About YOUR AWU Membership

Arts Workers United is a 501(c)(4) social welfare non-profit organization. A 501(c)(4) Social Welfare organization "must operate primarily to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community (such as by bringing about civic betterment and social improvements)." [IRS.gov] Other prominent 501(c)(4)s include the The National Organization for Women (NOW), The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and The Sierra Club.

A membership to AWU is an endorsement of our work, and your membership and donations directly fund our ability to do that work.

Unlike 501(c)(3) organizations, 501(c)(4) organizations can legally engage in an unlimited amount of legislative activities, commonly called "lobbying,"  as long as the lobbying is related to the organization's exempt purpose. For that reason, donations to 501(c)(4) organizations are not tax-deductible for the individual or corporation making the donation.

‍We are powered by people like you.
Arts Workers United is a member-driven organization, founded by Arts Workers for Arts Workers. Our work is only made possible through the financial contributions of people who believe that the Arts & Culture sector and its workers deserve support, representation, and investment through legislative and collective action.

‍Joining Arts Workers United is a vote for creativity, community, and justice.
Membership in Arts Workers United is more than a transaction – it’s a value statement and commitment to building a world where the Arts & Culture sector and its workers are seen, heard, and supported.

Together, we can create the change we want to see.
Together, we can build a new American Renaissance.