Virginia Foundation for the Humanties
Over the weekend, the House Appropriations Committee voted to cut state funding for Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) by $290,000, effective July 1, 2010, and to eliminate all state funding for VFH, effective July 1, 2011. The Senate Finance Committee recommended cutting the VFH budget by $290,000 effective July 1, 2010, but recommended no further cuts. Each House will vote on its own budget on February 25, and the difference in the two budgets will be resolved in conference committee.
VFH has already experienced deep cuts in the last two budget years, adversely affecting every VFH program. Additional cuts will undermine such well-known educational programs as the Virginia Festival of the Book, Encyclopedia Virginia, VFH Grants and Fellowships, With Good Reason Radio programs; African American, Virginia Indian, and Virginia Folklife Programs.
PLEASE ACT IMMEDIATELY
- Call, fax, or email your Delegates and Senators to protest additional cuts to advocate for continued funding. Use this site to find your legislators’ contact information.
- Be personal. Talk about your involvement and commitment to the VFH.
- Forward this request to your boards, membership, and address book.
- Post a comment on your Facebook or other social networking site, asking that other Virginians contact their legislators as well.
- Write a post on your personal blog stating how you feel about these budget cuts.
- Email or call your local news outlets to express your dismay and describe the effect of such cuts.
Talking Points for These Contacts with Legislators and Media Outlets
- VFH funding and programs increase the attractiveness of the state as a tourism destination by assisting museums and cultural sites to provide excellent visitor experiences.
- VFH Grants support organizations and communities important to you and your representatives.
- VFH increases the attractiveness of communities to new businesses.
- VFH builds the educational capacity of Virginia’s teachers by providing resources and professional development opportunities.
- VFH provides financial and professional development support to Virginia’s museums, building community social capital and pride.
- VFH Leverages state funds with cash and in-kind matches.
- VFH promotes a vigorous exchange of ideas, and is a leader in modeling civil public dialogue. Radio shows like With Good Reason improve our understanding of the issues we face as a Commonwealth and a nation. The Virginia Festival of the Book is a nationally recognized model of public discussion. Now more than ever, our situation requires that we approach public policy with an understanding of the past, a willingness to confront issues of the present, and a commitment to shaping a more promising future.
Learn additional information on how VFH programs contribute to the economic and educational vitality of the Commonwealth.
Additional Sources of Information on VFH Programs and Advocacy Tips
- VFH Programs
- VFH Website
- VFH Mission and Strategic Vision
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Legislative Letter Writing (pdf)
- About the Humanities (pdf)
Find Your General Assembly Representatives
