Today, take 100 seconds to call one of your representatives and insist that they support arts funding through the NEA
We know that this action is going to require a little courage, but you can do it, and it'll only get easier after the first time. To make it simple, we've attached a script below, developed by folks who have been on the receiving end of these calls and know how they go. All it takes is 100 seconds to make sure your voice is heard! ☀️
CALL SCRIPT: (click here if you need phone numbers for your representatives)
Staffer: Senator Wright’s office, how can I help you?
Caller: Hi there, I’m a constituent of Senator Wright’s. Can I please speak with the staffer who handles arts funding issues?
Note: if the office does not have a designated arts staffer, you can ask to speak to the Senator’s Legislative Director. You are unlikely to be transferred to either, but asking for them positions you as a savvy advocate.
Staffer: I’m happy to take down any comments you may have. Can I ask for your name and address to verify you’re one of the Senator’s constituents?
Caller: Of course. [Give your name/address]. Can I ask who I’m speaking with?
Staffer: Yes, this is [Jane Doe].
Caller: Thanks, [Jane]! I’m calling to ask that Senator Wright reject all attempts to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA supports arts learning and promotes access to the arts in every community across America through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, and the philanthropic sector.
Every state is served by NEA funds - rural areas and urban areas alike!
Can you tell me what Senator Wright’s views are on NEA funding?
Staffer: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can’t speak for the Senator, but I can tell you he takes constituent input seriously and that I’ll pass your concerns on to him.
Caller: I appreciate that [Jane], but I don’t want you to just pass my concerns on. I would like to know what the Senator is doing to support the National Endowment for the Arts. [You can also add why the arts are important to you personally here]
Note - if your Member of Congress shares your point of view, the staff is likely to tell you that: “Yes, Senator totally agrees with you and is doing X,Y. Z” . If that is the case:
Caller: Thank you! I will be on the lookout for the Senator’s floor speech on this issue! Please let him know that we appreciate his support!
BUT: If they are being evasive, that probably means they are not on the same page as you, so be persistent in getting your point across. Like this:
Staffer: The Senator will consider all perspectives before voting.
Caller: The Senator is my elected representative, and as a constituent and voter I expect him to stand up for issues that are important to me and my neighbors.
Staffer: I’ll pass your message along.
SAMPLE VOICEMAIL DIALOGUE
Note: It seems that many Members of Congress are sending their phones straight to voicemail on days when there is exceedingly heavy call volume. If you are sent to voicemail, or if you call after hours, you can use this script.
Caller: Hello, this is [name] and I live at [address in the Senator’s state / Representative’s district]. I am calling today because I want to ask the Senator to support the National Endowment for the Arts and reject all attempts to cut funding from this small but vital agency. The NEA supports arts learning and promote access to the arts in every community across America. Every state is served by NEA funds!
I expect [Senator Wright] to speak up for the arts and vote against any attempt to cut NEA funding, both for Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018. You can reach me at [number or email address]. Thanks!
Thanks to our friends at Indivisible Guide and Americans for the Arts Action Fund for informing parts of this message.
Staffer: Senator Wright’s office, how can I help you?
Caller: Hi there, I’m a constituent of Senator Wright’s. Can I please speak with the staffer who handles arts funding issues?
Note: if the office does not have a designated arts staffer, you can ask to speak to the Senator’s Legislative Director. You are unlikely to be transferred to either, but asking for them positions you as a savvy advocate.
Staffer: I’m happy to take down any comments you may have. Can I ask for your name and address to verify you’re one of the Senator’s constituents?
Caller: Of course. [Give your name/address]. Can I ask who I’m speaking with?
Staffer: Yes, this is [Jane Doe].
Caller: Thanks, [Jane]! I’m calling to ask that Senator Wright reject all attempts to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA supports arts learning and promotes access to the arts in every community across America through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, and the philanthropic sector.
Every state is served by NEA funds - rural areas and urban areas alike!
Can you tell me what Senator Wright’s views are on NEA funding?
Staffer: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can’t speak for the Senator, but I can tell you he takes constituent input seriously and that I’ll pass your concerns on to him.
Caller: I appreciate that [Jane], but I don’t want you to just pass my concerns on. I would like to know what the Senator is doing to support the National Endowment for the Arts. [You can also add why the arts are important to you personally here]
Note - if your Member of Congress shares your point of view, the staff is likely to tell you that: “Yes, Senator totally agrees with you and is doing X,Y. Z” . If that is the case:
Caller: Thank you! I will be on the lookout for the Senator’s floor speech on this issue! Please let him know that we appreciate his support!
BUT: If they are being evasive, that probably means they are not on the same page as you, so be persistent in getting your point across. Like this:
Staffer: The Senator will consider all perspectives before voting.
Caller: The Senator is my elected representative, and as a constituent and voter I expect him to stand up for issues that are important to me and my neighbors.
Staffer: I’ll pass your message along.
SAMPLE VOICEMAIL DIALOGUE
Note: It seems that many Members of Congress are sending their phones straight to voicemail on days when there is exceedingly heavy call volume. If you are sent to voicemail, or if you call after hours, you can use this script.
Caller: Hello, this is [name] and I live at [address in the Senator’s state / Representative’s district]. I am calling today because I want to ask the Senator to support the National Endowment for the Arts and reject all attempts to cut funding from this small but vital agency. The NEA supports arts learning and promote access to the arts in every community across America. Every state is served by NEA funds!
I expect [Senator Wright] to speak up for the arts and vote against any attempt to cut NEA funding, both for Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018. You can reach me at [number or email address]. Thanks!
Thanks to our friends at Indivisible Guide and Americans for the Arts Action Fund for informing parts of this message.
Want a copy of this resource? Download the file below:
artsadvocacydaycallscript.pdf | |
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