2023 Lobby Day

 

2023 NAPABA Lobby Day

May 22-23 | Washington, DC


In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), please join us on May 22-23, 2023 for NAPABA's 12th annual Lobby Day taking place in-person for the first time in three years! 

The NAPABA Annual Lobby Day is an opportunity for NAPABA members from across the country to educate members of Congress and Congressional staffers on issues of importance to the Asian Pacific American community. Lobby Day also gives members an active role in promoting NAPABA's mission of advocating for justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans.

Lobby Day activities and events include:

  • 3-Part Training Event
  • Hill Visits
  • Happy Hour Debrief
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception (Open to the public. RSVP required.)

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception

Monday, May 22 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET | Kennedy Caucus Room (SR-325), Russell Senate Office Building

Join NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Members of Congress. The reception will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, and leaders in the AANHPI community. This is a widely attended event and open to the public. The reception will take place in the Kennedy Caucus Room (SR-325) within the Russell Senate Office Building.


Questions about registration, hotel, or stipend? Contact Preet Lieu at plieu@napaba.org.

Questions about programming? Contact our Policy Team at policy@napaba.org.

Host Sponsor:

 

Registration Now Closed

Registration for Lobby Day includes a three-part training course, entry into the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception, breakfast, and a happy hour.

Lobby Day Issues

This year we will advocate for inclusion and fulfill the promise of equitable services for all. Our agenda is informed by our values and longstanding support of marginalized communities.

Together we will:

  • Advance LGBTQ+ Equality
    • We will continue our support for the Equality Act and speak out against efforts to limit the rights of the trans community.
  • Support the mental health of victims of AAPI hate and violence
    • The shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay underscore the need for culturally responsive mental health services for AAPI communities who have experience trauma—including our elders and those who do not use English as their primary language.
    • We will support bills, like the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, to increase federal support for our communities.
  • Support the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylees—supporting due process and humane treatment for immigrants
    • NAPABA will continue to support the rights of immigrants, asylees, and refugees to enter the country and be detained in safe facilities and not be separated from their families.
    • We will continue our support of the Access to Counsel Act.
  • Advance the record number of AAPI federal judicial nominees
  • Support for the Legal Services Corporation

Hotel

NAPABA has secured a room block at the Kimpton George Hotel from May 20-23. Please note that certain nights are sold out. Please check availability directly with the hotel or via the unique booking link within your registration confirmation email. 

Kimpton George Hotel | $339 for a standard king room or $369 for a standard double room

  • Deposit: one room night and tax will be charged as a deposit upon booking.
  • Cut-off Date: The cut-off date is Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET. After the cut-off date or after the NAPABA room block has been filled, rooms may still be available, but may be sold at the prevailing hotel rate.
  • Cancellation: Guests must cancel their own reservations directly with the hotel at least 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid a one-night cancellation charge.
  • Check-in Time: 3:00 pm ET | Check-out Time: 12:00 pm ET
  • Concessions: complimentary wine hour from 5-6 pm ET in hotel lobby; complimentary wireless Internet; 24-hour fitness center

Stipend Now Closed

Stipend Rules

  • To be eligible for the Lobby Day stipend, you must be a current member of NAPABA. If you are unsure about your NAPABA membership, sign in to your NAPABA member profile here. All questions related to membership may be directed to membership@napaba.org.
  • Application deadline is Thursday, April 6. Applicants will receive a stipend status notification by Friday, April 14.
  • Stipends are non-transferable.
  • Group applications will not be accepted.
  • All stipends will be awarded in the form of a reimbursement, which will be disbursed after Lobby Day has concluded. Stipend recipients will receive a reimbursement form to be completed by Friday, June 2 and submitted along with copies of receipts.
  • Submission of a stipend application is not a guarantee of assistance. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
  • NAPABA will only reimburse the following items:
    • Reasonable travel via air, train, or car. If you choose to drive to attend Lobby Day, you will be reimbursed for your car mileage at the GSA rate—gas and tolls will not be reimbursed. Upgrades, bag fees, tolls, car maintenance or damages will not be reimbursed.
    • Ground transportation (Uber, Lyft, or taxi) from airport to the Kimpton George Hotel.
    • Lodging equal to or less than the Kimpton George hotel’s $339 daily rate. Upgrades, room service, or additional services will not be reimbursed.

Schedule

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Webinar Training (Part I of III) | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET

To prepare you for your meetings, experts from NAPABA will lead Lobby Day participants in a training on the key issues. The webinar will prepare participants with the basic background on the issues. A question and answer period will follow. Participants will also receive a supplemental background briefing book with detailed information.

Lobby Day participants should plan to attend the live webinar, but a recorded version will be available for participants unable to join.


