Standing Up For Singing: Supporting Choruses through Government Advocacy

Keeping up with the federal government’s actions can seem like an impossible task for many Americans. But with major changes at the federal cultural agencies, increased scrutiny on tax-exempt organizations, and numerous Presidential Executive Orders impacting the sector, it is vital for choral professionals to stay informed. That’s where Amy Fitterer comes in.  

Since her appointment as Chorus America’s government affairs consultant in February 2025, Fitterer has become a trusted resource for our members through her weekly government updates in the High Notes Blog, management of an online resource hub, timely action alerts, and leadership of a webinar. Having previously worked as Director of Government Affairs for Opera America and Dance/USA and as a chair for the Performing Arts Alliance, Fitterer was the perfect person to help Chorus America members cut through the chaos and identify areas of relevance. 

“When the new administration came into office, we quickly realized that we needed additional expertise on our team to help us navigate the bustle of activity that came in the form of executive orders, the creation of DOGE, and the legal activity that has resulted,” notes Christopher Eanes, President and CEO of Chorus America. “Our connection with Amy has been a boon not just for Chorus America, but for each of our member organizations.”

“This particular time is really complex, as there’s so much change happening under the new administration,” says Fitterer. “I think that everybody in our country right now has no choice but to pay attention, either because it has a very immediate effect on their life and well-being, or because it is  impacting their businesses and their hobbies.”  

A recent Chorus America member survey revealed a wide array of opinions, hopes, and fears about the current flurry of government activity. The overarching takeaway: choral professionals are indeed paying attention. Numerous choirs report that they've lost vital NEA funding while others are now excluded from applying for federal funding. We’ve heard concerns about touring, as choirs worry for the safety of their gender-nonconforming or non-citizen members. Some have hit roadblocks while attempting to host foreign guest artists. Meanwhile, others who reported a loss of funding as the public eye focused on projects with a DEI emphasis may now find greater access to public funding under the current guidelines. As Fitterer sifts through activity in Congress, the White House, and federal agencies to bring members the most relevant updates, member stories help her create communications and action alerts that directly address our constituents’ needs.

Member stories also help Fitterer educate lawmakers about the potential impact of legislation on the nonprofit sector and on choruses. “No one legislator can possibly understand every single industry,” notes Fitterer. “That's where you need government affairs professionals, working in coalition, to provide resources to the people writing the bills, moving the bills through Congress, and making regulatory changes."  

Fitterer represents Chorus America as part of several advocacy coalitions. As a representative to the Charitable Giving Coalition, she advocates for The Charitable Act of 2025 (H.R. 801 S.317), a bipartisan piece of legislation that would increase charitable giving incentives for nonprofit donors and, in turn, preserve a critical funding stream for nonprofits. Fitterer also led Chorus America’s recent submission of written testimony to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior. This testimony advocated for preservation of NEA funding in FY26, including the 40 percent of federal NEA dollars that are distributed to state arts agencies. To do so, she leveraged member stories alongside data that highlighted the economic and health benefits of choral singing.  

Because of Fitterer's work, Chorus America members can access a consistent and reliable information source, join coordinated actions at key moments, and trust Chorus America as their advocate in Washington. Above all, they can remain focused on serving their own choral communities. 

“The most important thing right now for choral leaders is to keep making music,” Fitterer emphasizes. “It is hard to be a successful organization without being informed about what's happening and how it will affect your work, but we want choral leaders to have support. We don’t need them weighed down in the constant barrage of political news. There is such beautiful humanity that comes from singing together and being together in community. We want them to focus on that.” 

Thank you for making this critical work possible through your generous support of Chorus America.