Spring Lobby Weekend: Join Peace Action in Washington, March 19-22
Join Peace Action for a weekend of actions, training, and lobbying in Washington, DC to mark the 8th anniversary of the U.S.invasion of Iraq.
We've teamed up with Friends Committee on National Legislation, Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Civilian Soldier Alliance to create this opportunity to make your voice heard in the halls of Congress.
This lobby weekend is designed to provide participants with expert views, opinions and experiences to help develop a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively lobby Congress. Moreover, keynote speakers will help provide further context from personal experience.
What issues will we lobby around?
Our lobby weekend will focus on ending the war in Afghanistan, securing benefits for veterans, and cutting Pentagon spending. You can check out our lobby day "asks" on the FCNL website here.
Who should attend?
The lobby weekend is open to all participants - from students and first-time lobbyists to seasoned activists. We will have two days of training and preparation to help you prepare for your lobby visits and deepen your impact.
Registration:
Visit the Registration Page to sign up!
Costs:
Registration by March 11: $20
Day-of Registration: $35
The lobbying trainings are being organized by Friends Committee on National Legislation for a small fee of ($20 if you register by March 11, $35 registration on site).
Additionally, participants are required to cover the costs of their own transportation, food, and lodging during the event.
Schedule:
March 19 marks the 8th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Every year, peace activists from around the country come to Washington to mark the anniversary.
In addition to the Spring Lobby Weekend, which is officially March 19-22, there will also be other events, forums, actions, parties, and more occurring throughout the weekend. We encourage all lobby weekend participants to take part in these events.
To view a full schedule of anniversary events happening in the city, check out the Washington Peace Center's calendar here:
http://washingtonpeacecenter.
Friday, March 18th
7pm-9pm: Vigil at Walter Reed Army Hospital with Veterans For Peace
9pm-2am: Fundraiser for Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Civilian Soldier Alliance @ RAS Hall, 4809 Georgia Ave NW - live music, Ethiopian & Caribbean cuisine, a portion of the bar goes towards the organizations. Just a few blocks south of the Walter Reed vigil.
Saturday, March 19th
12pm-3pm: Join Veterans For Peace and others for a rally and civil disobedience at the White House
5pm-10pm: Dinner, Teach-In, and Concert @ Luther Place, 1226 Vermont Ave NW
- 5-6pm: Dinner (donation requested)
- 6-8pm: Move the War Money, Save Our Communities Forum
- 8-10pm: "Soundtrack for Refusal" CD Release Concert featuring Ryan Harvey, Spoonboy, and others TBA
Sunday, March 20th
10am-3pm: Lobby Training @ The Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW
- 10:00-11:50am: Afghanistan: Political and Military update, What happens in July 2011?
Panel: Matthew Hoh, Lorelei Kelly, Michael Shank - 12:00-12:50pm — Working Lunch: IVAW on Operation Recovery
By: Chantelle Bateman - 1:00-1:50pm —Budgeting Priorities: Keep War Spending on the Table
By: Ruth Flower - 2:00-3:00pm — Special Address on Congress and Afghanistan
By: Congressman Jim McGovern (MA)
Monday, March 21st
9am-5pm: Lobby Training @ The True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW
- 9:00-10:00am — Effective Lobbying Workshop By: Matt Southworth
- 10:00-10:15am — Break
- 10:20-12:00pm — Strategy Session and Role Play Led By: Matt Southworth
- 12:00-1:00pm — Working Lunch: Media Engagement By: Jim Cason
- 1:00-2:00pm — “Lobbying: What Works on the Hill?” By: Welling Hall; TBA; TBA
- 2:00-3:00 — Organize your Base: How to Take This Message Back Home By: Nikki Morse and Sam Miller
- 3:00-3:15pm — Closing Session and Survey
- 3:00-5:00pm — Space Available for Strategy Planning
Tuesday, March 22nd
Lobby visits
Schedule an Appointment with your Congress Member:
All participants are required to schedule their own appointments with their Congress members. It's best to schedule your visit with your Congress member as early as possible. Try to schedule your meeting(s) for Tuesday, March 22nd, but you might have to be flexible. Click here to find your Congress members' contact information.
Getting to Washington, DC:
Airports: Washington, DC is accessible by 3 main airports: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington (BWI). Of these, DCA is the closest to the city and is accessible by metro. There are buses, taxis, and shared-ride vans from all three airports. Check each of the airport’s websites to find more details. Kayak.com has great deals on flights.
Trains: Trains come into DC through Union Station, a short walk from Capitol Hill but about 2 miles from the rally site at the Lincoln Memorial. Check out Amtrak for train schedules and prices.
Bus: If you are coming to DC from the east coast, buses are often your cheapest option. Check the Chinatown buses or Bolt Bus.
Lodging in Washington, DC:
1. Arrange your own housing
Most participants will want to arrange their own housing. The Washington Peace Center maintains a list of hotels, hostels and other small housing options around the city. Kayak.com also lists deals on hotels throughout the city.
2. Free Mass Housing
We have also secured free, mass housing at Westminster Presbyterian Church near Capitol Hill. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillows, and anything else they'd need to sleep. Also, there are no showers available at the church. The church is within walking distance of Capitol Hill and is a few blocks from a green line metro station.
Westminster Presbyterian Church:
400 I Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
www.westminsterdc.org
For more information:
Contact Jonathan Williams, Peace Action National Organizer:
email: jwilliams@peace-action.org
call/text: 443-474-8919
