We are thrilled to return to Capitol Hill for an in-person Advocacy Day in 2025 to champion the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA)! Join us in Washington, D.C., on November 3-4, 2025 to meet face-to-face with your federal legislators and share why ELSA matters for individuals and families affected by congenital anomalies.
Lawmakers tell us time and again that hearing the real-life stories of their constituents is the most powerful way to inspire change. That is why we are calling on advocates from all 50 states to make their voices heard and show Congress the urgency of this legislation.
Whether you are a patient, family member, healthcare provider, student, researcher, or part of an ELSA-supporting organization, your voice matters. Together, our small-but-mighty community has already made incredible progress, and with your help, we can push ELSA across the finish line! The NFED is proud to walk alongside you, providing the tools and support you need for a successful advocacy journey.
Hotel Room Block
This year’s hotel room block is now full.
Schedule
Our tentative agenda estimates advocate arrival in the early afternoon on Monday, November 3, and ends with advocate departure after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.
Monday – Tentative Capitol Hill Tour (confirmation coming soon), Advocacy Training & Dinner, and an ELSA Awareness Walk to the Capitol Building stairs.
Tuesday – Bus transportation from Hyatt Place Hotel to Capitol Hill and a full day of legislative meetings (approx. 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET)
Advocacy Training
Before Advocacy Day, our team will host a mandatory virtual training webinar and virtual youth advocate training via Zoom on Monday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. CT. to review key messages, prepare you for meetings, and answer questions. This training is required even if you have attended an NFED-led Advocacy Day before. We will send the Zoom link and agenda as soon as it’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Advocate Training
We will host a mandatory virtual advocacy training and a virtual youth advocate training on Monday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. CT. via Zoom. The agenda and link will be shared with you soon.
Travel
There are three airports that service the D.C. area for participants traveling by plane: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Ronald Reagan (DCA) is the suggested airport.
Advocacy Day Attire
There will be a lot of walking between the Senate and House buildings on Capitol Hill. Advocates should wear sneakers or comfortable shoes and casual attire. We will provide a t-shirt to all registered and attending advocates.
Transportation to and from Capitol Hill
We will provide transportation for all advocates from the Hyatt Place hotel to Capitol Hill. When we arrive, you may need to walk between buildings for your meetings.
Advocacy Day Meetings
Meetings with your legislators will be scheduled ahead of time, and you will be provided with the meeting time and place. All you have to do is show up and share your story.
Advocacy Resources
Check out our Advocacy Resources page for helpful information and resources to help you share your story and advocate to your legislators.
Thank You to Our Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill Sponsors!
Individual & Family Champions
The Aniotzbehere Family
Organizational Advocates
