If your question is not answered below, please reach out to advocacy@ijm.org.

ADVOCACY SUMMIT 101

I’ve never lobbied before; will I feel prepared?

You do not need to be an expert on the issue or on the legislative process to be a persuasive lobbyist. IJM will help you feel prepared to make a strong case for the legislation and make sure you feel comfortable and confident before your meeting. IJM staff will also review talking points and will provide time for you to meet with fellow advocates from your state. You will also likely have an IJM staff member accompany you and your group while you meet with your elected official.

Do I have to attend both days of the Advocacy Summit?

Yes, it is required for event participants to participate in both the full training day on Sept. 9 and the Lobby Day on Sept. 10. The training on Tuesday will be necessary to prepare you for your lobby meetings on Wednesday.

What else can I do to prepare?

Advance preparation is recommended but not required. We’ll send materials for you to review before the event. These will help you get up to speed on your Lobby Day talking points and the format of a congressional meeting. 

The beginning of our time on Tuesday will be focused on your personal “why” - what brings you here. The resources we send in advance will include some reflection questions to prepare.

Additionally, we will send you talking points around the specific legislation so you can familiarize yourself in advance. We will review and practice these talking points in depth on Tuesday so you will feel fully prepared for the congressional meetings on Wednesday.

PLANNING + LOGISTICS

Where should I stay if I’m coming in from out of town?

IJM is working to set up optional room blocks for attendees - check back soon for more information.

Will IJM provide transportation to and from the airport?

We do not provide transportation to or from the airport upon your arrival.

What time should I schedule my flight to depart on Wednesday, Sept. 10?

The event will end with an optional, informal reception from 4-6 p.m. at a restaurant on Capitol Hill following the lobby meetings, and we’d love for you to join us! That being said, we understand that many will need to get home.

You can expect to be finished with your congressional meetings by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Please be sure to schedule your flight for a departure that allows you to attend meetings until 4 p.m.

Where should I store my luggage during Lobby Day?

We will have a home base on Wednesday where advocates can relax and regroup while between meetings. You can bring your luggage with you in the morning and leave it safely at the home base, which will be staffed throughout the day. You can stop by this room at any point during the day for a snack or to debrief your meetings.

What should I wear?

Training Day, Sept. 9: Casual attire.

Lobby Day, Sept. 10: Business professional attire.

EAT, ADVOCATE, REPEAT

Which meals are provided by IJM?

Training Day, Sept. 9: IJM will provide a light breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Lobby Day, Sept. 10: IJM will provide a light breakfast and snacks. Attendees will have time on Lobby Day to pick up lunch with their small group in between meetings.

Where should I eat on Tuesday night?

Your options are endless! To help narrow it down, here are a few staff favorites. If possible, try to plan dinner with your lobby group. 

Ambar: Balkan small plates on Barrack’s Row (523 8th St SE) 

Beuchart’s Saloon: Farm-to-table American fare near Eastern Market (623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) 

Founding Farmers: Farm-to-table American food (1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) 

Jaleo: Buzzy Spanish spot serving tapas and paella (480 7th St NW) 

Old Ebbitt Grill: Iconic tavern steps from the White House (675 15th St NW) 

Oyamel: Lively, upscale spot with creative Mexican tapas & street food (401 7th St NW) 

Rasika: Modern and inventive Indian cuisine at two locations (633 D St NW / 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW) 

The Hamilton: Eclectic eatery with American fare steps from the White House (600 14th St NW) 

Union Market: Food hall with a variety of vendors (1309 5th St NE) 

Zaytinya: Airy Mediterranean spot with Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish influences (701 9th St NW)

Where should I eat lunch during Lobby Day?

SENATE SIDE (ONSITE)

Russell Senate Office Building: Cups & Company, sandwiches and salad bar (Russell basement) 

Dirksen Senate Office Building: Cafeteria and convenience, including pizza, hamburgers, cold salad bar, and deli sandwiches and wraps (Dirksen basement) 

Hart Senate Office Building: Hart Senate Chef, sandwiches (Dirksen/Hart ground floor connecting corridor)

SENATE SIDE (OFFSITE)

Union Station: Food court, fast-food, sit-down dining (50 Massachusetts Ave NE) 

Union Pub: American food (201 Massachusetts Ave NE)

Ebenezers Coffeehouse: Coffee, sandwiches and snacks (201 F St NE) 

HOUSE SIDE (ONSITE)

Rayburn House Office Building: Cafeteria, &pizza, Steak ‘n Shake, Subway (Rayburn basement) 

Longworth House Office Building: Cafeteria, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jamba (Longworth basement) 

Cannon House Office Building: Au Bon Pain (Cannon 192) 

HOUSE SIDE (OFFSITE)

Potbelly: sandwich shop (409 3rd St SW, Washington, DC 20024) 

Sweetgreen: salad bar (221 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003)

Good Stuff Eatery: burgers (303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003) 

Talay Thai: Thai restaurant (406 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003)