Monday, May 22, 2023

Afternoon Training (Part II of III) | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET at Jones Day

During this training, experts will go over the issues and conduct a workshop on lobbying skills to help prepare you. This will also be an opportunity for participants to ask the experts and NAPABA staff questions.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception (Open to the public) | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET at the Russell Senate Office Building

Join NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Members of Congress. The reception will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, and leaders in the AANHPI community. This is a widely attended event and open to the public. The reception will take place in the Kennedy Caucus Room (SR-325) within the Russell Senate Office Building.


Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Breakfast Training (Part III of III) | 8:00 am - 10:00 am ET at Jones Day

We will review the basics of lobbying and prepare for meetings with legislators and staff. Participants will have the opportunity to meet in their lobbying groups and strategize with their team members.

Member Visits on the Hill | 9:30 am - 4:30 pm ET on Capitol Hill

Location will vary based on individual schedules and locations of members' offices.

Participant Debriefing & Happy Hour | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET at Jones Day

An opportunity for participants to reflect and give feedback on meetings and discuss next steps for when you get back home.

FAQ

Meeting Schedule

What time will my meetings be? How many meetings will I have?

Scheduling meetings on Capitol Hill can be very last minute. And even though we do our best, because of events outside of our control, meeting times may change. This also means we will not know your schedule or how many meetings you may be able to participate in until the week of Lobby Day.

Can I meet with my Senator and Member of Congress?

While we request the meeting with your elected officials, most meetings on Capitol Hill occur with their staff, who often are experts on the issues we will be discussing.


Attendance

Do I need to attend all the meetings scheduled for my state?

We encourage you to attend as many meetings as possible. We encourage at least two people from each state to attend each meeting.


Trainings

I have never attended an advocacy day before. Will I be ok?

There will be a training for first-time attendees about visits and practical skills, in addition to the substantive issue training. NAPABA will provide you will all the information you need to participate in a successful advocacy day. If you review the materials, participate in or view the virtual trainings, and organize with your group beforehand, you should have a great experience.

Do I need to attend all the trainings?

You are required to attend or watch the training webinar. We strongly recommend you meet with your group prior to your meetings to prepare.


State Captains

What is a State Captain? What are their expectations?

State captains will assist in coordinating other members from their states, ensure that at least two people from their state are able to attend each meeting, share state specific information with their teams in preparation for the meetings, and serve as a primary point of contact for NAPABA staff during meetings. State Captains will be supported by the NAPABA staff.


Housing Block

Is there a room block available?

NAPABA has secured a room block at the Kimpton George Hotel from May 20-23. Please note that certain nights are sold out. Please check availability directly with the hotel or via the unique booking link within your registration confirmation email. Additional information is available on the Hotel tab.


Strengthen bonds, Deepen commitment, Maximize impact

The NAPABA Affiliate Leadership Series is an opportunity for affiliate leaders to equip themselves with the necessary tools to be able to effectively communicate, to learn how to best advocate for their communities, and how to position their affiliate organization for continued growth and success.

Over the course of the bar year, affiliate leaders will gain a clear understanding of local and national messaging points, state and local advocacy roles and limitations, and how to develop best practices to work together to create change. Each workshop will treat all attendees as an active participant, sharing his or her expertise and experiences while gaining valuable insights from others. The deadline to register for Workshop II is Thursday, May 11, 2023Click here to register.

Affiliate Leadership Series | Workshop II 

May 22, 2023 | 9:00 am ET at Jones Day

What Does Advocacy Look Like?
Throughout history, AAPI lawyers have been called on to lead change and get justice for the community. In this program, we will introduce some basic advocacy campaign strategies bars can engage. We will discuss how affiliates can leverage NAPABA’s resources to accelerate their advocacy through two cases studies. Join leaders from Florida, as they share their 10-year campaign to overturn the Alien Land Law in Florida’s Constitution, and leaders from Texas, as they discuss their current campaign to oppose provisions of SB 147.

How Does It Work: Judicial Nominations and Appointments
In this HDIW panel, learn how the judicial nominations and executive appointments process works from those on the ground and behind-the-scenes. We will discuss changes and realities in strengthening diversity at the state and federal level and how NAPABA and local bar associations can promote the advancement of AAPI lawyers to positions of leadership and influence.

Boundaries of the Bar
Do you know what differentiates a bar association (501(c)(6) organization) from a typical nonprofit (501(c)(3) organization)? In this discussion, learn how your bar association has more flexibility to engage in advocacy than a typical non-profit. Panelists will discuss strategies that their bars have used to engage in coalitions, represent the community, and leverage their expertise to seek justice.


Questions? Contact our Membership Team at membership@napaba.org.

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