- Driving: Park in the paid parking lot across the street from the event venue (Lot 461 - 700 M St. SE). $20/day. Look for the IJM staff holding signs (you can't miss it!). You will receive a ticket when you pull in and then pay on your way out.
- Metro - Green Line: Navy Yard–Ballpark (10-min walk east on M Street)
- Metro - Blue/Orange/Silver Lines: Eastern Market (11-min walk south on 7th Street)
- Bus: There are several stops located near the venue.
- Rideshare: We highly encourage people to take a rideshare to the church! Parking will be limited to street parking.
- Street parking: Available but limited.
- Metro - Blue/Orange/Silver Lines: Capitol South (10-min walk)
- Metro - Red Line: Union Station (17-min walk)
- Bus: Several stops are located near the venue.
- Note: We will strive to have a vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free option at every meal. However, please feel free to reach out to our team if you have a severe dietary restriction and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions, please email 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 June 1 and the Lobby Day on June 2. The training on Monday will be necessary to prepare you for your lobby meetings on Tuesday.
Is there an age restriction for the Advocacy Summit?
There is no formal age restriction for attending the Advocacy Summit, though we generally recommend it for participants ages 13 and up, with parent or guardian discretion. The Summit focuses on IJM’s work, current legislation, and practical advocacy skills, and this year includes discussion related to combating the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). While the subject matter is difficult, IJM strives to present this content in a trauma‑informed and sensitive way.
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.
Was the legislation we advocated for last year's Advocacy Summit passed?
Not yet—but last year’s Advocacy Summit helped drive meaningful progress. For the STOP CSAM Act, advocacy meetings and follow‑up from Summit participants contributed to growing bipartisan momentum, resulting in 16 new congressional co‑sponsors since the Summit (3 in the Senate and 13 in the House) and continued movement toward committee consideration and a full vote.
For the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), Congress renewed the domestic provisions in 2022, but the international programs—critical for protecting survivors overseas—remain expired. In 2025, legislation to restore those international protections (S. 2647) passed the Senate as part of the defense authorization bill but was not included in the final version signed into law.
Together, these efforts reflect the purpose of the Advocacy Summit: building sustained momentum that moves policy forward step by step until protections become law.
PLANNING + LOGISTICS
Where should I stay if I’m coming in from out of town?
For registrants exclusively attending the Advocacy Summit, IJM has secured a hotel block at Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, DC Capitol–Navy Yard, Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC-Navy Yard, and Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront. These hotels are within a 20-minute walking distance from Capital Turnaround—book using the direct links listed above.
College students attending Northstar should see the Northstar page for lodging information. Those attending the Faith Leader Gathering will receive lodging information directly.
Will IJM provide transportation to and from the airport?
IJM will not provide transportation to or from the airport.
What time should I schedule my flight to depart on Tuesday, June 2?
The event will end with an optional, informal reception 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 Tuesday, June 2. 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 Tuesday where advocates can relax and regroup 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, June 1: Casual attire.
Lobby Day, June 2: Business professional attire.
What is the best way to travel to the event?
Training Day, June 1: Capitol Turnaround - 770 M St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
Lobby Day, June 2: St. Mark's Episcopal Church - 301 A St SE, Washington, D.C.,20003
EAT, ADVOCATE, REPEAT
Which meals are provided by IJM?
Training Day, June 1: IJM will provide a light breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Lobby Day, June 2: 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 Sunday or Monday 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)