Advocacy > Psoriasis Action Network > Capitol Hill Day
Capitol Hill Day 2011:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day is a unique opportunity to speak out on behalf of the entire psoriasis community. Once every two years, we visit congressional offices in Washington, DC, on "Capitol Hill" As a united community. It’s our one opportunity to come together and build momentum and commitment to our cause among legislators! During this important event we build valuable relationships in Congress, spread awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and call for a number of congressional actions.
2. When is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day 2011 spans two days—starting Monday, June 6 at 3:15 and concluding on Tuesday, June 7 at 5:30.
3. Why is it important?
Capitol Hill Day is a powerful way to have your voice heard by the people who are in a position to make a difference for the psoriasis community. You can tell members of Congress and their staff firsthand what it's like living with psoriatic disease. For many participants, it is an empowering experience, and each year's event has led to tangible results for the psoriasis community in Congress.
4. 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 provide training and all the materials you will need. You are expected to be an expert on only one thing: what it means to live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. We also make all appointments with congressional offices and partner you with other volunteers from your state.
5. What is the schedule for Capitol Hill Day?
Please note that the times given are approximate and some locations are still to be determined. Additional details will be available as the event nears.
Monday, June 6, 2011
- 3:15-5:30 p.m.: Training and preparation session for all volunteers at the Sheraton National Hotel.
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.: A reception with light hors d'oeuvres held at the Sheraton National Hotel.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
- 7:45 a.m.: Buses depart for Capitol Hill
- 9:00-10:00 a.m.: Breakfast, opening remarks and review of the day's logistics
- 10:00 a.m.-Noon: Capitol Hill visits
- Lunch Break: Lunch will be on your own and adequate break time for lunch will be built into each individual's schedule. Information on lunch options on Capitol Hill will be provided during the Monday training session.
- After lunch to 4 p.m.: Continue with Capitol Hill visits
- 3:45-4:45 p.m.: Optional debriefing session to discuss the day's experiences and outcomes. We are hopeful your travel schedule will allow you to attend. (Location: TBD)
- 5:00 p.m.: Buses return to Sheraton National Hotel
6. What happens at the training session?
The training session is conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation and Drinker Biddle & Reath—the government relations firm that represents the National Psoriasis Foundation in Washington and helps coordinate Capitol Hill Day. The Monday afternoon training session will include specific tips for conducting a Capitol Hill meeting and a review of our issues, priorities and actions that we are asking of Congress. The session will also cover frequently asked questions and frequently encountered situations on Capitol Hill, other logistics and will include time for "practice" before your meetings. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know other Capitol Hill Day volunteers.
7. Do I need training if I have been to Capitol Hill Day before?
Yes. Every year differs in how we ask Congress for support. It is important that you attend the training session so that you are familiar with our specific priorities and approach for 2011. Additionally, the training will give you the opportunity to get to know other volunteers who will be joining you on your Hill meetings.
8. With whom will I be meeting in each congressional office?
Most likely you will meet with a "health legislative assistant," a congressional aide who recommends and crafts health care policy for his or her boss─the member of Congress. These staff are important and the actions they recommend are usually adopted by the member of Congress for whom they work. Some participants of Capitol Hill day may actually meet their senators or representative. Since the congressional schedule is fluid, appointments with members of Congress themselves can be difficult to secure and it is important to remain flexible.
9. How should I dress for meetings with my members of Congress?
It is possible that you will be doing quite a bit of walking so please wear comfortable shoes. Business casual attire is the appropriate dress for meeting with members of Congress and their staff. For men, there is no need to wear a suit and tie (although that's not a problem if preferred); slacks and blazer/jacket are fine. For women, a pant suit, skirt and jacket/sweater, or anything along those lines is appropriate.
10. 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 so you can visit as "delegations." For example, volunteers from a particular state will visit with their senators 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 do our best to team you up with at least one other volunteer so you have an "advocacy buddy" for your meetings.
11. What do we hope to accomplish during Capitol Hill Day?
The National Psoriasis Foundation is going to Capitol Hill to ask members of Congress to support the psoriasis community by:
- Meeting with National Psoriasis Foundation advocates so legislators can hear first-hand the challenges that people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis face;
- To maintain funding for the psoriasis patient registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
- Co-sponsoring psoriasis legislation to improve access to care and expand psoriasis research.
One of the most effective ways to accomplish these goals 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 Capitol Hill Day goals, our strategies and messaging at the training session on Monday, June 6, 2011.
12. When will I receive my meeting materials?
A complete packet, including your schedule of appointments with the names of the congressional staffers and office locations will be provided to you Monday, June 6, on-site at the event. Schedules of Capitol Hill appointments are not available in advance. We will also provide you with information packets to leave behind with each congressional office.
13. What happens once we return from Capitol Hill Day?
It's important to stay in contact with your members of Congress throughout the year. Much of the possible success of a Capitol Hill Day rests with the follow-up that volunteers advocates are able to do. Advocacy is a year-round activity! The National Psoriasis Foundation will send updates and action alerts on important issues, too, to signal when it’s important to contact your member of Congress. Visiting congressional leaders and their staff at home after seeing them in Washington, DC, will also reinforce the message. Pay a visit to their local offices after Capitol Hill Day and let them know what you discussed, and with whom, when you were in Washington. The National Psoriasis Foundation can help you with meeting requests, talking points, and can even find other advocates to join you for these meetings.
Questions?
For further inquires, please contact us at action@psoriasis.org or give us a call at 800.723.9166, ext. 407.