Advocating for Today, Designing for the Future
NAWB is focused on both the needs of today and the system of tomorrow, advocating for the resources to serve our local communities while actively building a policy framework for the future. This first-of-its-kind event is designed to develop the system of the future to optimize meeting the needs of local communities.
> You’ll hear directly from senior federal officials, national partners, and policy experts on the issues driving the workforce agenda.
> Hands on advocacy sessions will sharpen your message and strengthen your strategy so you can walk into Capitol Hill meetings ready to make clear, compelling asks.
> Your Capitol Hill visits are where you will tell your story so lawmakers understand what local boards need to serve workers, employers, and communities.
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY
PRELIMINARY SUMMIT AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
1:00 PM
Summit Opens: Welcome
1:15 PM
Congressional Panel featuring:
- Senate Appropriations Committee staff
- House Education and the Workforce Committee staff
- Senate HELP Committee staff
2:15 PM
Perspectives from Federal Agencies
3:15 PM
Future Framing Session #1
5:00 PM
Optional dinner meet-ups
On your own
On your own
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
7:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM
Future Framing Session #2
10:00 AM
Marek Laco, Acting Administrator, Employment and Training Administration
The Honorable Linda McMahon, Secretary, Department of Education
(invited)
11:00 AM
Future Framing Session #3
2:15 PM
Legislative Landscape: Where Things Stand
Appropriations, OMB rule, WIOA reauthorization, apprenticeships,
Workforce Pell, and Medicaid work requirements
Appropriations, OMB rule, WIOA reauthorization, apprenticeships,
Workforce Pell, and Medicaid work requirements
3:15 PM
Reviewing the Ask
What you need to know for Capitol Hill meetings and Q&A
What you need to know for Capitol Hill meetings and Q&A
4:15 PM
Practice “Making the Ask” and State Coordination
5:00 PM
Day concludes
Dinner on your own
Dinner on your own
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
7:45 AM
Board buses to Capitol Hill
8:00 AM
Buses depart
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Hill meetings
Scheduled for you
Scheduled for you
5:00 PM
Congressional Reception & Presentation of Awards
House Education and Workforce Committee Room (2175 Rayburn)
House Education and Workforce Committee Room (2175 Rayburn)
6:30 PM
Board buses for return to hotel
6:45 PM
Buses depart for hotel
Schedule is preliminary and subject to change.
Hotel Information
Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Conference rate: $259/night
The discounted room block expires August 28, 2026.
Advocacy Day App
We will once again use the Advocacy Associates app, which will include:
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Full Summit agenda
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Hill meeting schedule
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Office locations
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Legislative issue briefs
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Talking Points
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Meeting report forms
Helpful Information
Supplies Provided
NAWB will supply everything you need for effective advocacy, including:
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NAWB’s legislative agenda
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Detailed Hill meeting schedule
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Leave‑behind materials
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Capitol Hill map
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Key committee lists
What You'll Need To Bring
1. A Success Story
Members of Congress need to hear how your board helps people with the greatest barriers to employment find a path to economic security. Record a video, gather a testimonial, or write a narrative — and share it with us in advance.
2. A One‑Pager
Prepare a one‑ or two‑page summary of:
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Who you are
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How your board serves your community
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Your local economic impact
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Employers you’ve served
Capitol Hill Rules
Please bring:
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Government‑issued photo ID
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Business cards
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Comfortable shoes
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Your one‑pager and success stories
Do not bring:
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Suitcases
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Weapons
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Items prohibited by Capitol security
Visit the Capitol Visitor Center rules for more information.
Note: Visitor Center rules may differ from House/Senate building rules.
Hill Day Scheduling
For those participating in Workforce Impact Day on Capitol Hill, NAWB is working with Advocacy Associates to group advocates by state or region so no one advocates alone. During registration, you’ll be asked to provide additional addresses/counties/regions to ensure accurate matching based on your service area. Advocacy Associates will use this information to arrange your individual schedule on Capitol Hill.
Why Participate?
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Tell the story of workforce development in your community
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Ensure Congress understands the value and impact of workforce boards
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Advocate for the resources your system needs
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No prior advocacy experience required
Who Should Attend?
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Workforce board leaders
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Workforce staff
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Board members and partners
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Employers who serve on boards
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Success stories — individuals served by the public workforce system
What To Expect?
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A briefing on the key legislative issues facing workforce boards
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Work groups to shape a proactive, future‑focused WIOA vision
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State‑based coordination to align messages
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A full day of meetings with Congressional offices
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A Congressional reception to close the event
Getting To Washington D.C.
By Air
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Three airports serve the Washington, DC area. They are Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington (BWI).
By Train
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Union Station (Amtrak, MARC, VRE)
Getting To Washington Hilton
From DCA (Reagan National)
Metro: Blue/Yellow → transfer to Red → Dupont Circle (10‑minute walk)
Taxi/Rideshare: ~20 minutes
From IAD (Dulles)
Metro: Silver Line → transfer to Red → Dupont Circle
Taxi/Rideshare: 40–60 minutes
From BWI (Baltimore-Washington)
Train + Metro: Shuttle → Amtrak/MARC → Union Station → Red Line → Dupont Circle
Taxi/Rideshare: 60–90 minutes