American Alliance of Museums Advocacy Day

105 Pages·2017·9.98 MB·English

2017
Museums
Advocacy Day
February 27–28 • Washington, DC
www.aam-us.org/advocacy
Advocate Handbook
Board leadership often spells the difference
between a good museum and a great one.
Coming soon: Results of Northern Trust, BoardSource, and
the American Alliance of Museums’ landmark nationwide
survey on museum governance practices.
Learn who leads, what they focus on,
and how they do their work.
Full results presented at the 2017 AAM
Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in
St. Louis and at the inaugural Trustee
Summit on May 8th
SPECIAL PREVIEW: Learn more about the board’s
Leading with intent
role in advocacy issues at Museums Advocacy Day
A National Index of Nonprofit Board Practices
on February 27–28 in Washington, DC.
JANUARY 2015
MADE POSSIBLE WITH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM
© 2015 BoardSource 1
Darius A. Gill, CFA
National Practice Executive
Foundation & Institutional Advisors
312-927-6653 | [email protected]
February 27, 2017

Dear museum advocate,

Thank you for participating in the 9th annual Museums Advocacy Day! We’ve arranged a terrific
program for you, scheduled your Capitol Hill meetings, and provided tools to help you make the case for
museums.

With the inauguration of President Trump, an ambitious legislative agenda outlined by congressional
leaders, and one party controlling the House, Senate, and White House, the stakes could not be higher.
But we know you will meet the challenge by telling your story to those who represent you:

! We will tell the story of how museums spend $2 billion on educational programming each year,
providing professional development to teachers, helping to teach the local curriculum, playing an
integral role in home-schooling, and providing additional—and in some cases alternate—learning
resources for P-12 students.

! We will make the case that museums are economic engines, directly contributing $21 billion to
local economies and billions more by spurring tourism and local tax revenue.

! We will help legislators understand the importance of charitable giving to museums and the
importance of protecting the full scope and value of the charitable deduction.

! We will make the case that grants by federal agencies—and federal funds distributed locally by
state arts agencies and state humanities councils—make a tremendous impact in every state,
and that federal funding to museums spurs additional giving from the private sector.

Together we will help our elected leaders recognize the value of museums. Thousands of museum
supporters across the country will reinforce these efforts, using our online tools to advocate from home.

We greatly appreciate the collaboration of our partners, including national affiliate organizations,
regional and state museum associations, and corporate partners who shared their wisdom, enthusiasm,
and financial support to make Museums Advocacy Day a success.

Again, thank you for your participation. We hope you are inspired to continue advocating on the federal,
state, and local level throughout the year—and will share your ideas for how we can bolster your efforts.

Sincerely,

Laura L. Lott

President & CEO
Program
Museums Advocacy Day 2017
Program
(as of 2/10/17)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

2–5 p.m. Registration and Materials Pick Up Washington Plaza
Hotel (10 Thomas
Circle, NW,
Washington, DC)
3:30-4:30 Meet AAM’s Lobbyist Washington Plaza
p.m. Learn how to prepare for meetings with your Hotel
(Optional legislators and then get help doing your homework
Program) from the Alliance’s Capitol Hill lobbyist. Bring your
own device for maximum impact. Featuring Ben
Kershaw, Director of Government Relations,
American Alliance of Museums.
3:30-4:30 Student Advocates Meeting Washington Plaza
p.m. We invite our student advocates (along with university Hotel—THOMAS
(Optional representatives) for a special briefing, especially for CIRCLE SUITE
Program) those participating for the first time. Featuring Ember
Farber, Director of Advocacy, American Alliance of
Museums; Andy Finch, Director of Policy,
Association of Art Museum Directors; Lori Kartchner,
Education Programs Coordinator, The George
Washington University.
5:30 p.m. Travel to The National Museum of Women in the Arts
(on your own)
6-7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception National Museum of
All advocates are welcome! Brief program to include Women in the Arts
remarks by AAM Board Chair Doug Jones, Director, (1250 New York Ave.,
Florida Museum of Natural History, and Susan Fisher NW, Washington, DC)
Sterling, Alice West Director, National Museum of
Women in the Arts. We will also honor our Star
Advocates, participating in Museums Advocacy Day
for the 5th time!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

