WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

The Advocacy Forum is an informal event and business casual is recommended. The Mary Gates Learning Center is known to run cool, so although it’ll be summer, we recommend bringing a sweater or scarf just in case! Attendees should plan to wear business attire for their hill meetings, and comfortable shoes–you’ll be doing a lot of walking. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Information about local free tax preparation, programs funded by federal earmarks, or other impact initiatives at your United Way. These will make great “leave behinds” for your meetings on the Hill. We recommend 6-8 copies of each. 

WHAT IS THE CURRENT COVID POLICY?

United Way Worldwide requires that attendees at their hosted events provide proof of vaccination prior to arrival at the event. Be sure to submit your proof of vaccination using the CLEAR app before arriving on site. Instructions will be emailed to all attendees prior to the event. Masks are not required but are encouraged.

WILL THERE BE A “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” WEBINAR?

Yes! We’ll cover everything from what airport(s) to fly into to what “asks” you should be making during your legislative meetings. Stay tuned! 

SHOULD I ATTEND THE BOOTCAMP?

The Bootcamp for New Advocates is an optional pre-event activity. The Bootcamp will take place at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center at United Way Worldwide and is a perfect opportunity for those who may be joining us for the first time to get all caught up on United Way Advocacy efforts. There is an add-on fee of $75 per person.

Please note: The optional bootcamp is Monday, June 13. If you did not select the bootcamp during registration, the Advocacy Forum beings on June 14. If you would like to add the bootcamp to your registration, you can do so by modifying your registration here.

SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY HILL MEETINGS? 

Yes. In collaboration with other United Ways from your state, and in deference to your State Association or designated state lead. We will be in touch to facilitate these state groups and leads. Also, please do not schedule any meetings on the Hill outside of Wednesday, June 15th. 

CAN I NOMINATE MY LEGISLATOR FOR AN AWARD?

Yes! Please see the link and information for nominations at the UWO Advocacy Forum Hub. 

WHAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WILL I HAVE AT THIS EVENT?

On Monday and Tuesday (June 13 and June 14), you’ll have the opportunity to join your colleagues for group dinners in Alexandria, Virginia. While these dinners will be “on your own”, we’ll arrange the group reservations. 

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IN ALEXANDRIA?

• If you’d like to attend the optional Advocacy 101 Bootcamp, please arrive by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 13
• If you’re only attending the Forum and Hill Day, please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

We’re so sorry you can’t make it this year! Cancellations made on or before May 25 will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee; cancellations made after May 25 are non-refundable. To make changes or cancel your registration, please click here.

CAN I PAY WITH FLEXIBLE CREDITS?

Yes, you can! United Way staff and volunteers can pay for the event directly with flexible credits, and after the event can submit your travel, hotel and food expenses for reimbursement (within reasonable limits). Please note that only staff from United Ways eligible to receive flexible credits may use them at this event. United Ways outside the U.S. and Canada are not eligible for flex credit use.

Check your United Way flexible credit balance anytime. If you choose to use your flex credits to pay for this event, when you get to the payment screen while registering, choose “Flexible Credits."

More details on UWW's flexible credit policy for both this event and other opportunities can be found on United Way Online. If you have any additional questions about flexible credits, please contact Ask United Way.

HOW DO I CLAIM TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FROM MY UNITED WAY'S FLEXIBLE CREDITS?

If you would like to be reimbursed for your travel expenses from your flexible credit account, you can submit your expenses and they will be processed after the event. Each registrant will receive a digital travel reimbursement form about a week after the event ends. Once this form is sent, it must be completed within 15 business days, after which further reimbursements cannot be processed. You do not need to submit your receipts with this form, though we do encourage you to keep them for your records.

WHAT'S THE PER DIEM FOR THIS EVENT?

The per diem allowed when requesting reimbursement from flexible credits covers hotel and food expenses. For this event, the total per diem allowed for each attendee is $900.