The Advocacy Office in Washington, DC plays a vital role in protecting and furthering the interests of orchestras.
• Direct Representation—The League represents the
interests of America’s orchestras to members of Congress and the
Executive Branch on issues ranging from federal arts funding to
nonprofit tax policies. It is also expanding its networks to foster
conversations on the public role of orchestras, stimulate lively debate
on why they matter, and join forums, where civic priorities are debated
to articulate the field’s priorities and monitor emerging trends.
• Government Affairs Updates —The League provides its
members with tools for grassroots advocacy and information on pending
legislation affecting orchestras.
• The publication, Best Defense: A Guide for Orchestra Advocates, provides specific information and advice for orchestras about effective lobbying at the federal, state, and local level.
• Immigration Services—The League builds the capacity
of orchestras by providing them with the information and technical
assistance needed to reliably, efficiently, and lawfully engage foreign
artists. The League co-hosts the site ArtistsFromAbroad.org, the most
complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists,
managers, and performing arts organizations, providing information on
navigating the rules and procedures of USCIS.
• Capacity Building— The League is working to establish
advocacy as a responsibility of every member of the orchestra family,
and will build the capacity of orchestras to do their own advocacy
through improved electronic communications and publications. The
League will also host advocacy seminars, provide tools for state-level
advocacy, and develop key messages about orchestras’ artistry, civic
role, and economic and societal impact, for use by orchestra advocates.