2024 Hill Day FAQ
The RLS Foundation is hosting its annual Hill Day event on Monday, September 9. Hill Day is an opportunity to unite with fellow RLS community members to meet with legislative staffers and advocate for key issues. The RLS Foundation works with the Health and Medicine Counsel of DC (HMC) to coordinate Hill Days. If you are interested in attending Hill Day, read through the FAQ below to find answers to all your questions! If you have further questions, please email adrianna@rls.org.
Agenda: Monday, September 9, 2024*
8:00 AM: Welcome Session at Health and Medicine Counsel: 50 F St NW, Suite 730, Washington, DC
8:45 AM: Walk to US Capitol Hill for group photo
9:15 AM: Walk to Russell Senate Office Building: 2 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC
9:30 – 12:00 PM: Senate Meetings
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Senate Building Basement Cafeteria
1:00 PM: Walk to Rayburn House Office Building: 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
1:30 - 4:00 PM: House Meetings
4:00 PM: Debrief
*This schedule is tentative and may change based on office availability.
Preparation
What are we advocating for?
Put simply, we are advocating for increased funding for RLS research, enhanced awareness and education, and protected access to crucial therapies for refractory RLS which may include opioids. See the legislative agenda for details.
What should I bring with me?
A valid ID is required to enter all government buildings. Bring any notes you have prepared to share with legislators. You can take a small bag with your wallet, ID, camera, portable phone charger, or other personal effects. Water and unopened snacks are permitted inside the building. Prohibited items include perfumes, pepper spray, aerosol containers, weapons, backpacks, and suitcases as you will have to go through security.
What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is appropriate. You should wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking/standing for most of the day.
What is the Health and Medicine Counsel (HMC)?
The Health and Medicine Counsel of Washington is a government relations organization that works with nonprofit organizations and companies in the healthcare industry. HMC guides our advocacy efforts, including coordinating congressional meetings.
Will I receive training prior to meeting with representatives?
There are advocacy materials available on our website under the “Advocacy” Tab. On Monday morning there will be a welcome session with HMC representatives who will prepare you for the day.
How can I prepare for Hill Day?
Step 1: Register at: www.rls.org/hillday. Registering in advance allows our HMC representatives to target legislators in your state and district.
Step 2: Create your story. Meetings with representatives will be brief, so preparation is key. Representatives want to hear why the policies they pass impact their constituents.
Step 3: View our advocacy resources under the “Advocacy” Tab at www.rls.org.
Step 4: Plan your travel including hotel reservations, car rentals, public transportation, or other necessary details.
What To Expect
This is my first time participating in any type of advocacy work- what should I expect?
Advocacy can seem daunting, but it will not take you long to gain confidence! You will feel a sense of unity among the members of your group knowing you have a collective mission and a sense of empowerment by being a voice for those who cannot be there.
The HMC will coordinate meetings in advance, but you will receive your schedule the day of. You will likely meet with 5-7 offices. An HMC representative will guide your group through the meetings.
Your group may include an RLSF employee, a Board member, an RLS expert, other RLS members and an HMC representative.
Who do we meet with?
You will meet with legislative staffers who are responsible for listening, asking questions and taking notes during the meeting. Legislative staffers are essential in helping legislators make informed decisions and effectively serving constituents.
How is each meeting structured?
You will meet with a representative from each office who is there to listen and take notes. These meetings last about 15-20 minutes. Do not be surprised if your meetings take place in a conference room, the office lobby, or even the hallway!
After introductions, an RLSF representative will explain what RLS is and what the RLS Foundation does. You will then share your story in 2-4 minutes. The HMC representative will end with our legislative priorities and request their support. The flow of your meeting will happen naturally, as your group learns how to bounce off each other’s statements.
What is my role in this meeting?
Statistics and numbers only go so far- the most impactful statements come from those who live with RLS and can provide context for the adversities faced by the community. Prepare your story in advance, as you will have 2-4 minutes to share.
How much walking is required?
Please note that congressional buildings are quite large and navigating them will involve a significant amount of walking. Based on past events, on average you will be walking six miles in total. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for an active day. If you have any walking impairments or mobility concerns, we recommend planning ahead to ensure a comfortable experience.
Travel
Where do we meet?
We will meet at the HMC Headquarters located at 50 F St NW, Suite 730 Washington, DC 20001.
I am commuting by car. Where can I park?
The closest parking structure is Market Square Parking Garage located at 701/801 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. It is about a 20-minute walk to the meeting area. You can reserve parking tickets in advance.
Can I commute by train?
Yes, the HMC office is just a short walk from Union Station.
What hotels are in the area?
There are many hotels in the area, both within walking distance and driving distance of HMC Headquarters.
Options within walking distance:
- Phoenix Park Hotel: 520 N Capitol St. (2 min walk)
- Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill: 525 New Jersey Ave NW (3 min walk)
- Kimpton George Hotel: 15 E St. NW (3 min walk)
Options within driving distance:
- Hilton Garden Inn: 2020 Richmond Highway Arlington (12 min drive)
- Lyle Hotel: 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW (15 min drive)
- Cambria Hotel Capitol Riverfront: 69 Q St SW (10 min drive)
- State Plaza Hotel: 2117 E St NW (15 min drive)
- Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf: 480 L'Enfant Plaza SW (10 min drive)
You may need to consider car rentals or ride-sharing services as a form of transportation. Be sure to reserve all accommodations in advance!