Our Advocacy Work
What is museum advocacy?
A key goal of the Virginia Association of Museum's mission is to ensure museum professionals' voices are heard when decisions are made about funding, regulations, public policy, and taxes at the state and federal level. VAM does this by staying up-to-date on the latest news affecting Virginia museums, communicating with state legislators, organizing our in-person annual Virginia Museum Advocacy Day, and attending the American Association of Museums Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
We believe our state representatives support museums and understand how important they are--but they need us to share stories and statistics with them to help them make their case:
"As a frequent museum visitor, and former museum employee, I know how important the work and presence of museums in our communities are. Museums can provide many enjoyable hours of learning and entertainment for citizens of all ages and from walks of life.”
- Delegate Betsy Carr, 78th House District, Virginia
How can I get involved?
You have the right, and the duty, to talk to your elected officials about issues affecting your museum. Educating legislators and regulators about issues affecting your museum is not prohibited by law and will not endanger your nonprofit status. They need to know the good work you do, and what you need from them to continue that work. Here are some ideas for how to begin the conversation:
- Follow your legislator on social media or sign up to receive news from their office
- Invite your legislator to tour your museum, or attend a special event
- Make an appointment to visit their district office in-person
- Visit your legislator on Capitol Hill in Richmond
- Join us for our Annual Virginia Museum Advocacy Day!