NAPABA Lobby Day
 

 

 

In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), please join us on May 19-20, 2026 in Washington, DC for NAPABA's annual Lobby Day.

At Lobby Day, the NAPABA community travels from across the United States to the Nation’s capital to demonstrate not only the strength of our community, but also to advance the critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community with leaders on Capitol Hill. Let’s bring our collective voice to the halls of Congress.

Register for Lobby Day

What to Expect: 

  • Advocacy Training
  • Congressional Hill Visits
  • Debrief Reception
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.

View the full schedule of Lobby Day activities

Who Can Participate 

Only active NAPABA members or active members of NAPABA affiliates are eligible to participate in Lobby Day. The Congressional Reception is open to NAPABA members and the general public. 

Become a Member

Congressional Reception 

NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country will gather at the Russell Senate Office Building from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET for a Congressional Reception recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, as well as leaders from the AANHPI community. A separate registration is required for the Congressional Reception even if you are registered for Lobby Day.

Questions? Email us at lobbyday@napaba.org.

 

 

Registration

Lobby Day Issues

This year, we will advocate for critical issues facing the AANHPI community.

  • Anti-Asian Hate
    • Oppose Anti-Asian Rhetoric.
    • Support legislation to preempt discriminatory alien land laws.
    • Support legislation to teach AANHPI history in K-12 education.
    • Support mental health resources in our community.
  • Civil Rights
    • Support voting rights legislation, such as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
    • Support the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Support funding for legal services and public defenders.
  • Immigration
    • Support the right to counsel for individuals navigating the immigration system.
    • Protect the rights of asylum seekers.
  • Judicial and Executive Nominations
     
 

Hotel Block Closed

The NAPABA room block at the YOTEL Hotel in Washington, DC for Lobby Day participants is now closed. If you still need accommodations, we recommend checking directly with the hotel or exploring nearby lodging options.

  • Cut-off Date: The cut-off date is Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:00 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. 
  • Taxes & Fees: a 15.95% tax fee per night will apply. 
  • Cancellation: Guests must cancel their own reservations at least 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid a one-night cancellation charge. Cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. NAPABA does not manage cancellations or modifications to hotel reservations.
  • Check-in Time: 4:00 pm ET | Check-out Time: 11:00 am ET 

Stipend Application

Stipend Rules

  • To be eligible for the Lobby Day stipend, you must be an active member of NAPABA. Applying for a stipend as a non-member will result in the denial of your application. 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.
  • International applications may be accepted but preference will be given to members based in the United States and its territories.
  • Application deadline is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Applicants will receive a stipend status notification by Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • 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 Monday, June 1, 2026, and submitted along with copies of receipts in a combined single PDF file.
  • Submission of a stipend application is not a guarantee of support. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Apply for a Stipend


Reimbursable expenses are limited to the items listed below:
  • Travel to Washington, DC in the form of one of the following:
    • Reasonable round-trip travel via air, rail, or bus within the United States and its territories. First class, business class, upgrades, and bag fees will not be reimbursed.
    • Mileage for use of personal car per the GSA mileage rate. Gas, tolls, car maintenance or damages will not be reimbursed.
    • Reasonable rental car fees and milage per the GSA mileage rate. Premium or luxury car rentals, upgrades, tolls, car maintenance, or damages will not be reimbursed.
  • Ground transportation (Uber, Lyft, or taxi) going between the airport, train station, or bus station and your lodging in Washington DC within a three mile radius of Capitol Hill. Requests for ground transportation reimbursement must include screenshots showing the route and mileage, including for Uber or Lyft rides.
  • Lodging costs matching NAPABA's preferred hotel of $249 per night plus tax. Hotel upgrades, room service, and additional amenities or services will not be reimbursed.

Non reimburseable expenses include:

  • Daily travel between your lodging and the meeting location.

Schedule

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Training | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET

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 questions.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET 

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.


Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Work Session and Hill Visits | 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET

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. The times and locations of the Hill visits will vary based on individual schedules and locations of members' offices.

Debrief Reception | 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm ET 

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

FAQ

Registration

When will registration and stipend applications for Lobby Day open?

Registration and stipend applications will open in mid-February

Do I need to be a member to attend Lobby Day?

Yes. Participants must be active members of NAPABA or a NAPABA affiliate organization to register for Lobby Day.

 

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.

Do I need to be a member to attend Lobby Day?

Only NAPABA active members or members of NAPABA affiliates are eligible to attend.


Trainings

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

There will be a training about visits and practical skills, in addition to the substantive issue training. NAPABA will provide you with the information you need to participate in a successful advocacy day. If you review the materials, participate in the training, 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 the in-person training. 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.



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