Cards for Congress Campaign 
#CardsforCongress

To our members who are being affected by the tariffs and want to be involved:

 

WHY THIS MATTERS

We need your help, if you feel passionate about this topic, to speak out against tariffs that are making arts and crafts materials significantly more expensive.

Arts and crafts are not luxury items. They are essential outlets for mental health, creativity, and community—touching millions of lives. But today, increasing tariffs on supplies from around the world are making it harder and more expensive to create.

A group of leading manufacturers, NAMTA staff, and NAMTA Board Members recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak directly with members of Congress. While many lawmakers were receptive, they need to hear directly from you—our passionate community of artists, makers, and crafters.

This is not a political campaign. We don’t represent any party or platform. We support freedom of expression, creativity, and accessibility for all.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can take one or more of these actions (Card, email, or call) to make your voice heard:

✅ Step 1: Make & Send 1–5 Cards (you do not have to make a card- you can also email/call)

· Be creative—use your favorite techniques, styles, and materials. This can be a handmade, personalized greeting card to remind our legislators what our consumers create! 

· If you include a message on the outside of your card, please only use the following:

  • Thank you
  • Many Thanks
  • With Gratitude
  • Forever Grateful
  • Thank You Kindly

· Include the following message (printed or handwritten inside your card):

Keep Arts & Crafts Affordable, SUPPORT Tariff Relief for Arts & Crafts Urge the White House to waive all tariffs on arts & craft materials and equipment.

Please avoid adding unrelated commentary, as it may dilute our message. You can sign the card and add “Thank you,” “Kind Regards,” or any phrase of appreciation.

✅ Step 2: Find Your Elected Officials

You have 2 U.S. Senators and 1 U.S. Representative.

1. Visit www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

2. Enter your home address

3. Write down their names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers 

✅ Step 3: Mail Your Cards (If you did not mail a card, skip to step 4)

To Your Elected Officials:
Mail one card to each of your three Members of Congress.

You can also send cards:

To the White House:

The White House
Attn: Taylor Budowich
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

To the U.S. Treasury:

U.S. Department of the Treasury
Attn: Daniel Katz
Chief of Staff
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20220

✅ Step 4: Email Your Representatives

Use the attached PDF file to find their email address. (Attachment here)

Use the same message from your card in your email:

Keep Arts & Crafts Affordable, SUPPORT Tariff Relief for Arts & Crafts
Urge the White House to waive all tariffs on arts & craft materials and equipment.

✅ Step 5: Call Their Offices

Pick up the phone and call your Members of Congress, the White House, and the Treasury. Simply share the message below—short, respectful, and direct.

“ Good Morning, I live in your district and I’m calling to show my support for the Arts & Crafts Community. Please Keep Arts & Crafts Affordable, SUPPORT Tariff Relief for Arts & Crafts - Urge the White House to waive all tariffs on arts & craft materials and equipment. Thank you and have a wonderful day.”

✅ Step 6: Share with the Community

Remember to photograph your Crafts or Artwork, and once you’ve sent your card(s), tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your creations and use the hashtag:

#CardsForCongress

Let’s show them the power and passion of the arts & crafts community!

WHY NOW?

Congress is actively discussing trade policies right now. We must act fast to influence the conversation while decisions are being made.

The current tariff on many of your Arts & Crafts supplies is between 20% and 55% and has been as high as 170%. Tariffs are paid for by the manufacturer and will cause costs to rise dramatically.

Let’s work together to protect creativity for everyone.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Watch this discussion with Denzil Quick of Spellbinders and industry expert Yana Smakula as they present an in-depth Q&A on how tariffs are impacting the creative industry.