Our Current Advocacy Actions
Below we have several actions you can take in order to support the study of religion and protect and preserve the study of the humanities in general. We will be updating this page throughout the year
Save the NEH
On Monday, March 31, 2025 we learned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is targeting the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) with the aim of substantially reducing its staff, cutting the agency’s grant programs, and rescinding grants that have already been awarded. Let your Members of Congress know that you condemn these actions and support the National Endowment for the Humanities!
Submit an Impact Statement
AAR is soliciting statements that demonstrate the value of Religious Studies to America as a whole. We are collecting and forwarding all useful entries to congressional staffers. There is more bipartisan support for the Humanities on Capitol Hill than some might think, but we must continuously demonstrate our relevance and centrality to corporate and national competitiveness and career readiness in this moment.
15-Minutes Online Teaching Series
We are asking members to give 15-minute talks in their area of expertise aimed at curious students, colleagues, and the public. Talks will be recorded via Zoom and featured on AAR’s website as well as social media channels to reach a broad audience.
Donate
AAR is mobilizing resources and exploring ways we can support our most vulnerable members at this moment. If you have the means, please consider making a gift of any size. All contributions help us provide life and career changing opportunities. You can donate directly to the membership support fund that will ensure that members who cannot renew their dues because of job loss or related economic challenges will continue to have access to member benefits and resources. Or you can donate to the Academy Fund which contributes to the AAR’s many operations and programs, including advocating for religious studies in public.
PEN America: Educational Censorship Newsletter
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. The organization is a national leader in fighting government censorship in education. You can subscribe to their bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on censorship news.
Sign Up for Action Alerts from NHA
The National Humanities Alliance is an alliance of colleges, universities, libraries, museums, cultural organizations, state humanities councils, and scholarly, professional, and higher education associations committed to ensuring that the humanities remain central to American life. NHA is the only organization that unites the entire U.S. humanities community.
Schedule a Meeting with Members of Congress
In order to build support for humanities funding in Congress, we need to ensure that Members of Congress understand the benefit of local humanities initiatives in their districts and states. The NHA has a guide that provides instructions about how to schedule an in-district meeting or host a meeting with a Member of Congress so that you can advocate for the humanities.