In early March, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for National Humanities Advocacy Day. Like me, you might be wondering what that actually is. The opportunity was offered to me as a Public Humanities Intern, and—if I’m being honest—I initially said yes simply for the experience (and, of course, the free accommodations and extended spring break). I hadn’t known what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised by how eye-opening of an experience it turned out to be.
I traveled with the incredible U-M Institute for the Humanities staff, Stephanie Harrell and Sheri Sytsema-Geiger, along with fellow intern Zoë Tracey, and had the most amazing time! Before this trip, I didn’t fully understand how much effort goes into advocating for the humanities. I hadn’t even realized it was necessary to advocate for something I naturally found so important. I learned that Humanities Advocacy Day, organized by the National Humanities Alliance (NHA), brings together people from universities, museums, libraries, and cultural organizations across the country to meet with members of Congress and their staff to push for continued federal funding for the humanities within their respective states. I learned that the NHA was originally founded to fight against defunding the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and that made me realize how important it was to protect opportunities that directly impact students like myself.
On the first day, attendees participated in informational sessions that deepened our understanding of what we were truly advocating for. While attending the sessions, we learned that Title VI supports a wide range of international education programs aimed at strengthening foreign language learning and global expertise in the United States. One of the key programs funded under Title VI is the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship, which provides tuition and stipend to students studying foreign languages in combination with area studies. However, the federal government has not renewed funding for the FLAS fellowship, limiting opportunities for students to pursue advanced language study. My dance professor first introduced me to the fellowship during my sophomore year, and I had hoped to use it this upcoming summer to study in South Korea. Attending the NHA sessions helped me better understand not only what I was advocating for, but also what is at stake when programs like FLAS lose funding.
We also learned about the Fullbright-Hays Program, which supports research, training, and global study opportunities for educators and students. I also learned about the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which is a federal agency responsible for preserving and providing access to the nation’s historical records. Together these programs and institutions highlight the importance of investing in the humanities. Additional sessions explored topics such as challenges and opportunities for the humanities in higher education, humanities-STEM collaborations, and emerging AI initiatives. The sessions' relevant and engaging topics inspired me to think more about the humanities being deeply connected to innovation, ethics, and communication in every field.
After the sessions, Stephanie, Zoë, and I had a delicious lunch (with unlimited soft drinks, which was a small yet exciting win) and spent time reflecting on what we had learned, while also getting to know one another better. Later, we met fellow attendees in the Michigan delegation, including faculty from Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, and Michigan Technological University. Together, we divided roles, practiced what we wanted to say, and supported each other in preparation for our meetings on Capitol Hill. By providing attendees with informational sessions, folders outlining key details about congressional staff, clear talking points, and defined advocacy goals, the NHA made the preparation process seamless. Additionally, every member of the Michigan delegation offered such interesting perspectives and knowledge. Our conversations were surprisingly natural and collaborative. I truly felt like I was a part of something bigger, like I was finally doing something in my college career that mattered and was aligned with the change I hope to see.
Going into the Hill meetings, I was definitely nervous and completely confused about what to say. But watching Zoë lead a conversation with Senator Gary Peters' team at our first meeting made me feel a whole lot better! It was so impressive to see her speak so confidently about her experiences. She found the moment exciting and was happy to discuss the key talking points, who directly benefits from the humanities, and how valuable it has been for her to have public humanities experiences beyond the classroom. Seeing her in that moment reminded me that our voices actually matter. Beyond being students, we are advocates.
One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that advocacy isn’t inaccessible, it’s a right. Bryan Whitledge, a public services librarian at Central Michigan University’s Clarke Historical Library, shared this and it really stayed with me. Bryan had attended advocacy day numerous times before, so I attended a meeting with him to learn all that he knows. He taught me a lot about the National Archives and the importance of keeping the archives up-to-date, which ensures the irreplaceable federal records that document American history, protect legal rights, and ensure government transparency are protected and preserved. Bryan also reminded me that I have a right and a responsibility to speak up for the ideals I believe in. Though I had never considered myself someone who could engage in political conversations, he and the advocacy day experience completely changed that. I plan to honor my right moving forward.
Outside of the advocacy work, Zoë and I also had an amazing time bonding, exploring D.C., and eating all we could. On our final night, we spent almost two hours at an all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant. We asked one another fun questions, shared food, and explored the city afterwards. The experience as a whole was incredibly enriching. Zoë shared that she learned how much effort truly goes into protecting humanities programs in academia. In connecting with the fellow attendees, she discovered various humanities majors, fields, and focuses she hadn’t known about previously. She also felt inspired after meeting people who have built meaningful, successful careers in the field—challening the common narrative about the value of humanities degrees.
Ultimately, this trip didn’t simply teach me about advocacy—it made me want to keep doing it. I hope to return next year knowing more than I did before. The humanities are critical to understanding one another, telling stories, and making sense of the world around us.
Without the humanities, we risk losing the perspectives that shape who we are. Because at the end of the day—what are we, if not human?
