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The CCL Summer Conference & Lobby Day

Join us at CCL’s Summer Conference

When the going gets tough, get to D.C.

July 20-22, 2025
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C.

While others press pause on D.C., we’re pressing on.

With so much at stake, our presence on the Hill this year isn’t just nice-to-have. It’s absolutely crucial.

What to expect

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A jam-packed, two-day format dedicated to building the skills you need for Lobby Day. 

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Insight into today’s climate landscape and key perspectives on where CCL fits in.

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Be with the best people in the world, doing the best work, for the best cause.


Program Overview

Volunteers talking at the conference

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Pre-Conference

Settle into D.C.! Then, join your fellow CCLers for a film screening or board games.

Volunteers talking at the conference

MONDAY, JULY 21

Day 1: Conference

Buckle up for a jam packed day that will get you ready to lobby.

Morning: All Together

  • The big picture + CCL’s gameplan

  • Our Lobby Day asks

Afternoon: Breakout sessions

  • Policy Deep Dives

  • Skill building workshops

volunteers on lobby day

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Day 2: Lobby Day

Hit the Hill for productive meetings with Congress then celebrate at our lobby day afterparty.


Agenda

Sunday, July 20, 2025
Monday, July 21, 2025
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
5:00 pm-9:00 pm

Early Registration

6:00 pm-8:30 pm

Film Screening & Discussion

7:30 pm-10:00 pm

Social Time

8:00 am-9:00 am

Registration

9:00 am-9:20 am

Conference Welcome

Ricky Bradley

Ricky Bradley

Interim Executive Director, CCL/CCE

9:20 am-10:05 am

Keynote Session: Amanda Ripley

Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, a Washington Post contributing columnist, and the co-founder of Good Conflict, a media and training company that helps people reimagine conflict. She has written three award-winning, nonfiction books about three very different subjects: High Conflict, The Smartest Kids in the World, and The Unthinkable. Previously, Ripley spent a decade writing about human behavior for Time magazine in New York, Washington, and Paris.

Amanda Ripley

Amanda Ripley

Author, Investigative Journalist, Co-founder of Good Conflict

10:15 am-10:30 am

Break

10:30 am-11:45 am

Lobby Day Prep Session

As we prepare to hit Capitol Hill, this session is designed to give you all the tools you need to make a cast-iron case for climate policy. CCL’s Government Affairs & Research teams will ensure you head to Congress fully primed on CCL’s legislative strategy, familiar with our Primary and Secondary Asks, and equipped with all the necessary tools for success.

Jennifer Tyler

Jennifer Tyler

VP of Government Affairs, CCL/CCE

Dana Nuccitelli

Dana Nuccitelli

Research Manager, CCL/CCE

11:45 am-12:00 pm

Lobby Day Logistics

Get all the last minute logistics details (how to read your schedule, get to the Congressional Buildings, submitting your meeting notes and more!) before we head to Capitol Hill!

Mindy Ahler

Mindy Ahler

Congressional Liaison Program Manager, CCL/CCE

12:00 pm-1:30 pm

Lunch on your own

12:00 pm-1:15 pm

State Coordinator Appreciation Lunch (Invitation only)

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

Experience-focused Breakouts

Climate Advocate Lobby Training

Anyone lobbying with CCL for the first time is invited. Before we embark on our meetings with Congress, it’s important for all participants to be familiar with CCL’s powerful approach to transformational advocacy. You’ll learn the blueprint, roles and teamwork that lead to a persuasive lobby meeting as we strive to gather important intel from Congressional offices and ensure our policy asks are impactful and well-received.

Leadership Meeting

CCL State Coordinators, Group Leaders, and Liaisons are invited to join this special leadership meeting where we’ll discuss CCL’s path forward and our goals for this Congress. We’ll also share how CCL’s dedicated team of staff are primed and ready to support our invaluable volunteer leaders as we work together for change-making advocacy.

