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Frequently asked questions about TAFA
- What is the cost to register?
- What safety precautions will be put in place for the in-person audience?
- When will registration open?
- What time zone will be used?
- What workshops are being offered?
- What type of food is being provided?
- How old must I be to attend?
- What if I have additional questions?
- What if I have questions about Humane Lobby Day?
What is the cost to register?
Advance registration for TAFA is just $100!
What safety precautions will be put in place for the in-person audience?
The Humane Society of the United States considers the health and safety of all those who attend Taking Action for Animals our top priority. Learn more about what safety precautions will be in place at Taking Action for Animals 2024.
When will registration open?
Registration is open now!
What time zone will be used?
The schedule for the conference is in Eastern Daylight Time.
What workshops are being offered?
A description of all Taking Action for Animals workshops will be posted in spring of 2024. Past topics included stopping puppy mills, fur farms, factory farming and cosmetics testing.
What type of food is being provided?
We will be serving plant-based meals at TAFA, which is a great way to save precious natural resources, spare animals from factory farms and help you look and feel better! Serving meat-free meals is not only environmentally friendly and health-conscious, but it wholeheartedly helps support our mission—a humane society.
How old must I be to attend?
We invite advocates of all ages to join us at TAFA. Please note that any participants under age 18 will be required to have a parent or legal guardian register and chaperone them at the conference. They must complete a minor participation release form.
What if I have additional questions?
Please email us!
Humane Lobby Day FAQ
Contents
- What is Humane Lobby Day?
- How can I register for Humane Lobby Day?
- When is Humane Lobby Day?
- Will there be transportation from the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA to Capitol Hill?
- Who will we be meeting with?
- I can only make it for part of the day—is that OK?
- What should I wear?
- Where can I find food while at the Capitol Complex?
- Is there an agenda?
- What items are not permitted in congressional buildings?
What is Humane Lobby Day?
Humane Lobby Day gives our advocates the opportunity to directly engage with policymakers and their staff. Such engagement is a critical part of our advocacy because it allows the opportunity to influence policy through expressions of concerns and experiences.
How can I register for Humane Lobby Day?
You can sign up for Humane Lobby Day through the conference registration process. Once you are registered, your appointments for Humane Lobby Day will be made for you.
When is Humane Lobby Day?
Humane Lobby Day will take place on Capitol Hill Monday, July 22 and is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m EST.
Will there be transportation from the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA to Capitol Hill?
Yes, we will be providing transportation for Humane Lobby Day participants, either by way of the metro (metro card provided) or via charter bus. Once a final transportation plan is in place, this page will be updated.
Who will we be meeting with?
Although we cannot guarantee a meeting with your legislator’s office, we will do everything we can to do so. Due to the Congressional calendar, many members of Congress will not be in D.C. during our Humane Lobby Day, so please expect that the meeting will be joined by a member of their staff. Your meeting will generally only last 30 minutes and you’ll be given specific talking points and training about what to cover during the meeting. The training is scheduled during TAFA for 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, and attendance is mandatory.
I can only make it for part of the day—is that OK?
The event is designed to build throughout the day. It’s important to plan to attend the entire event.
What should I wear?
Dress professionally to meet with legislators. A business suit or business casual like slacks/skirt and a jacket are appropriate for Humane Lobby Day. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a government-issued photo I.D.
Where can I find food while at the Capitol Complex?
House Office Buildings
- Longworth Cafeteria, Longworth Building, Basement: Cafeteria-style food and service, including pizza, hamburgers, cold salad bar, deli sandwiches and wraps, a global food table and a Dunkin’ Donuts.
- Rayburn Building, Basement Cafeteria: Grill, deli, soups, salad bar, pizza, comfort foods, beverages, prepackaged salads and sandwiches, and snacks.
- Rayburn Building, Basement: Subway.
- Cannon Building, 1st Floor: Au Bon Pain.
Senate Office Buildings
- Dirksen Cafeteria, Dirksen Building, Basement: Food court, including pizza, hamburgers, cold salad bar, deli sandwiches and wraps.
- Cups, Russell Building, Basement (limited seating): Coffee, sandwiches and got and cold salad bar.
- Inside Scoop, Dirksen Building, Ground Floor: Coffee, ice cream, snacks and drinks.
Is there an agenda?
Times may vary depending on Congressional offices’ schedules, but the general agenda is as follows:
- 8:15 a.m. Travel to Capitol Hill from the hotel.
- 9 a.m. Arrive at the Capitol Complex and take a group picture.
- 10 a.m. Meetings begin in Senate Office Buildings.
- 12 p.m. Bring Your Lunch discussion with guest speakers (details will be announced at TAFA).
- 1 p.m. Meetings begin in House Office Buildings.
- 4 p.m. Lobby Day concludes.
Please note: We also have some limited tickets available for tours of the U.S. Capitol and will share that information at Lobby Day training.
What items are not permitted in congressional buildings?
All guests visiting congressional buildings must go through security, including a metal detector. The U.S. Capitol Police does not allow the following items:
- Bags exceeding the size of 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep.
- Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition.
- Weapons to include, but not limited to pepper spray, electric stun guns, knives (with blades longer than 3"), razors, box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices.
- Pointed objects to include, but not limited to knitting needles, letter openers or other pointed objects deemed a possible threat. Pens and pencils are permitted.
- Sealed envelopes and packages.