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Advocacy

As leaders in our state, we take it upon ourselves to educate others about the importance of the humanities to Pennsylvania. We advocate for sustained funding, resources, and visibility for the humanities locally, statewide, and nationally. Understanding one another as humans is vital to a thriving democracy and vibrant communities. From advocating in Washington, D.C. for humanities-based funding to discussing the importance of the humanities with legislators this summer, PA Humanities strives to communicate what the humanities in action can do for our state.

$4.6B

total economic impact
of cultural orgs

3

visits per PA resident to
cultural orgs each year

100K+

jobs generated by
PA cultural sector

$4.6B

total economic impact
of cultural orgs

100K+

jobs generated by
PA cultural sector

3

visits per PA resident to cultural orgs each year

Humanities on the Hill

Every year, PA Humanities joins other state humanities councils in Washington, D.C. for Humanities on the Hill. This national event is an opportunity to meet with members of Congress and make a persuasive case for the value and impact of the humanities and to advocate for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This funding is crucial for us, as we receive no annual support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Summer Advocacy

Despite the pandemic, our programs and grants continue to provide opportunities for people to connect and discuss important issues, have meaningful cultural and learning experiences, and engage in equitable community building. PA Humanities—along with our board, partners, and grantees—organized online meetings with congressional legislators and their staff members in 11 of the 18 districts across both the state and political spectrum. We discussed our work in their districts, the crucial importance of the humanities to the state’s economy, the ongoing impact of Covid, and the available recovery and growth opportunities.

What You Can Do to Help Advocate for the Humanities

Everyone in PA can help spread this message. Tell your state and local representatives about the importance of the humanities to you and your community. Here are some ways you can advocate for the humanities:

  • Call your elected officials in their Washington D.C. and/or local congressional offices and tell them how important humanities programs are to you and your community. Your statement doesn’t need to be long, and you don’t need to present a perfectly-crafted argument. Simply describe how a humanities program transformed, inspired, or enlightened you, and be sure to thank the officials for the funding that made that program possible.
  • Attend a Congressional member’s town hall or other open meeting.
  • Email your Congress member if you are unable to place a call or attend a meeting.
  • Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers and magazines in support of humanities programs
  • Create a buzz on social media. Follow your elected officials and tell them why humanities programming is important. Tag PA Humanities on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Provide PA Humanities with stories, testimonials, recent press, and other materials that demonstrate the impact of the humanities in your community.
  • Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts. At crucial points in the budget process we will provide specific steps you can take to advocate for the humanities.

If you have any questions about how you can advocate for the humanities, reach out to hello@pahumanities.org.

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