WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

The Advocacy Forum is an informal event and business casual is recommended. Although it’ll be summer, we recommend bringing a sweater or scarf just in case as air conditioning may be strong! 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?

Current United Way Worldwide (UWW) policy requires that attendees at this event provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. UWW has partnered with Attend Safe, a leading vaccine verification platform, to verify vaccination information in a secure and HIPAA compliant way. You must submit your proof of vaccination by June 13. If you have circumstances which prevent you from submitting your proof of vaccination, please contact events@unitedway.org by June 13. 

Click here to view instructions and more information about the process. During the event, we encourage following recommended health and safety protocols, including regular handwashing, maintaining social distance, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, and self-isolating if you feel ill or test positive for COVID.  Masks are not required but are encouraged.  Should you become ill or test positive for COVID-19, we request that attendees remove themselves from participation and notify events@unitedway.org. United Way reserves the right to deny entry to or remove anyone at the event presenting with flu-like or COVID-19-related symptoms. Refusal to abide by United Way Worldwide’s health safety related procedures may result in removal from the program and cancellation of registration without refund.    

United Way Worldwide has put in place various preventative measures to address concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, we cannot guarantee that attendees will not be exposed to COVID-19 while attending the conference. Each attendee assumes the risks associated with attendance at an in-person event.  

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

Yes! We will have two Know Before You Go Webinars to help attendees prepare for the Forum and Hill Day. We’ll cover everything from what airport(s) to fly into to what “asks” you should be making during your legislative meetings. Information on how to register for these webinars can be found below.

Know Before You Go: 2023 Advocacy Forum and Hill Day Webinar 
May 11 at 3 PM ET
Whether you have already registered for the Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day or want to learn more, join us on May 11 at 3 PM ET to get an overview of this year’s new additions to the event and the Network asks we will be advocating for during Hill meetings. We will cover logistics and content as well as tips to help with scheduling meetings with Congressional offices. Please bring your questions and join us! Register here.
 
2023 Advocacy Forum Policy Priorities Overview and Resources 
June 9 at 3 PM ET
This webinar will help United Ways prepare for the June 22 Hill Day with a briefing on the policy asks, talking points and resources as well as an overview of what to expect during Hill meetings with Congressional offices. We will also provide tips to maximize the Executive Branch Partnerships Fair Summit and how to navigate Capitol Hill for your meetings with your Congressional Representatives, Senators, and their staff. Register 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. All attendees are encouraged to schedule Hill meetings for June 22.  

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IN ALEXANDRIA?

Tuesday, June 20 for the Welcome Reception with Angela Williams. Wednesday, June 21 by 8:30 AM if only attending the Forum and Hill Day. Travelers should confirm their event registration before making nonrefundable travel plans.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

We’re so sorry you can’t make it this year! Cancellations made on or before June 8 will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee; cancellations made after June 8 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, after the event, you can submit them, and they will be processed after the event. Each registrant will receive a digital travel reimbursement form shortly after the event ends. Once this form is sent, it must be completed by the date indicated in the reimbursement email. You do not need to submit your receipts with this form, though we 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 includes hotel and food expenses. For this event, each attendee can request to be reimbursed up to the total per diem, which is $1005. Travel (airline or train tickets, taxi fares, parking fees, etc) can be reimbursed up to $500. To use flexible credits to cover registration fees, make sure to select that as your payment method during registration.