7:30–8:30 Registration and Networking Breakfast Washington Plaza
a.m. Get caffeinated and grab some nourishment while Hotel (10 Thomas
networking with advocates from around the country. Circle, NW,
Find fellow advocates from your state by their ribbons. Washington, DC)
7:30–8:30 Pre-event Welcome for Museum Trustees Washington Plaza
a.m. We are proud to welcome museum trustees to Hotel—GRAND
Museums Advocacy Day this year. Join us for an Ballroom
informal breakfast with the AAM Board of Directors.
8:30 a.m. Welcome and Orientation Washington Plaza
We formally kick off our two-day program with brief Hotel—GRAND
remarks by Gail Ravnitzky Silberglied, Vice Ballroom and
President for Government Relations and NATIONAL Ballroom
Communications, American Alliance of Museums, and (overflow room)
event sponsors Kevin Russell, Consulting Services
Practice Manager, Blackbaud, and Brett Rees,
President, Mid-Atlantic Region, Northern Trust.
8:50 a.m. Why We’re Here and What’s at Stake in 2017 Washington Plaza
AAM President & CEO Laura L. Lott will welcome Hotel
advocates from around the nation.
9:00 a.m. Meet NEH Chairman Dr. William (Bro) Adams Washington Plaza
An overview of the National Endowment for the Hotel
Humanities, its current priorities and how the agency
partners with museums.
9:10 a.m. Karen Stratman, Director of National Public Washington Plaza
Engagement at the US Department of Education, Hotel
will provide an overview of the department’s priorities
and how its programs can support museums’ work.
9:20 a.m. Inside the National Endowment for the Arts Washington Plaza
NEA’s Director of Museums, Visual Arts & Indemnity Hotel
Wendy Clark will provide an overview of the agency,
its initiatives and how it supports museums.
9:30 a.m. Meet IMLS Deputy Director Paula Gangopadhyay Washington Plaza
An overview of the Institute of Museum and Library Hotel
Services, its priorities and ways it serves the entire
museum field.
9:45 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
These sessions are designed to help you achieve
success on Capitol Hill and to leverage these skills on
the state and local level.
OPTION A: Advocacy Essentials Washington Plaza
Get expert advice from Brad Fitch, President and Hotel—GRAND
CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, Ballroom
on winning strategies for making the case on Capitol
Hill. This session will prepare you to be successful in
visiting congressional offices and help you navigate
Capitol Hill. We’ll cover what to expect, how to
approach the day, and how to follow up. Ideal for first-
time attendees or anyone in need of a refresher.
OPTION B: Leverage Your Museum’s Economic Power: Washington Plaza
Travel and Tourism in Advocacy Hotel—NATIONAL
Learn how to leverage your museum’s economic Ballroom
impact in advocating for museums. Including Malinda
Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of
Museums; Don Wildman, Travel Channel Host; and
Rob Cassetti, Senior Director, Creative Services and
Marketing, Corning Museum of Glass
11:00 a.m. Break
11:10 a.m. Call to Action for Nonprofits Washington Plaza
Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Hotel
Council of Nonprofits, previews what will happen in
Congress—and in the states—on nonprofit issues and
how museums can effectively make the case.
11:45 a.m. The Vital Role of Trustees in Advocacy Washington Plaza
Get a preview of the Leading with Intent survey Hotel
results about board members and advocacy, and hear
how museums are successfully leveraging their board
members with policymakers and public officials.
Featuring Kathy Dwyer Southern, Board Member,
Biggs Museum of American Art, and Director of
Special Initiatives for the American Alliance of
Museums (moderator); Anne Wallestad, President
and CEO, BoardSource; Christine Holm, Regional
Director, Northern Trust; and Meg Ferguson,
Trustee, The Walters Art Museum.
12:20–1:20 Networking Lunch Washington Plaza
p.m. Meet advocates from your state and region to begin Hotel
preparing for Tuesday’s visits to Capitol Hill.
Special guest speaker Elizabeth Merritt (30 minutes
beginning at 12:45pm), Founding Director of the
Center for the Future of Museums, will talk about the
role of a disruptive event—such as a major shift in the
political landscape—in shaping the future and how
museums can respond.
1:30-2:45 Capitol Hill Briefing Washington Plaza
p.m. Get the latest developments on the key policy issues Hotel
facing museums, including what we are asking for
and how to frame the issues. This session is essential
for everyone making the case on Capitol Hill, so we
can speak with an informed, unified voice. Featuring
Ben Kershaw, Director of Government Relations,
American Alliance of Museums, and Heather
Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, League of
American Orchestras.
2:45 p.m. Break
3-3:45 p.m. Concurrent Public Policy Briefings Washington Plaza
Not every policy issue affects every museum, but that Hotel
doesn’t mean they aren’t vital to our cause. Get all the
details on some additional issues that may be of
particular interest to you or to your museum. Learn
what’s going on and how to best make your case.
Concurrent The National Endowments for the Arts and Washington Plaza
public policy Humanities Hotel—GRAND
briefing A Get the lay of the land when it comes to the national Ballroom
endowments and Capitol Hill, and learn how to
advocate for increased support. Featuring Andy
Finch, Director of Policy, Association of Art Museum
Directors; Stephen Kidd, Executive Director, National
Humanities Alliance.
Concurrent What’s Happening to Nonprofits in the States Washington Plaza
public policy Get the details on various proposals being considered Hotel—NATIONAL
briefing B by state legislatures. Featuring David Thompson, Ballroom
Vice President of Public Policy, National Council of
Nonprofits.
Concurrent STEM Funding Washington Plaza
public policy Learn the latest developments on science, Hotel—THOMAS
briefing C technology, engineering and mathematics, and how CIRCLE SUITE
Congress is investing in these areas. Featuring
Jennifer Keaton, Vice President for Congressional
Affairs, Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Ben
Kershaw, Director of Government Relations,
American Alliance of Museums.
3:45 p.m. Break
4–5 p.m. Prepare and Practice Your Hill Visits
Re-convene with fellow advocates from your state
and region and plan (and practice!) your Hill visits.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

