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Dear Adam,
The potential impact of the President’s Executive Order "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy" on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is deeply concerning for the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn (CMOL). We are a nonprofit organization and our longstanding partnership with IMLS has been crucial to our growth and success since our founding. We are deeply worried about the future of vital programs that have shaped our museum:
- The Museum Assessment Program (MAP) Grant, managed by IMLS, which was instrumental in our 2009 expansion planning for our current space.
- Federal funds managed by IMLS helped us not only open our doors in 2003 but acquire exhibits for our current location in 2009.
- IMLS's most recent support launched our Wee Ones Wednesday program, serving children from birth to three years old, helping us provide professional Developmental and Occupational therapists for the program.
The potential loss of IMLS support could jeopardize CMOL’s ability to continue providing some services to our community. Our current birth to three programs, which include on-site developmental, occupational, and psychotherapy services for families, could be impacted in the future. Furthermore, our plans beyond creating an early childhood resource hub which includes hiring a parent resource coordinator could be at risk.
We are deeply concerned about how this Executive Order might affect not only our museum but also similar institutions across the region that receive IMLS funding.
The potential loss of IMLS support could have far-reaching consequences for education, community development, and early childhood services nationwide. As we face this uncertain future, we want to do our part to help protect these vital resources. Here are five things that you can do:
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Spread awareness: Share our content on social media and within your networks. Follow the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn on Facebook and Instagram and share our content.
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Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help us maintain our programs and services. Click Here!
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Join the Museum Advisors Network: Click Here to learn how you can share your professional expertise with the museum.
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Make a Donation: Your financial support is crucial now more than ever. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue our mission.
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Click Here to make a donation.
Together, we can ensure that the Children's Museum of Oak Lawn continues to serve as beacons of learning, growth, and community for generations to come.
Visit our website at www.cmoaklawn.org to learn more about how you can help our mission by volunteering or making a donation. Your support today will shape the experiences of countless children tomorrow.
Adam Woodworth
Executive Director
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