February 2021: The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have completed their organization for the 117th Congress with the Senate finalizing their subcommittees on February 12, 2021.

With three (3) weeks remaining before Humanities on the Hill, this is the time to be preparing for your virtual Hill visits. Read on to learn how to prepare, how to prep your advocacy team, and what to do if you don’t know an answer to your legislator’s questions (hint: don’t panic).

Now is the time to schedule your Humanities on the Hill virtual congressional visits for the first week of March. Need help? Check out this article and learn the who, what when, how, and why of setting up your virtual Hill visits. #HumHill21

Those employed with the task of keeping American culture safe and vibrant carry a great, yet unrecognized burden.  And in a crisis such as we now face, it is the proper role of the federal government to preserve the cultural fabric of the nation. 

In collaboration with the National Humanities Alliance, the Federation is requesting supplemental funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities to begin alleviating strains felt across the humanities sector, including the state humanities councils.

The fact that broad public interest in history, literature, ethics, art, and the power of ideas has never been higher should hearten academic humanists, despite the worrisome fact that our students are choosing to leave themselves out of the conversation.  While I have been involved in efforts on my campus to recapture student interest in the Humanities, I have also, during my five years as an academic administrator, recognized that we must work strategically with allies beyond the walls of the university to promote the value of what we do.   We have nothing to lose in this effort—and a great deal to gain.

In order to assist our members and fellow humanities advocates in their advocacy efforts during Humanities on the Hill, and throughout the year, enclosed is a snapshot of materials and links to resources the Federation has currently developed.

Call with take place on Friday, February 14, at 2:00 pm EST. Call-in details inside.

With less than a month before Humanities on the Hill, here’s what you need to know for your Hill visits before and during the event, what materials and prep the Federation provides, and where to find additional information to assist with any advocacy needs.

We asked conference participants who dedicate their time to humanities advocacy what one piece of advice they would offer humanities advocates. Here are their answers!

The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2020 Interior Appropriations bill in a party-line vote of 30-21.  The bill includes $167.5 million for the NEH and $51 million for the Federal/State Partnership, representing an increase of $12.5 million for the agency and $3 million for the councils, along with $6 million “to advance cross-cutting NEH initiatives.

House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee marks up FY 2020 appropriations bill with $167.5 million each for NEH and NEA, an increase of $12.5 million over FY 2019 funding level. Other agencies that saw increases include National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution.