You can expect meetings with at least one Senator (or staffer) from the state you are representing (based on your home or work address) and a few additional meetings with House offices from that state. No attendee will be asked to field a congressional meeting alone without their prior approval.

Meetings with your legislators will be scheduled ahead of time, and you will be provided with the meeting time and place. All you have to do is show up and share your story.

We will also take a group photo at the Capitol. Specifics about the day’s schedule and invited speakers will be shared with registrants closer to the event.

Start thinking about how you can tell your story as a constituent and demonstrate TPL’s impact on your state and/or district.

In the month or so before the event, keep an eye out for email messages from TPL with online briefing materials that will help you get up to speed on the policy issues and legislation that we will be advocating for in April.

For a more meaningful experience, get to know your lawmakers’ stances on land conservation in advance. Follow their work and appearances in the news, become familiar with their websites, find out what committees they serve on, and follow their social media profiles.

There will be a lot of walking between buildings on Capitol Hill, volunteers should wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. Additionally, Capitol Hill is one of the few places were jackets and ties are still expected for gentlemen, business attire is strongly recommended.

Before you arrive – Virtual Training: This will consist of an hour-long training via Microsoft Teams and will be held in March. Participants will get the latest on the political landscape in Washington and TPL’s corresponding political strategy to advance our mission.

Day 1 – In Person Training: Attendees will have the chance to train, collaborate, and network with attendees from their state and/or region and ask questions of TPL issue experts. The day will conclude with a happy hour to continue the conversation and build community among your fellow advocates.

Day 2 – Meetings on the Hill: April 17 will begin with continental breakfast and a short briefing with TPL policy staff to address any last-minute questions or schedule changes, followed by the congressional meetings themselves. The day will conclude with a cocktail reception and celebration of our congressional advocate of the year.

Though the specific meeting schedule will not be finalized until much closer to the day, participants are asked to block off the entire day of April 17 to ensure their flexibility to accommodate congressional staff availability.

We aim to schedule at least one meeting for each participant, with a member of your congressional delegation.

Because members of Congress have extremely busy schedules, most of your meetings will be with staff. Meetings with staff can be extremely productive because they advise the members on the issues, draft legislation, and negotiate with other offices. Congressional staffers often work in multiple offices throughout their career on Capitol Hill, so your advocacy efforts can have a positive impact around the country!

Your meeting with a member of your congressional delegation will be based on either your home voting address or that of your employer. Even if it is based on your employer’s address, all Day of the Hill attendees are encouraged to attend as private citizens.

Yes. TPL staff will prepare a folder that will include a brief overview of fact sheets that are relevant to issues or legislation being addressed. Contact information for TPL’s Federal Affairs department staff is also included, along with other pertinent materials. These materials will also be available on the webpage as they become available.

It is often difficult to get an appointment with your actual Representative and Senators, so TPL will make the appointments with the staff when needed. Congressional staff play an important role in determining the direction of legislation and providing information and input to the Member of Congress regarding their area of interest. Congressional staff do the majority of gathering information, holding meetings with many special interest groups, and listening to constituents who have an interest in their particular issue. Because Members of Congress rely heavily on their staff for input, meeting with them is an opportunity that should not be missed.