Capitol Hill Day 2006 frequently asked questions
Use the links below to find answers to commonly asked questions about our annual lobbying day in Washington, D.C.
- What is Capitol Hill Day?
- When is Capitol Hill Day?
- Why should I attend?
- I have never visited a congressional office before. How will I know what to do?
- Where can I stay during Capitol Hill Day?
- What is the schedule for Capitol Hill Day?
- What happens at the training session?
- Who will I be meeting with in each congressional office?
- Will I be in meetings by myself or with other Capitol Hill Day volunteers?
- What do we hope to accomplish during Capitol Hill Day?
- When will I receive my meeting materials?
- What can I do between now and Capitol Hill Day to support our efforts?
- What happens once we return from Capitol Hill Day?
- When will we be able to see the results of our Capitol Hill Day efforts?
What is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day is a unique opportunity to speak out on behalf of the entire psoriasis community. During this important event we build valuable relationships in Congress, spread awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and call for increased federal psoriasis research funding toward better treatments and a cure. To learn more about the National Psoriasis Foundation goals for Capitol Hill Day 2006, click here.
When is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day 2006 is Sunday, Feb. 26 and Monday, Feb. 27, in Washington, D.C.
Why should I attend?
Capitol Hill Day is a powerful way to make your voice heard. Most congressional leaders know very little about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and their impact on quality of life; consequently, they may underestimate the need to fund research for treatments and a cure. You can tell them firsthand what it's like living with these diseases. For many participants, it is a very empowering experience, and last year's event led to tangible results for the psoriasis community in Congress. To read about others' experiences click here.
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I have never visited a congressional office before. How will I know what to do?
No experience is necessary to participate in Capitol Hill Day. We will provide training and all materials. We will also make all appointments with congressional offices and partner you with other volunteers from your state. Click here to learn more.
Where can I stay during Capitol Hill Day?
The Psoriasis Foundation has booked a block of rooms at a group rate for staff and other Capitol Hill Day participants. We will stay at the Doubletree Hotel, located at 1515 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20005 (six blocks north of the White House). To make reservations, call toll free, 866.984.6835. Be sure to mention that you are with the National Psoriasis Foundation to receive the discounted rate. Reservations must be made by Jan. 26, 2006, in order to qualify for the reduced rates.
What is the schedule for Capitol Hill Day?
Please note that the times given are approximate, and additional details will be available as the event nears.
| Feb. 26, 2006 |
| 1:30-4:30 p.m. |
Training session for all volunteers at the Doubletree Hotel |
| 6-8 p.m. |
Evening social reception |
| Feb. 27, 2006 |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast, opening remarks, and review of the day's logistics (hotel) |
| 8:45 a.m. |
Bus departs for Capitol Hill |
| 9:15-11:45 a.m. |
Capitol Hill visits (House of Representatives offices) |
| Noon-1:15 p.m. |
Lunch (Capitol Hill) |
| 1:30-4:30 p.m. |
Capitol Hill visits (Senate offices) |
| 5 p.m. |
Bus returns to Doubletree Hotel |
| 5:30 p.m. |
Optional debriefing session to discuss the day's experiences and outcomes |
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What happens at the training session?
On Sunday afternoon (Feb. 26), there will be a training session for all Capitol Hill Day participants conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation and Gardner Carton & Douglas-the government relations firm assisting the Foundation with preparations for Capitol Hill Day. This session will include specific tips for conducting a Capitol Hill meeting and a detailed review of our messaging and what we are asking of Congress. The session will also address frequently asked questions and frequently encountered situations on Capitol Hill, discuss other logistics and provide time for "practice" before your meetings. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know other Capitol Hill Day volunteers.
In the evening following the training session, a welcome reception with light hors d'oeuvres will be held at the Doubletree Hotel for Capitol Hill Day volunteers and staff.
Who will I be meeting with in each congressional office?
Most likely you will meet with a "legislative assistant," a congressional aide
responsible for crafting health care policy for his or her boss-the member of Congress. Some volunteers may meet with a chief of staff, and a few may meet their senator(s) or representative, but since the congressional schedule is quite fluid, appointments with members of Congress can be difficult to secure.
Will I be in meetings by myself or with other Capitol Hill Day volunteers?
We schedule meetings in groups-with a focus on placing people together from the same state and/or community so you can visit as "delegations". For example, volunteers from a particular state will visit with their senator(s) together, and volunteers from a particular congressional district (and/or a nearby community) will meet with their representative as a group. If you are the only person from a particular state or district, we will team you up with another volunteer so you have an "advocacy buddy" for your meetings.
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What do we hope to accomplish during Capitol Hill Day?
The Foundation is seeking Congressional support for: increased federal funding for psoriasis and research and a government panel to study and address the lack of access for patients to psoriasis treatments. In addition, we are asking members of Congress to become personally involved in writing, talking or learning about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We hope to engage more members of Congress and congressional staff in our efforts and enhance their understanding of, and support for, the psoriasis community and our public policy goals. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is for volunteers to tell their personal stories and explain how serious and life-altering psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be. We will fully discuss the goals, our strategies and messaging at the training session on Sunday, Feb. 26, in D.C.
When will I receive my meeting materials?
Once we receive your registration, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail and updates and background information to help you prepare for your time in Washington, D.C. At the Sunday training, you will receive your Capitol Hill Day packet, including the names of the staffers and office locations, the Foundation's legislative agenda (what we are asking of Congress), specific talking points for your meetings and other information. We will also provide you with information packets to leave behind with each congressional office.
What can I do between now and Capitol Hill Day to support our efforts?
Remember, numbers matter! Recruit friends, family and others to join us in Washington, D.C., for Capitol Hill Day.
Find out what you can about your congressional leaders by going to www.psoriasis.org/advocacy/ Type in your ZIP code and your elected officials' names will come up with links to Web sites, where you can learn about their positions on health care issues. Watch www.psoriasis.org for action alerts and sign up to send important messages to members of Congress. Practice telling your personal story in a brief (2-3 minute), emotionally effective way.
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What happens once we return from Capitol Hill Day?
It's important to stay in contact with your members of Congress throughout the
year. The Foundation will send updates and action alerts to volunteers on important
issues. Visiting congressional leaders and their staff at home is important after seeing them in Washington, D.C. Pay a visit to their local offices after Capitol Hill Day to follow up and let them know what you discussed and with whom when you were visiting in Washington. Use the information and resources at www.psoriasis.org to help you stay up to date and in contact with your elected officials. We will also hold special advocacy volunteer sessions at the National Psoriasis Foundation® 2006 National Conference Aug. 4-6 in Portland, Ore.
When will we be able to see the results of our Capitol Hill Day efforts?
On Capitol Hill Day 2005, National Psoriasis Foundation volunteers visited nearly 80 congressional offices. The community sent 7,000 letters to Congress to call for increased psoriasis research funding. As a result, 25 representatives pledged their commitment to increase psoriasis funding, and related language was added to the report that accompanies the appropriations measure for the coming federal fiscal year. This measure includes funding for the National Institutes of Health and its agencies, such as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Also, a Senate resolution recognized August 2005 as Psoriasis Awareness Month. The effort to secure additional research funding for better treatments and a cure, though, is a long-term effort. Each year Congress makes decisions that impact the amount of funding allocated to biomedical research, and each year advocates must make their case. With a successful Capitol Hill Day in 2006 and persistent follow up, we will be able to recruit new members of Congress to support our efforts, bolster the support of our existing champions, and elevate the issue of access to psoriasis treatments onto the national agenda.
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