Action requested: Speak up to support essential funding for the humanities
February 2, 2017Dear friend of Indiana Humanities, As you may have heard, several news outlets have reported on the possible plan to eliminate federal funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities…
Dear friend of Indiana Humanities,
As you may have heard, several news outlets have reported on the possible plan to eliminate federal funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts. Although Indiana Humanities receives support from individuals, corporations and foundations, we depend on federal funding from the NEH to carry out our work.
Already, many people have stepped up to advocate on our behalf, speaking out on social media, contacting their legislators and signing online petitions. Will you join your fellow Hoosiers and speak up in support of funding for the humanities?
We need your help to explain that thanks to federal dollars, humanities programs flow into small-town libraries, tiny cultural centers, and hometown fairs and festivals from Valparaiso to Vevay. We need your help to explain that every Hoosier deserves access to thought-provoking cultural programs. And, most important, we need your help to convey that communities with vibrant humanities programs have a greater quality of life, which leads to economic growth and jobs.
Are you willing to speak up for Indiana Humanities? Here are three things you can do to make a difference right now:
1. Reach out to your congressional representatives (click here to find out who they are and how to contact them). We encourage you to call and speak directly to the office. Phone calls make the most impact. Not sure what to say? Here are a few examples:
“As you and your colleagues discuss and work on the budget, I want to convey the important role that Indiana Humanities plays in our district. Funded through the National Endowment for the Humanities, Indiana Humanities awards grants, provides resources and creates programs that have enhanced the quality of life in my community. Cutting the NEH would not significantly trim the federal budget, but it would significantly affect the quality of life in states and communities like ours. Help Indiana and our country thrive by providing us with more resources—not less.”
Tell a personal story about how Indiana Humanities has impacted an organization in your community—through a grant, an ALL-IN Block Party, a Community Conversation, a Next Indiana film discussion or Novel Conversations, for example.
2. Spread the word—forward this post to a friend (or 10), share what you said and did on social media or discuss it over lunch with your colleagues.
3. Share your story with us. Has an Indiana Humanities program, event or grant impacted you and your community? We want to know about it.
Since they were founded 50 years ago, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts have, through involvement at the most grassroots levels, touched nearly every American. They are not a luxury. They are not a partisan issue. They are an essential part of what makes individuals and communities thrive.
Keira Amstutz
President and CEO, Indiana Humanities
P.S. Help us keep track of the messages being sent to our congressional delegation. Send us a note and tag us on social media to let us know you’ve joined your fellow Hoosiers in supporting the arts and humanities
