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Spring Lobby Weekend is right around the corner! More than 450 young leaders will be joining us in Washington, D.C. for four days of learning, sharing, and lobbying. I. AM. EXCITED. Ask my coworkers – this is all I have been talking about for months.

Students hold Spring Lobby Weekend sign
Attribution
Emily Sajewski / FCNL
Students from Scattergood Friends School.
If you’re anything like me, your suitcase will remain unpacked until moments before you leave. Have no fear! I’m here to answer some of the questions I’ve heard from young leaders on the road, and maybe some that you won’t realize you have until you start getting ready to leave.

So before you go, here are some things I think you should know.

What do I wear?

Dress is casual for the first three days of trainings, workshops, and speakers. On the last day we will be lobbying on Capitol Hill, so dress up! Whatever makes you feel most confident on that lobby visit is fine by us. If you want to wear a suit, do it. If you want to wear a dress, do it. If you want to wear heels, do it. If you want to wear flat shoes, do it.

What are we lobbying on again?

We are lobbying against increased funding for detention, deportation, and border militarization.

I don’t know anything about detention, is that ok?

Yes! You don’t have to be an expert on the topic to be an effective lobbyist. We will give you all the information you need on the issue and tips on how to tell your story during the three days leading up to lobby day.

Don’t worry – we will not let you go on your lobby visit unprepared.

How can we share my awesome pictures and stories from the event on social media?

I personally love sharing pictures on Instagram, especially love when I can show that I’m doing something cool! While you’re here, please use #springlobbyweekend when posting on any social media!

Will there be free food?

Obviously the most important question. We’ll provide you with lunch on Saturday, and Breakfast and lunch on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. You will be responsible for breakfast Saturday and dinner each night. D.C. has so many different types of cuisine, that it won’t be hard to find something you like!

Where do I go for my lobby visit on Tuesday?

You should all be getting emails with personalized information about your lobby visits. This will include the office you’re meeting with, the time of the meeting, and of course the location of the meeting. Please note that not all the visits are on Tuesday. A couple of you will be lobbying on Monday. If you haven’t received an email, please contact AMLobby@fcnl.org.

What is public transportation like?

You can buy a metro card at any station at one of the ticket machines for two dollars. You put as much as you want on your SmartTrip card and you can refill it at the same machines. The closest metro station to the National Press Club is Metro Center.

Will we have fun??

YES! It is my personal mission.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at larissa@fcnl.org. I can’t wait to see you at Spring Lobby Weekend!

Larissa Sanhueza

Larissa Gil-Sanhueza

Young Adult Program Director

As the young adult program director, Larissa Gil-Sanhueza focuses on developing and training young adult advocates around the country.