writing to thank you for your support of increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in FY2023. I know that you faced tough decisions throughout the funding process, and I am grateful for your commitment to investments in the arts and humanities.
As an integral part of a well-rounded arts and sciences education, investments in the arts and humanities foster a globally competitive workforce, strengthen civic engagement, preserve our heritage, and protect national security. As you know, the NEA and NEH are the primary sources for arts and humanities research, teaching, preservation, and public programming in the United States. Additionally, NEA and NEH funding strengthen the cultural infrastructure of communities like ours in every state and territory across the nation. These institutions also fund important projects like arts therapy for our veterans, community renewal projects, and preservation of cultural heritage materials in the face of natural disasters. The FY23 increases for the NEA and NEH will ensure that they are able to continue this vital work throughout communities like ours.
Your commitment to the arts and humanities and your support of funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your service and please add me to your newsletter list to keep me informed about your activities in the 118th Congress.
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.
- 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.
