The CCL June Conference & Lobby Day

The 2023 Climate Lobbying Reboot

CCL's June Conference

June 10-13, 2023

Washington, DC

Two volunteers in the halls of Congress

Conference Overview

We’re back on Capitol Hill

It’s a new Congress, and we’ll welcome them with the biggest single day of climate lobbying since 2019. CCL’s conference includes everything you’ll need to power up your climate advocacy – inspiration, best practices and information. This year, you’ll get to put everything you learn to use when you meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill and talk to them about climate change.

Add a Saturday Seminar

Go deeper in these pre-conference sessions. Choose from three workshop options: ConnectEffect, En-ROADS, and Diversifying Your Chapter. If you plan to attend, be sure to add this ticket for $25 to your conference registration. Space is limited. See the FAQ below for more information.

Keynote Speakers

Venue

omni shoreham hotel

Address

Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008 (202) 234-0700

CCL Room rate: $294/night + tax. Book by May 8, 2023 to receive this rate.

Program

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Optional workshops that go deeper into a topic than a standard conference breakout.

ConnectEffect

From two-time Emmy-nominated & NAACP-Image Award nominated Executive Producer/Director Riaz Patel, ConnectEffect is an immersive Entertainment Experience that explores media, division, identity and the profound difference between the REAL WORLD and the SCREEN WORLD in a deeply personal & poignant way. It takes an audience of strangers - from all sides of all issues - and quickly connects us through an experience optimized for vulnerability, compassion, connection & hope. It has been described as a “Hard-Reset of shared Humanity.”

En-ROADS Climate Workshop

The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is an interactive group experience that uses the En-ROADS climate solutions simulator—a free, easy-to-use, online tool built by the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and the not-for-profit think tank, Climate Interactive. En-ROADS gives users the opportunity to test out different climate change solutions, en route to creating a future that limits global warming to well below 2°C from pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. The experience delivers insights into policies and actions that can meet climate goals. To-date, it has been used by more than 140,000 people in 110 countries, including 1600+ top decision-makers, and by many CCL members in their engagements with leaders. Come experience En-ROADS for yourself and see how it can be useful in your work.

Diversifying your chapter

CCL exists to empower all everyday people - of all colors, ages, and political stripes - to build political will for climate solutions. In this seminar, CCL focused outreach staff will discuss CCL National’s work in reaching people of color, students, and those politically right of center, and review ideas and resources available to volunteers to help with your own outreach in your community.

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Monday, June 12, 2023

photo of cece grant

CeCe Grant

Director of Government Affairs, Dream.Org

photo of francis rooney

Ambassador Francis Rooney

US Congressman FL-19 ('17-'21)

photo of rachel kyte, dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University

Rachel Kyte

Dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Who is invited to attend the June Conference?

Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of your level of experience in CCL. We provide training for all levels of experience during the conference.

How do I register?

Please register at the top of this page or by clicking this link. The registration deadline is May 21, 2023, 11:59pm ET.

Walk in registration is available for the conference, and Saturday Seminars. Walk in registrants will not receive a lobby day schedule.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, registration fees and deadlines are below. 

  • Conference Registration Early Bird: $129 (closes April 3, 11:59pm ET) 
  • Conference Registration Regular: $179 (starts April 3 – closes May 21, 11:59pm ET)
  • Student/Low income Conference Registration: $30 (closes May 21, 11:59pm ET)
  • Add on Saturday Seminar Registration: $25 (closes May 21, 11:59pm ET)

Are scholarships available?

We have two scholarships available: Conservative (apply here) and Inclusion (apply here). The deadline to apply for a scholarship is May 1, 2023. 

We strive to keep registration fees low to make it possible for as many people who want to attend to be able to do so. To request a registration discount or fee waiver, please email .

For financial support to offset travel and lodging for the conference, we recommend talking with your Group Leader or State or Regional Coordinator about local fundraising efforts. Some volunteers have donated hotel or airline points to help other volunteers reduce their costs. You might also check out these conference fundraising ideas on CCL Community.

Are meals included in the registration fee?

We will be having a post-lobby day reception the evening of Tuesday, June 13th which includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. All other meals are on your own. The area is packed with restaurants.

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 our office at 1330 Orange Ave #309, Coronado, CA 92118. Please put “2023 June Conference” in the memo. Your payment must be received by May 22nd.

Can minors (those under 18 years old) attend the conference?

Yes! CCL believes in empowering young voices. Please note that conference attendees under the age of 18 require additional steps for registration. Here are the considerations to be aware and steps to should take:

  1. All conference attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or chaperone. Chaperones must be approved by parents/legal guardians via a permission slip. Permission slips must be received by May 15, otherwise may result in canceled registration.
  2. Both the chaperone or parent/legal guardian and the minor must be registered for the conference.
  3. One chaperone may be responsible for one minor on lobby day. The minor and chaperone will receive the same lobby schedule.

A personalized permission slip link will be sent to the minor and their parent/legal guardian after registering. For any questions regarding permission slips or attending the conference as a minor, please email .

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 May 21st. Refunds are only available through May 21st (you can still cancel after May 21st 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 $179 for conference registration (includes June 11-12), $30 for student/low income conference registration (includes June 11-12), and $25 to add on a Saturday Seminar (includes June 10). Walk in registration only includes conference sessions; walk in registrants will not receive a lobby day schedule.