Perfect Your Lobby Day Plan

Join us for a live coaching session as experienced CCL staffers help you develop a successful lobby day meeting plan specifically tailored to your member of Congress. During our time together, you’ll get guidance on best practices and approaches to set you on your way to a highly effective lobby meeting the following day.

2:45 pm-3:30 pm

Breakout Sessions I

Growing Together: Managing expectations and creating outcomes for ourselves and for our communities

Our work sparks passion, but a steadfast conviction we know best can be counterproductive to our relationships, communities and advocacy. Through reflection, dialogue, and personal stories, Drew Eyerly and Karina Ramirez will explore the tension between individualism and collective wellbeing. Participants will learn how entitlement can creep into advocacy and how CCL’s values encourage respectful, effective communication across differences. Show up for an empowering session with actionable steps for personal growth and community engagement as we root our work in humility, empathy, and shared purpose.

From Selfies to Strategy: Using Social Media for Powerful Climate Advocacy

Social media is a powerful tool for grassroots lobbying and climate action. Join Elissa Tennant to learn how to use it to amplify your climate advocacy in D.C. and back home. We’ll get you started with a simple, five-step process to create your best possible, attention-grabbing post for Lobby Day.

Permitting Reform Panel

As momentum builds around clean energy permitting reform, our panel of key industry and policy experts will explore the political dynamics shaping reform efforts, bipartisan messaging strategies, and the role grassroots advocates can play. We’ll learn about the prospects for policy, shifts in party priorities, and lessons from past negotiations as we examine how this complex policy area could evolve in the months ahead.

3:45 pm-4:30 pm

Breakout Sessions II

Fixing Our Forests

Join us for a timely conversation with our panelists on the future of our forests. The panel will unpack the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA)—one of our lobbying Asks—that accelerates science-based thinning, prescribed burns, and reforestation by cutting red tape. Hear how robust workforce investments, modern nurseries, and stronger community partnerships can complement FOFA, safeguard water and wildlife, curb mega-fires, and keep forests pulling carbon from the atmosphere.

Supporting Media Across State Lines: A New Approach to LTEs & Op-Eds

Effective advocacy requires applying pressure on certain lawmakers at certain times. You can help make that happen! Whether your chapter needs more support for your media efforts, or you have lots of capacity and want to help other chapters, this session is for you. You'll practice your LTE and op-ed writing skills and learn best practices for working with other CCLers on media across state lines.

Carbon Pricing Around the World

The U.S. remains the only developed economy globally without a national carbon price—progress hindered by a distorted domestic policy debate. This session explores how carbon pricing has worked successfully across the world and how those lessons apply to the evolving U.S. conversation. Dr. Danny Richter will highlight the emerging fourth generation (4G) of U.S. carbon policy, centered on border adjustments and bipartisan interest in leveraging America’s carbon efficiency. Join us for a global tour of carbon pricing and a look at where U.S. policy may be headed next.

4:40 pm-5:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Karina Ramirez

Karina Ramirez

VP of People and Culture, CCL/CCE

5:00 pm-11:00 pm

Open time for lobby team planning

8:00 am-8:30 am

Group Photo on Capitol Hill

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Lobby Day

Refer to your personal lobby schedule emailed to you by July 16th.

7:00 pm-11:00 pm

Lobby Day After Party

Cap off your conference & lobby day experience – celebrate your lobbying efforts, hear from first time lobbyists and dance with our DJ! Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.


What our attendees say

“Fellow CCLers are inspiring and energizing, and speaking with real people on the Hill gives me hope that our future will be bright.”

— Matt M.
Volunteer

Venue

Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008

About the location

The Omni Shoreham Hotel is one of Washington D.C.’s largest conference hotels. The venue is located in close to the Woodley Park D.C. metro station, making it easy to access from the airport or Amtrak station.

CCL Group Rate

To take advantage of CCL’s group rate, book by June 24, 2025

CCL group rate: $279/night + tax

Be sure to register early to receive the best rate!

Secure your spot

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Who is invited to attend the Summer Conference & Lobby Day?

Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of your level of experience in CCL. We provide training for all levels of experience during the conference. For attendees under the age of 18 years old, please review our policy regarding minors FAQ. 

How do I register?

Visit our registration page to register. The registration deadline is Thursday, July 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET. NOTE: you should only register one person per transaction/ticket. If you are registering for multiple people, do so in separate transactions. Once you are finished with this registration, go back to the event page and select another ticket for the next person you are registering. Failure to do so will cause issues with our lobby scheduler.

Walk-in registration is available for the conference only (July 20-21). Walk-in registrants will not receive a lobby day schedule (for July 22).

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, registration fees and deadlines are as follows: 

  • Early Bird registration: $149 (April 12 through May 15, 11:59 p.m. ET) 
  • Regular registration: $199 (May 16 through July 3, 11:59 p.m. ET)
  • Student Registration: $35 (April 12 through July 3, 11:59 p.m. ET) Students will be asked to share what school they are currently enrolled in. 

Are scholarships or registration discounts available?

Are meals included in the registration fee?

Meals are on your own – the area is packed with restaurants. We will have a post-lobby day reception the evening of Tuesday, July 22nd which includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Is my registration fee transferable?

Registration fees are not transferable.

May I pay by check?

Yes. When you register and you get to the payment section of the registration process, select “pay by check” and continue with the rest of the registration form. Please mail your check, made payable to Citizens’ Climate Education, to PO Box 181020, Coronado, CA 92178. Please put “2025 Summer Conference” in the memo. Your payment must be received by July 1st. 

Can children attend the conference?

The minimum age to participate in CCL events, activities, and lobby meetings is 13 years old. We welcome children ages 13-17 to attend the Summer Conference & Lobby Day as long as they are accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or a grandparent. This ensures minors have the proper support and supervision while engaging with our programs through the duration of the event.  

Instructions for registering with a minor: The parent/legal guardian/grandparent must register themself for the conference (by selecting a “Conference & Lobby Day” ticket or a “Conference Only” ticket), and also select the “Add On – Minor Registration” ticket ($35). In the registration form, the parent/legal guardian/grandparent will be asked if they are bringing a minor with them, they should select yes (this will serve as the minor’s registration). The minor DOES NOT REGISTER separately. The minor will shadow their parent/legal guardian/grandparent on lobby day, and will not receive their own lobby day schedule.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible by email or by phone at (619) 437-7142. The deadline for cancellations and refunds is July 3rd. Refunds are only available through July 3rd (you can still cancel after July 3rd but we cannot process your refund).

Are walk-in registrations accepted?

Yes, you can walk-in to the conference and register. We can accept credit/debit cards, and personal checks only. Registration prices are $199 for conference registration or $35 for student conference registration. Walk-in registration includes conference sessions July 20-21 only; walk-in registrants will NOT receive a lobby day schedule for July 22nd.

What is the COVID-19 guidance for this conference?

We are grateful for the layers of protection and public education that now exist to keep us as safe as possible at our upcoming in-person conference. We want to acknowledge that the risks are not the same for everyone and that people must determine for themselves what risks to take. We trust that you will make the best decision for yourself regarding your attendance at the event and what precautions you take, such as vaccinations, boosters, social distancing, and wearing a mask. At this time we will not be requiring testing before or during the conference, or mask wearing at the conference. We ask attendees to support people in their personal choice about wearing masks. If you are not feeling well in the days leading up to or at the conference, we ask that you stay home or isolate yourself. We will refund your conference registration fee upon request. If you must cancel your attendance to the conference due to COVID-19 or illness, please let us know as soon as you can by emailing . Thank you in advance for being thoughtful and courteous to other attendees.

Program & Agenda

Where can I find the conference schedule?

We’ll be making updates to the program as we get closer to the conference, so be sure to check back for the most up-to-date agenda. You’ll find the conference schedule on this webpage you are currently viewing, scroll up to the “Program” section to find the conference agenda.

What is the CCL Climate Advocate Lobby Training?

