The Tell-All Guide to Advocacy Days

When member-based organizations or corporations want to raise their visibility on Capitol Hill and build great champions for their cause, one of the best methods for doing so is to hold an advocacy day, or legislative fly-in. An advocacy day brings together constituents from across the U.S. at the Capitol to advocate on behalf of common interests. From trade associations to nonprofits and civic groups to labor unions, organizations of all sizes and interests can benefit from having their message heard via a fly-in event.

While fly-ins allow the people to have a voice on Capitol Hill (which congressional members say they actually do want to hear), in order for such an event to be most effective and meet its intended goals, it must be memorable and efficient, leaving a positive impression on legislators and giving voice to the community.

Here are measures to ensure your organization’s advocacy day is a success.

Pre-Event Prep

Preparations that might take place in advance of a fly-in event include everything from travel arrangements to presentation training.

The United States capitol building in Washington DC on a fall day.

Travel arrangements: While some constituents may be members of the same area or community and therefore traveling primarily from one airport, many fly-ins involve travelers coming from across the U.S. Knowing the locations of all participants can help determine the resources needed for this part of pre-planning, including booking flights and arranging for a shuttle service to and from the airport.

Depending on the number of attendees, hotel accommodations will ideally be in one location or adjacent properties, with one of them serving as the “muster” site for organizational meetings. Those meeting sites must also be arranged in advance, whether the group is small enough to meet in the adjoining room of a member’s suite or needs a larger, more formal meeting space.

Food and beverage considerations should also be planned in advance. Is the group going to meet for one or more organized sit-downs? Will those meals include a meeting or other agenda? Or are meals entirely “on your own?” If so, then a list of area cafes and restaurants should be compiled and distributed.

In-town transportation may also be part of pre-planning. Can constituents – all constituents – walk to The Hill in fine weather? Or will you need to arrange for a charter bus to move the group throughout the city? If your group includes any members with mobility challenges, sedan services may offer greater accessibility.

Appointment scheduling: The scheduling of congressional commitments and appointments should also be planned ahead of time. When and how will constituents meet with their members of Congress? Having a formal plan can help advocates be in the right place at the right time to meet with appropriate congressional members or staff. By creating, in advance, a list of a congressional member’s votes, bill sponsorships, or other commitments, advocates can know whom they’re speaking with and their stance on talking points. Such a list can even help sway a position by reminding representatives of their prior promises.

Collateral: Creating collateral pieces in advance, and then forwarding them to members of Congress and their staff before the fly-in takes place, is a courtesy that can open doors. It can give legislators a chance to review the issues and prepare questions about the agenda. Remember: Today’s security measures have slowed the delivery of information on The Hill, so allow enough time for the materials to arrive at least a week ahead of the fly-in.

Ensure that advocates flying in also have their collateral in hand ahead of time to give them a chance to review the information, but also have materials on hand in D.C. for those who inevitably will leave them behind. Consider creating a very visible brand for the fly-in to make it more memorable and to connect the onsite message to the pre- and post-event activities.

Training: Prior to the event, enlist mentors or hold training sessions to help advocates better understand how to speak to elected leaders to get their point across. Use role playing to help members of the organization practice their presentations. Remember: A convincing and compelling case will gain more traction than a shouting match any day.

The Event

Ideally, most of the arrangements for the event will have been completed in advance. However, there will likely need to be a point person at the event to ensure everything goes as planned. Having onsite management and staff to provide information, directions, and coordination is invaluable when it comes to advocacy days.

Use technology: An app may help make the logistics of a fly-in go more smoothly. Onsite coordinators can also text, email, and call constituents to help advocates be in the right place at the right time amid changing schedules.

Take advantage of networking opps: Advocacy days provide opportunities for organizations to update their membership and gain more visibility. Whether you add an organized convention, an annual meeting, or simply a new video or other materials distributed to members, fly-ins are an ideal means of strengthening an organization and its causes.

Post-Event Follow-Up

When the event is over, the results of the fly-in should be communicated to the membership. By taking advantage of post-event excitement and results, organizations can raise awareness of the issues and even increase their membership.

Also remember to thank legislators for their time: A simple thank-you note can keep the conversation going and help strengthen relationships with members of Congress.