E-Advocacy for Museums

• You don’t have to be in Washington, D.C., to make a difference. Let your legislators know about all the work your museum does.
  
  
• Participate in advocacy for museums every day of the year! Send a letter to your Members of Congress about issues affecting museums. 
  
  
• Schedule a visit with your legislators’ district staff. It’s a critical way to start or further a relationship with your legislator. Find your legislator’s capitol and district office information.
  
  
• Let your legislators know your museum’s economic impact in the community. Personalize the economic impact statement with your museum’s logo and information, and send a snapshot directly to your legislators’ offices. 
  
  
• Connect with your local CVB or tourism board. Their goal is to bring visitors to your area; make sure you are on their radar.
  
  
• Join forces with other museums in your community. Plan a group visit to meet legislators’ district staff or schedule time to strategize on working with the elected officials who represent you.
  
  
• Make sure your legislators know how critical federal funds are and how your museum uses them. Use our letter template to contact your legislators in support of IMLS and share information about your IMLS grant. 
  
  
• Encourage your trustees to weigh in with Members of Congress about the issues affecting museums, using our Contact Congress page.
  
  
• Create a year-round advocacy plan. Identify one or two actions to take every month to build relationships with your legislators and raise their awareness of and support.