Day on the Hill and Celebratory Gala
Join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 for a day of advocacy and a celebration of Employment First, Employment for All!
National APSE's Day on the Hill is a a powerful opportunity to directly engage with lawmakers and influence policy decisions that impact our communities. By meeting face-to-face with members of Congress and their staff, we can tell our stories, provide real-world perspectives, and ensure that key decision-makers understand our policy priorities.
Whether you are new to advocacy, are looking to brush up on your advocacy skills, or are an experienced advocate, this is a day to build relationships with legislators and demonstrate the collective strength and commitment to advancing Employment First.
We will start our day with a two-hour training where we will discuss key issues, share talking points, and prepare for meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. The afternoon will be spent on Capitol Hill meeting with your Congressional delegation (assistance in scheduling meetings is available).
We will end our day with an evening of networking and celebration at the Employment First, Employment for All Celebratory Gala. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment while networking and celebrating your day of advocacy in Washington, DC.
Cost (includes breakfast, training, scheduling of visits as needed, tshirt, and gala):
- $210 for APSE members
- $285 for non-members
Schedule for the Day:
8-9am: Continental breakfast
9-11am: Advocacy training
(lunch on your own)
Afternoon: Hill visits
6-7:30pm: Employment First, Employment for All Celebratory Gala (cash bar opens at 5:30pm)
What to Expect:
Participants will have the opportunity to practice using the tools, skills, and knowledge learned through examples and case study and leave armed with actionable insights and resources to empower individuals with disabilities to confidently pursue and maintain employment.
The key issue areas you’re encouraged to address with congressional offices will be provided to you, as well as a summary of the latest relevant activity surrounding them and talking points specifically tailored to have the greatest impact on the offices you meet with.
Most meetings will be 30 minutes or less with key staff members who specialize in the legislative portfolios relevant to our priorities. While meeting directly with members will be possible in some circumstances, staff-level meetings are often just as valuable, as it is the staff who develop expertise on these issue areas, and members rely on them for advice in their decision making.
Scheduling Visits:
Participants are welcome to schedule their own meetings, particularly if they have existing relationships with their Members of Congress. However, assistance in scheduling meetings is also available.
We will be prioritizing meetings most strategic to our goals, and will focus on scheduling meetings with the congressional districts and states where advocates are coming from. Additionally, we will schedule meetings with congressional leadership, and the committees that oversee employment and labor related issues as well as appropriations.
The meeting schedule will be finalized a few days before our advocacy day, but we will begin building it out in the weeks leading up to our event.
Other Logistics:
Be prepared for plenty of walking. Hill Days are fast-paced and involve lots of walking to different offices around the Capitol Hill complex. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Day on the Hill t-shirts will be provided for all attendees and you are welcome to wear these if you wish. Otherwise, the attire for the day (including the gala) is professional/business dress.