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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Chorus America Visits Congress
On Tuesday, October 21, Chorus America met with the offices of Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Mike Turner (R-OH-10), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1). All four are strong supporters of the arts and arts education and help advance arts-friendly policies in Congress.
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, staffers remained hard at work. The meetings gave Chorus America the opportunity to:
- Share information about the choral field
- Discuss current issues and intel related to:
- Federal arts grantmaking
- Cuts to arts education in the Department of Education
- The impact of the arts in the military
- Challenges in the artist visa process
Your Advocacy Counts
During the hill meetings, staffers confirmed that every email and phone call to their office is recorded. Each message is logged with the issue position, date, and sender. Even if one person calls daily, every call is noted. Members of Congress regularly ask for the top constituent issues of the week, so consistent messages can make a real difference.
Build Relationships with Elected Officials
One of the most effective advocacy actions a choral group can take is to build relationships with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels. Officials need to know about the choral activity in their districts and how choral music unites communities, promotes compassion, supports education and health, and addresses social issues.
For help scheduling a meeting with an elected official, contact [email protected]. Chorus America can provide members with talking points and materials in advance.
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Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
