Engage With Policymakers
In This SectionRaising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music. Here you’ll find key resources for easily contacting your Congressional representatives on top policy issues. You’ll also find tips on how to engage with Congressional leaders throughout the year and when they are at home on recess.
Advocacy
Connect with Congress — Advocate at Home Throughout the Year
Latest Advocacy Alerts
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June 23, 2021
NEA Announces Guidelines for American Rescue Plan Grants
Today, the National Endowment for the Arts announced guidelines for American Rescue Plan Grants, which are intended to help support jobs in the arts sector, keep the doors open to arts organizations, and assist the field in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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June 9, 2021
New USCIS policies aim to improve visa process
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced policy changes that will support improved visa processing, specifying opportunities for artist visa petitioners.
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May 28, 2021
SBA Begins Shuttered Venue Grant Award Announcements
On May 26, 2021, the Small Business Administration (SBA) posted a new set of Frequently Asked Questions for Awardees approved for a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), as grant notifications for the first award recipients for this critical form of COVID-19 relief are issued this week.
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May 24, 2021
Shuttered Venue Operator Updates
In a call with Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) stakeholders today, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided information in response to applicant uncertainty over the timing and next steps in processing grant applications.
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May 13, 2021
Spring Into Action! Catch Up on Latest COVID-19 Relief Updates and Opportunities, International Mobility, and Charitable Giving Bills
American Rescue Plan: State and Local Funding in Motion; Latest Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Updates; International Mobility: Visas and Travel with Instruments; Charitable Giving Provisions Introduced in Congress
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April 16, 2021
Latest News on Shuttered Venue Operators Grants following White House Meeting
Until further notice, the Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to pause the implementation of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) application portal as the agency fixes technology problems and revises the accompanying grant guidance.
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March 30, 2021
Highlights from Shuttered Venues SBA Webinar
The Small Business Administration (SBA) presented a webinar today outlining key eligibility and application requirements for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program, which is set to open for applications on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
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March 25, 2021
Paycheck Protection Program Deadline Extended; Latest COVID Relief Updates
As orchestras continue to access new and extended forms of federal COVID-19 relief, the League of American Orchestras is sharing with you these very latest developments from Washington, D.C.
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March 19, 2021
Shuttered Venue Applications Open April 8, SBA Hosts New SVOG Portal
Today, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Thursday, April 8 is the slated date for receiving applications to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program and created a new SVOG web portal to host further SVOG updates as the application process prepares to launch.
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March 11, 2021
Massive COVID-19 Relief Bill Passes Congress
New and Extended Federal Relief Approved in American Rescue Plan!; Attend the League Webinar for an Overview of Federal Relief; Advocacy Work Continues!
Contact Congress
Raising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music.
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