Advocate for Dance During the August Recess

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2017

Saturday, July 29 is National Dance Day, an annual celebration dedicated to dance that encourages everyone to incorporate dance into their lives. Established in 2010 by Dizzy Feet Foundation’s co-founder Nigel Lythgoe, the organization aims to educate the public about dance and its many benefits, and make dance accessible and inclusive to everyone.

In addition to dancing, this is an ideal time to advocate for dance. August finds many lawmakers leaving Washington, D.C. and spending time in their home states and districts. The August recess is a great time to meet with your congressional representatives and share with them the role of dance in your life and community.

Though some members of the Senate may extend their stays in D.C., you can reach out to lawmakers from both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives during the recess to share stories about dance’s public value and civic impact, as well as advocate for the field.

10 Days in August
Let’s make August 21 to 30 a time when dance groups and dance advocates across the U.S. are reaching out to legislators. What can you do?

Meet with your congressional representative in his/her office and share stories about your work and community engagement programs.
Invite legislators to a performance or community event.
Urge senators and representatives to support the NEA at $155 million for FY18 and to consider nonprofits as they move forward with proposals for comprehensive tax reform.
If you reside in a district of a member of Congress who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, thank him/her for supporting robust funding for the NEA.
It’s expected that the Senate will release its budget proposal for the NEA after the August recess. If time is lacking, write your Senators today!

Dance/USA offers a variety of advocacy resources:

Policy briefs include specific “asks” to Congress, talking points, and the history and context of each issue.
Links to partner organizations that provide additional tools and resources for learning about and advocating on a variety of issues.
Not sure who your legislators are? Find them through the Performing Arts Alliance (of which Dance/USA is a founding member).

Next Steps:

Share the outcome of your meetings with Dance/USA staff and government affairs office. What was the response? What did you learn from your lawmakers?
Stay tuned for upcoming action alerts and advocacy updates in Dance/USA’s SPIN.

Dance/USA continues to advocate for the field, meeting with Congressional offices and working with national arts organization partners. Find additional talking points about the value of the NEA, and other key legislative issues, by visiting Dance/USA’s advocacy page.

Thank you for your ongoing advocacy!