The Climate Advocate Lobby Training focuses on CCL, our history, and our methods for generating political will, as well as the basics of how to lobby Congress using CCL’s specific approach. The training occurs at our National Conferences, and when we are initiating a brand new group in a new area. If you’re new to CCL or you have never attended this training before we strongly encourage you to attend it in person at the conference, or you can sign up for a virtual version of the workshop here. This training is required to lobby with CCL.

Will the conference be recorded or live streamed?

This year’s conference is tightly focused on preparing in-person attendees for a successful lobby day on July 22nd, therefore the conference will not be recorded or live streamed. If you’re not attending the conference but still want the camaraderie and energetic boost of being with other CCLers, please plan to attend our July monthly meeting held on Zoom, where we will hear from CCL staff about the plans for lobby day and how you can support the efforts from home.

Some content discussed during the conference will be made available as future virtual training sessions on CCL Community in the coming months following the conference. Check out the Events calendar on CCL Community for upcoming training sessions.

Lobbying

How many members of Congress (MOCs) will we meet with?

In lobby days past we’ve met with over 400 offices, we hope to meet that goal again this year!

Is there a maximum number of lobbyists for Lobby Day?

We have a limit of 1,200 citizen lobbyists for Lobby Day. If you want to participate in lobbying, we encourage you to register early. However, there is plenty of room at the conference itself July 20-21. Even if you can’t lobby, we hope you will take advantage of the speakers, workshops, and opportunity to network with like-minded volunteers at the conference.

How many lobby meetings will I have? How many volunteers will be on the lobby teams?

Based on our past experience, with so many people wanting to lobby, we expect each person to have 2-3 lobby meetings, with 4-6 volunteer lobbyists in each meeting. This is subject to change, of course, depending on how many offices we schedule appointments with and the timing of those meetings.

What is the process for creating lobby teams?

We will do our best to put constituents in their congressperson’s meeting though sometimes there are more constituents than space in an office. We estimate each citizen lobbyist to have 2-3 meetings. Given we’ll have attendees from around the country, lobby teams will have a mix of 4-6 constituents and non-constituents. 

How are lobby schedules created?

Lobby teams and schedules are coordinated in conjunction with CCL Staff and State Coordinators and a software program that prioritizes constituents and existing liaisons to be placed in their district meeting if possible.

We cross reference the availability you provided when you registered, and we place you into appointments based on your availability, your congressional district, and the need for volunteers to fill meetings where we do not have any or enough constituents to fill the meeting. We try to have no more than 4-6 people per meeting, depending on the number of people we have attending Lobby Day. We estimate each volunteer lobbyist to have 2-3 meetings. 

We kindly ask that you love the schedule you receive. The process of coordinating the schedule is complex and changes have domino effects. Often there are more constituents than space available in Capitol Hill offices. Sometimes congressional staffers have requested a limit on the number of people attending the meeting. If for any reason you cannot attend a meeting we ask that you notify the meeting leader, which can be found on your lobby schedule.

What time will lobby meetings be scheduled on July 22nd?

Lobby meetings on July 22nd can be scheduled starting at 8:30 a.m., most end by 5:30 p.m. Since we don’t know in advance how many lobby meetings are later in the day, we’d like to have as many lobbyists as possible stay until the end of the day and come to the post lobby day reception. If you need to end your lobby day earlier than 5:30 p.m., when you register please indicate the time you are available until (you can potentially be scheduled for a meeting to start 1 hour prior to the time indicated. For example, if you indicate in your registration you are available until 3 p.m., you could be scheduled for a meeting that starts at 2 p.m.). If you have any questions about your availability or schedule please email .

When will I be notified of the lobby team I am on?

Lobby day registration closes July 3rd, 11:59 p.m. ET sharp, no exceptions. This gives us enough time to assemble the lobby teams and schedules from available lobbyists. We’ll notify you of your team members the week of July 16th, so you’ll have plenty of time to meet with your team to plan before lobby day on July 22nd.