What is the COVID-19 guidance for this conference?

More than two years into the COVID pandemic, 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. The pandemic remains an evolving situation and it’s possible our guidance will evolve, so please keep an eye out for our communications. 

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. We will be streaming portions of the conference for those who cannot attend. 

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 Training Workshop (CATW)?

The Climate Advocate Training Workshop 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 and Regional 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.

 

What are Saturday Seminars?

Saturday Seminars are optional workshops that start at 2pm on Saturday, June 10 before the conference officially kicks off Sunday, June 11. These seminars are 1-2 hours long, and go deeper into a topic than a standard conference breakout. If interested in attending a Saturday Seminar, be sure to add the “Add on: Saturday Seminar” ticket for $25 to your registration. Space is limited. Attendees can choose one of three topics (you will be asked which you want to attend during registration): 

1.) ConnectEffect

From two-time Emmy-nominated & NAACP-Image Award nominated Executive Producer/Director Riaz Patel, ConnectEffect is an immersive Entertainment Experience that explores media, division, identity and the profound difference between the REAL WORLD and the SCREEN WORLD in a deeply personal & poignant way. It takes an audience of strangers – from all sides of all issues – and quickly connects us through an experience optimized for vulnerability, compassion, connection & hope. It has been described as a “Hard-Reset of shared Humanity.”

2.) En-ROADS Climate Workshop

The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is an interactive group experience that uses the En-ROADS climate solutions simulator—a free, easy-to-use, online tool built by the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and the not-for-profit think tank, Climate Interactive. En-ROADS gives users the opportunity to test out different climate change solutions, en route to creating a future that limits global warming to well below 2°C from pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. The experience delivers insights into policies and actions that can meet climate goals. To-date, it has been used by more than 140,000 people in 110 countries, including 1600+ top decision-makers, and by many CCL members in their engagements with leaders.  Come experience En-ROADS for yourself and see how it can be useful in your work.  

3.) Diversifying Your Chapter

CCL exists to empower all everyday people – of all colors, ages, and political stripes – to build political will for climate solutions. In this seminar, CCL focused outreach staff will discuss CCL National’s work in reaching people of color, students, and those politically right of center, and review ideas and resources available to volunteers to help with your own outreach in your community.

Lodging & Travel

What are the details on the host hotel?

The host hotel is the Omni Shoreham, located at 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC, 20008. For conference attendees, the rate starts at $294 per night plus tax with up to four people per room. You must book by May 8th 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.

Is there a dress code for the conference?

Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference June 10-12. If participating in lobby day on June 13th, we suggest business attire. That might mean, dress pants & jacket, shirt, tie, or skirt or dress pants with a professional top and jacket, or a dress. Everyone should wear comfortable shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide comfy shoes to change into between meetings). There will be a lot of walking in DC, and many seasoned CCL lobbyists can tell you about their sore feet if you don’t believe us!

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?

You can find nearby hotels on Hotels.com.

Hostels (rates vary between $26-$40/night for dorm style accommodations)

You also might consider renting through Airbnb or Vrbo.

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

Yes, DC’s rail service is called Metro. The 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/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.

Lobbying

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

In lobby days past we’ve met with over 500 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 June 10-12. 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?

At least one constituent is required for each lobby meeting. We will do our best to put constituents in their congressperson’s meeting. 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 5-6 constituents and non-constituents.

How are lobby schedules created?

Lobby teams and schedules are coordinated in conjunction with CCL State and Regional 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 kindly ask that you love the schedule you get. 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 June 13th?

Lobby meetings will be scheduled for June 13th, starting anytime from 8am and 6pm. During registration you will be asked how late you are available for a meeting to START. 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 May 21, 11:59pm 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 May 29th, so you’ll have plenty of time to meet with your team to plan before lobby day on June 13th.

Who makes the appointments for lobby meetings in DC?

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?

To attend the conference and to lobby, attendees under the age of 18 must submit a signed parents’ permission form by May 15. Send an email to for assistance. The name of the parent or guardian that is accompanying the minor must be provided. Minors will be scheduled to lobby with their parent/guardian/chaperone. There is a limit of one minor per chaperone.

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 Regional 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 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 Prepare for Lobby Day page 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 June 11-12.

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 with you the week of May 29th. Teams should plan to meet virtually prior to arriving in DC 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?

Meeting preparation matters! 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 virtually. 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 with you the week of May 29th. Given our busy conference agenda, it is not possible to designate specific times at the conference for each team to meet, but teams may find time to meet during breaks and during the evening on Sunday, June 11 there will be free time in the conference schedule to allow teams to meet as well.  At this time we don’t know if the cafeterias in the Congressional office buildings will be open to the public, so you may need to find other places to meet on lobby day.

What should a citizen lobbyist wear?

We suggest business attire for those participating in our Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. That might mean, dress pants & jacket, shirt, tie, or skirt or dress pants with a professional top and jacket, or a dress. Everyone should wear comfortable shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide comfy shoes to change into between meetings). There will be a lot of walking in DC, and many seasoned CCL lobbyists can tell you about their sore feet if you don’t believe us!

Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference itself June 10-12.

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 DC on Tuesday evening. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your last lobbying appointment (it could start as late as 6:00pm) 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 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.