Updated November 2, 2008
Here is what we are doing:
CURRENTLY, we are sounding the alarm to creatives the world over... the Senate has passed their version of the Orphan Works bill, and the House may decide to abandon their version of the bill and accept the Senate version.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE: In early June approximately two dozen representatives from The Illustrators Partnership, The Artists Foundation, The Advertising Photographers of America, Pro-imaging.org, The National NeedleArts Association, The National Cartoonist Society, The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and The Society of Decorative Painters as well as organizations representing art licensors, calligraphers and medical illustrators among other groups went to Washington DC. We prepared informational packets for each of the 100 Senators and the 435 Representatives, and were able to distribute most of them. In addition, we met with staff members for 25+ Senators and 30+ Congressmen. Despite the Senate’s hotlining of the bill, there is a real feeling amongst the participants that our visits made a difference. We are providing any information that was requested during these meetings, and are following up with phone calls.
We have also implemented a PR campaign, and have been successful at getting articles published in several newspapers across the country. We are sending out e-mails updates to our mailing list. If you would like to be put on the mailing list please click here.
We are circulating a petition, and encouraging everyone to contact their congressional leaders. For specifics on what you can do please click here.