Who makes the appointments for lobby meetings in D.C.?

Designated CCL Congressional Liaisons or Appointment Setters will make appointments with congressional offices. In some cases, CCL interns will make appointments. If you have questions about the appointment setting process or responsibilities, email .

How are lobby schedules created for minors?

The minimum age to participate in CCL events, activities, and lobby meetings is 13 years old. We welcome children ages 13-17 to attend the Summer Conference & Lobby Day as long as they are accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or a grandparent. This ensures minors have the proper support and supervision while engaging with our programs through the duration of the event. The minor will shadow their parent/legal guardian/grandparent’s lobby schedule on lobby day, they will not receive their own lobby day schedule.

Instructions for registering with a minor: The parent/legal guardian/grandparent must register themself for the conference (by selecting a “Conference & Lobby Day” ticket or a “Conference Only” ticket), and also select the “Add On – Minor Registration” ticket ($35). In the registration form, the parent/legal guardian/grandparent will be asked if they are bringing a minor with them, they should select yes (this will serve as the minor’s registration). The minor DOES NOT REGISTER separately. 

Can I request to be in a specific lobby meeting?

Yes, special requests can be submitted once you register. After you register, you will receive two confirmation emails. In one of the two confirmation emails there will be a link to submit special relationships and/or requests. Please keep in mind that we prioritize constituents to meet with their members of Congress, and there are no scheduling guarantees.

May I change the lobby schedule I receive?

We kindly ask that you love the schedule you receive. The process of coordinating the lobby day schedules is complex and changes have domino effects. Often there are more constituents than space available in Capitol Hill offices. Sometimes congressional staffers have requested a limit on the number of people attending the meeting. If for any reason you cannot attend a meeting, we ask that you notify the meeting leader, which can be found on your lobby schedule.

Can I drop in to a lobby meeting?

No, please do not just drop in to a lobby meeting or join a team you aren’t assigned to. Consult your State Coordinator or for advice if you think it is imperative that you be in a certain meeting. We put a lot of effort and advance planning into creating lobby teams, including making sure they aren’t too large and making sure everyone who is registered to lobby is part of a lobby team. Lobby day is not a drop-in event. Advance registration and our Climate Advocate Lobby Training are expected of everyone who wishes to participate in the lobby day.

How do I prepare for Lobby Day?

Whether it’s your first time lobbying or your tenth, visit our Preparing for Lobby Day page (will be updated for Summer Lobby Day soon) to read through our recommended resources as a guide to walk you through the process of planning a powerful Lobby Day experience and the upcoming calendar of deadlines, helpful links and training. Plan to attend live, or watch the recordings for the virtual Citizens’ Climate University Lobby Day Trainings (dates TBD). We’ll also have Lobby Day training during the conference on July 21st.

We ask the leader for each lobby team to contact the team members as soon as possible to arrange a time to prepare for the meeting. If you don’t hear from your team lead, you can also contact them. All contact information for your team will be on your schedule which will be emailed to you on July 16th. Teams are encouraged to meet virtually prior to arriving in D.C. as you will have several days to prepare prior to lobby day.

Will lobby teams have time to prepare for their lobby meeting during the conference?

Lobby meeting preparation matters! Given our busy conference agenda, it is not possible to designate specific times at the conference for each team to meet. There will be no formal programming during the evening of the conference on July 21st, we suggest you meet with your lobby teams then. 

Lobby Team Leaders: Individuals selected as Lobby Team Leaders will be alerted of such by July 14th. We ask Team Leaders to contact their team members as soon as you receive your schedule on July 16th (via email and/or text) to arrange a time to prepare for the meeting virtually, or schedule something in-person at the conference. All contact information for your team will be on your schedule.

Team Members (non Team Leaders): Expect to hear from your Team Leader to arrange time virtually or in-person at the conference to plan your meeting. If you don’t hear from your Team Leader, you can also contact them. All contact information for your team will be on your schedule which will be emailed to you on July 16th.

What should a citizen lobbyist wear?

