[Bcma-l] [Fwd: CMA, Communique: Key Messages and Actions- cuts to federal programs

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

Could the BCMA prepare a letter that we could fwd to all MLAs?
Looks as though they're quietly killing off the Postal Service as well.

2008/8/21  <bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca>:
> ------- Original Message --------
> Subject: CMA, Communiqué: Key Messages and Actions- cuts to federal programs
> [REF5360000854000008785]
> Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:05:00 -0400
> From: Canadian Museums Association des musées canadiens
> <lmcconnell@museums.ca>
>
>
>
> Key Messages and Actions – cuts to federal programs
>
>
>
> August 20, 2008, Ottawa – The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) held a
> conference call on August 19th with provincial museums associations to
> discuss a strategy for responding to recent federal government cuts to
> programs in the arts, cultural and heritage sector. With an election in the
> air, it is critical all of our voices are heard over these cuts.
>
> Background
>
> The federal government has confirmed cuts to several programs totalling more
> than $40 million, effective in 2009-2010. This is on top of previous cuts
> such as to Museums Assistance Program in 2006 and the recent elimination of
> Exhibition Transportation Services.
>
>
>
> Our ultimate goal is to express our concern with the recent cuts and to
> demonstrate broad-based, community support for developing a comprehensive
> cultural policy that will enable important museum activities to continue in
> the interest of Canadians, our culture and heritage.
>
> These cuts are saying that museums and galleries are not important to
> Canadians. This contradicts the findings in the recent public opinion poll
> conducted for the CMA, which can be found at www.museums.ca
>
> Direct Advocacy from the Community
>
> It is extremely important that we communicate with federal MPs and other
> community leaders to voice our concern and offer recommendations. If changes
> like these go unchallenged, the government then concludes that the cuts were
> justified.
>
> The most effective and influential feedback comes directly from the
> community back to the local MP's office. The more broad-based and
> grassroots, the better. And the greater the number of individuals and groups
> all calling for the same thing, the more clear and consistent the message is
> to government on how they can best serve the interests of the community and
> their constituents.
>
>
>
>
>
> Action Steps
>
> Most federal MPs are in their ridings and will remain in the community until
> September 15th. Between now and then, there is an opportunity to bring this
> issue forward to local MPs and focus their attention on the impact that
> these cuts will have on their communities. In addition to your local MP,
> meetings with community leaders are also valuable, such as the chamber of
> commerce, educational leaders, and others.
>
>
>
>
>
> Key Messages
>
> Our local museum is incredibly popular within our community and to tourists
> (provide evidence, ie. total visits per year, number of tourists, etc.)
> Note: This can be adapted to reflect the core strengths of the local museum.
>
>
>
> Our museum attracts businesses to invest in this community (give examples)
> and enhances our quality of life. It is a "must see" attraction for tourists
> and serves as a centre of meaning, learning and exchange for the local
> community (xx number of tourists, xx school tours, etc.) Note: This can be
> adapted to reflect the core strengths of the local museum.
>
> Specific recommendation to the MP: Canada needs a clear policy and federal
> support for the cultural and arts sector. Ad hoc programs and arbitrary
> program cuts are not good ingredients for a sustainable future. Remind them
> of the promises by all parties including the Conservatives for a new Museums
> Policy and more funding- not less.
>
> Museums are an important part of branding a community and setting it apart
> from others. This helps in marketing the community at home and
> internationally in a globalized market.
>
> A comprehensive cultural policy is something that most countries recognize
> as important: it creates a broader understanding of what Canada stands for
> and its economic potential. We have only to look as far as the U.S. to see
> how powerful culture can be in building international profile and creating
> awareness.
>
>
>
> Tips on positioning museums with government officials, community leaders and
> media:
>
> Focus on the impact on the public and on your community more than on your
> museums' operations. The best way to make your case is to be on the side of
> the people living in your community and what the impact of these cuts will
> mean to your ability to serve their interests.
>
>
>
> Include as many community-specific details about the impact of funding cuts
> as you can. Provide specific examples that illustrate your point. This helps
> make it real and meaningful for the person you're speaking to. Some examples
> could include:
>
>
>
> "Our heritage is threatened or endangered, we cannot properly preserve our
> collections"; or
>
> "We cannot continue school tours or other public programs"; or
>
> "These federal dollars are making it possible for us to bring this new
> attraction to our museum and without it we will not be able to make it
> happen. The new attraction would have meant xx summer jobs for students and
> xx dollars in new revenues." ; or
>
> "Our museum is planning to be involved in this community festival, which
> will attract xx tourists and infuse xx dollars into the community, but
> without this funding, it will not be possible."
>
> Please copy CMA on your letters to your MP's so that we can monitor
> developments. Please send copies to Sanita Fejzic, Communications Manager at
> sfejzic@museums.ca or 400-280 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1R7.
>
>
>
>
>
> -30-
>
>
>
>
>
> For further information:
>
> Sanita Fejzic
>
> Communications Manager
>
> sfejzic@museums.ca
>
>
>
> Jim Everson
>
> Director, Government Relations
>
> jeverson@magma.ca
>
>
>
>
>
> Aussi disponible en français



-- 
Larry A. Ewashen
Doukhobor Discovery Centre
112 Heritage Way
Castlegar BC V1N 4M5
www.Doukhobor-Museum.org
250-365-5327