8–9:30 a.m. Congressional Kickoff and Breakfast on Capitol 902 Hart Senate Office
Hill Building
Get inspired and get ready to take our unified Please note:
message to congressional offices. Featuring brief • 902 Hart is ONLY
remarks by Laura L. Lott, President and CEO, accessed by NORTH
American Alliance of Museums; keynote speaker bank of elevators
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY); Congressional Honoree • Building entrances at
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS); Laura Huerta Migus, Constitution Ave., NE
Executive Director, Association of Children’s (ADA) and Hart
Museums; Todd Boyette, President, Association of Horseshoe Door on
Science Museum Directors; Kris Vehrs, Executive Second Street, NE
Director, Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Sarah (ADA)
Beck, Program Manager, American Public Gardens • Closest metro: Union
Association; Jennifer Thomas, Executive Director, Station
Virginia Association of Museums; Christine • Please allow a lot of
Anagnos, Executive Director, Association of Art extra time for security
Museum Directors; and Anthony (Bud) Rock, screening
President and CEO, Association of Science-
Technology Centers.
9:30 a.m.– Meetings on Capitol Hill Refer to personalized
5:30 p.m. The Alliance is arranging your Capitol Hill visits for scheduled provided.
you based on information you provided during
registration. Your customized schedule will be
available—via electronic format—when you check in
at the Washington Plaza Hotel on Sunday afternoon
or on Monday morning.
5:30–7 p.m. Congressional Reception Library of Congress
Following your Capitol Hill visits, gather with fellow (Madison Building)—
advocates and members of Congress and their staff. the MUMFORD Room
We look forward to celebrating Congressional (LM 649) is on the 6th
Honoree Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and the Floor. The Madison
2017 Champion of Museums awardee Margaret Building is located on
Benjamin, former Board Chair, Greensboro History Independence Avenue,
Museum, and Board Member, Weatherspoon Art SE, between 1st and
Museum and Museum Trustee Association, 2nd Streets, SE.
introduced by Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC, invited).
Legislative
Agenda
Issues at a Glance

Museums play a key role in education, job creation, tourism, economic development, historic preservation,
environmental conservation, and advancing scientific literacy and global competitiveness. The museum
community—which includes aquariums, art museums, children’s museums, historic sites, history museums,
maritime museums, military museums, natural history museums, planetariums, presidential libraries, public
gardens, science centers, and zoos—has worked together to develop this federal policy agenda.

Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Office of Museum Services Funding
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary federal agency responsible for helping
museums connect people to information and ideas. Its Office of Museum Services (OMS) awards grants to
museums to support educating students, preserving and digitizing collections, and engaging communities.
Grants are awarded in every state, but current funding has allowed the agency to fund only a small fraction
of the highly-rated grant applications it receives. IMLS has been regularly reauthorized by Congress with
broad support, most recently in 2010 with a funding authorization of $38.6 million for the Office of Museum
Services. The FY 2016 appropriations provided $230 million to IMLS, of which just $31.3 million went to the
Office of Museum Services. It is currently level funded by a continuing resolution through April 28, 2017.
• We support funding of $38.6 million in FY 2018 for the IMLS Office of Museum Services and urge
members of Congress to sign the Gillibrand and Tonko/Lance/Slaughter/McKinley letters in support
of robust funding for OMS.

Institute of Museum and Library Services Reauthorization
IMLS has been regularly reauthorized by Congress with broad support. In September 2016, Senators Reed
(D-RI), Cochran (R-MS), Gillibrand (D-NY), and Collins (R-ME) introduced S. 3391, The Museum and Library
Services Act of 2016. The legislation contained a number of provisions specifically supported by the museum
field: bolstering the agency’s research and data collection, maintaining an emphasis on state and regional
collaboration, expanding interagency partnerships, and highlighting the importance of access to high-quality
museum services for every American. It also authorized a 21st Century Museum Professional Program, for
the training of museum professionals, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
• We urge Congress to enact legislation reauthorizing the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
similar to S. 3391, introduced during the 114th Congress.

Charitable Giving
Museums depend on charitable gifts for more than one-third of their operating funds. We support efforts to
extend and expand incentives for charitable giving. Limitations on these incentives could have a chilling
effect on the ability of museums to attract donations needed to serve their communities and protect their
collections.