We must make the case for museums in 2021

Museums Advocacy Day is inspiring, energizing, and impactful. Following the fall elections and with the convening of the 117th Congress in January 2021, it’s more important than ever that all museums are represented at Museums Advocacy Day 2021. You can advocate for museums in your community, and across the nation, from wherever you are.

The nation’s museum community is facing an existential threat from the closures required to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this threat requires decisive action from the U.S. Congress beyond previous economic relief legislation. Normal revenue from admissions fees, retail sales, and event rentals have effectively ceased, and charitable contributions are expected to continue to decline dramatically. Even as museums are experiencing closures and significant losses in revenue, they are meeting an increase in demand for their services and safeguarding and supporting their communities. 

Museums are contributing to the ongoing education of our country’s children by providing lesson plans, online learning opportunities, and drop-off learning kits to teachers and families. They are using their outdoor spaces to grow and donate produce to area food banks; and maintaining these spaces for individuals to safely relax, enjoy nature, and recover from the mental health impacts of social isolation. They have donated their PPE and scientific equipment to fight COVID-19, and provided access to childcare and meals to families of health care workers and first responders. Join us virtually from wherever you are February 22-23 to ensure Congress knows that museums are pivotal to our nation’s ability to manage through the pandemic and recover from it.  

See Museums Advocacy Day success stories and join the conversation on social media using #MuseumsAdvocacy2021.

Join us by standing up for museums during Museums Advocacy Day 2021

Museums have a continued fight ahead of us. Today's national policy debates will impact our museums for years to come. Congress faces an enormous list of policy issues to consider, many of which can have a lasting impact on museums. Beyond federal funding, there's tax reform, education policy, infrastructure legislation, and other issues that significantly affect museums’ ability to serve our communities. Legislators do not know how their decisions affect museums if they don't hear directly from you—the people they represent. As constituents, you are in the best position to create lasting change. Constituent visits have a greater influence on legislators than any other group or strategy. It's up to you to make the case for museums to Congress and tell your story of why museums are important to you and your community!

Museums Advocacy Day is an inspiring, energetic, and impactful event taking place virtually February 22-23, 2021. Be a part of our collective movement by advocating from anywhere you are using these tools and joining the conversation on social media using #MuseumsAdvocacy2021.