With Congress heading into recess, the month of August presents a powerful opportunity for preservation advocates to make an impact at the local level. While lawmakers are back in their home districts, now is the time to engage directly, build relationships, and elevate the importance of historic preservation in your community.

This is the perfect time to invite your elected officials to tour a historic site, meet with their district staff, and build relationships that extend beyond Washington, D.C. These local touchpoints lay the groundwork for stronger support when members of Congress return to Washington in September and resume their legislative agenda, which includes determining the amount of funding for historic preservation in FY2026.

Your voice matters, and the National Trust has several resources at your disposal to keep you up to date and informed:

1. Members of Congress will be in their home districts between legislative sessions and for all of August. Take advantage of this opportunity to invite members to onsite visits, schedule direct conversations with them in their district offices, and attend any public meetings they may have.
2. If you have not already, make sure to sign up for the Advocacy Newsletter and sign up for text messages.
3. Get tips and tools for grassroots advocacy. This includes a video series and accompanying training materials about how you can make your voice heard.
4. Visit our Action Center for up-to-date resources and guides to reach out to your elected officials and champion the issues that matter most to you and your community.

Don’t know who represents you?

• Enter your zip code on https://www.house.gov/representatives to find your U.S. Representative.
• Select your state on https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm to find your U.S. Senators.