If participating in lobby day on July 22, we encourage dressing business professional, perhaps a suit and tie, skirt or dress pants with a professional top and jacket, or a professional dress. You can take a look at these photos of real CCLers at past lobby days if you need some outfit inspiration. Everyone should wear comfortable dress shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide your comfortable shoes to change out of in between meetings), there will be a lot of traveling around Capitol Hill. Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference July 20-21.

What should I do with my luggage/bags while I am lobbying on Capitol Hill?

We recommend checking your bags at the front desk of your hotel if you plan to leave D.C. on Wednesday. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your last lobbying appointment (it could start as late as 5:30 p.m.) to get back to the hotel, pick up your bags, and then get to the airport or train station.

Another option is to consider luggage storage services such as Vertoe or Bounce.

We strongly recommend you NOT to take your luggage with you to Capitol Hill. You may experience problems with security at the federal buildings, you will be doing a lot of walking throughout the day, and the House and Senate offices are all very small and cannot accommodate luggage.

Travel

What are the details on the host hotel?

The host hotel is the Omni Shoreham, located at 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20008. For conference attendees, the rate starts at $279 per night plus tax with up to four people per room. You must book by June 24th to receive the CCL rate. Visit our group room block reservation page on the hotel’s website to make your reservation. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis and fill up quickly, we suggest you make your reservation early.

What should I pack? Is there a dress code for the conference?

Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference July 20-21. If participating in lobby day on July 22nd, we encourage dressing business professional, perhaps a suit and tie, skirt or dress pants with a professional top and jacket, or a professional dress. You can take a look at these photos of real CCLers at past lobby days if you need some outfit inspiration. Everyone should wear comfortable dress shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide your comfortable shoes to change out of in between meetings), there will be a lot of traveling around Capitol Hill.

Other items you might consider bringing (absolutely not required!):

  • A reusable coffee mug and/or water bottle as we serve coffee in the morning of the conference, and there are water fountains. 
  • A laptop or tablet could be helpful while planning for your lobby meetings, doing research, and submitting notes. 
  • A notebook and pen to take notes during conference sessions and lobby meetings.
  • If you have a CCL button, or a lanyard from a past conference, feel free to bring them. 
  • Metrocard if you have one (they are reloadable).

Be sure your name is on your belongings in case they get lost. CCL will not be responsible for lost belongings. 

How can I find a roommate?

In order to facilitate the coordination of searching for roommates you will need to sign CCL’s  Liability Waiver for the Room Share Forum. Read the terms on that page and express your consent to the terms.  After you click submit you’ll be redirected to the room share forum.  To find the forum later, on Community go to Connect With Others -> Sitewide Forums -> General -> Room Share.

Are there other lodging accommodations nearby?

We only have a room block secured at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, our conference venue.

You can find nearby hotels on Hotels.com.

Hostels (dorm style accommodations):

You also might consider renting through Airbnb or Vrbo.

Is there a subway/rail system near the Omni Shoreham hotel?

Yes, D.C.’s rail service is called Metro. A reloadable SmarTrip Metrocard is required to ride. You can purchase a plastic card at a Metro station, or use SmarTrip through your mobile wallet. Learn more here.  

The Metro’s Red Line stops at Woodley Park, which is a couple of blocks away from the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Check out this DC Metro Trip Planner for additional information.

How do you get from Union Station to the Omni Shoreham hotel?

From Union Station, take the Red Line going toward Shady Grove (Northwest) to the Woodley Park station (six stops). Walk two blocks to the Omni Shoreham Hotel by heading out of the Woodley Park station at the 24th Street NW & Connecticut Ave exit and proceed down Calvert Street. The Omni Shoreham Hotel address is 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC, 20008.

Is there parking at the Omni Shoreham Hotel?

Valet parking is available at the hotel at the rate of $55+tax/day. Self-parking is not available.

Are there restaurants near the hotel?

Find nearby restaurants on Yelp.com or on the Omni Shoreham’s website.