May 18, 2025 - May 20, 2025
Washington Institute
WHEN
May 18, 2025 - May 20, 2025
WHERE
Washington, DC
Raise your voice in our nation’s capital:
May 18-20, 2025
Join NCJW in Washington, DC for Washington Institute 2025 (WI 2025), a transformative three-day experience where we will build our skills, celebrate our achievements, and amplify our voices.
FAQs
When is Washington Institute?
Washington Institute 2025 kicks off at 1pm ET on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and wraps up on Capitol Hill with a rousing send-off from lawmakers at 2pm ET on Tuesday afternoon, May 20. Please note that the start and end times may change slightly as we finalize the program.
Where is it?
Washington, DC of course! More specifically, the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Most sessions will be at the hotel on Sunday and Monday, with a celebratory event offsite on Monday night.
The hotel is on the Metro’s red line, Farragut North stop, (exit via L St. or K Street NW, walk left) and the Metro’s blue, orange, and silver lines, Farragut West (exit via 17th Street exit, walk toward K Street, right on K Street) or McPherson Square stops (exit via Vermont Avenue/White House exit, left on I Street, right on 16th Street).
On Tuesday, we will be on Capitol Hill. The hotel will provide luggage storage while we are there. NCJW will offer Metro cards to participants and we will have staff stationed along the way to assist in getting to Capitol Hill. It’s an easy, short trip on the Metro and is also easily accessible by cab, Lyft, and Uber.
What should I expect from Washington Institute?
At Washington Institute you will:
- Strengthen your advocacy and leadership skills
- Deepen your knowledge of the most pressing issues of the day
- Get inspired by our amazing speakers
- Celebrate incredible changemakers
- Network with people from across the country
- Experience the dynamic energy of the nation’s capital as you take your message to Congress
- Return home reinvigorated to continue your social justice work with new skills, ideas, and knowledge!
Who will be speaking at Washington Institute?
Watch this space as the planning gets underway. Expect dynamic speakers who will provide insight and inspiration into the most pressing social issues.
Past speakers and awardees include: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Edith Windsor, Cecile Richards, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Melissa Harris Perry, Lilly Ledbetter, and Senator Edward Kennedy (but that’s just to name a few!).
I’m not with an NCJW section or Action Team. Can I come?
Yes! We encourage anyone who wants to experience NCJW’s core work — advocacy in action — to attend Washington Institute 2025. Be sure to join our national network (if you haven’t) so that you can engage in all that we do throughout the year.
I’ve never lobbied before. Will I be able to participate?
Yes! If you’re looking to build or hone your advocacy skills or become more comfortable and confident in advocating for the issues you care about, Washington Institute is a great opportunity.
With your Washington Institute registration, you will have access to our trainings, issue briefings, and pre-Institute material before you even think about packing for Washington. Whether you’re a new or seasoned advocate, WI 2025 is the place for you!
I’ve already been to Washington Institute, why should I come to another one?
You can never experience too many Washington Institutes! No two are alike — each one offers incredible issue experts, speakers, and the opportunity to do what we do best — meet with our lawmakers and their staff about the issues we care about. With so many of our issues at stake, there is no better time to be in Washington. And don’t miss this opportunity to make new connections and get excited about social change efforts back home.
When are the pre-Institute webinars?
We will be offering a webinar on how to have a successful lobby visit. Save the date for Thursday, April 3 at 7pm ET.
And, don’t miss the legislative briefing webinar — your first introduction to the issues we will take to Capitol Hill on lobby day. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 9 at 12pm ET.
Both calls will be recorded.
Will leadership cohorts have time to gather?
Section Presidents, Executive Presidents, and State Policy Advocates will each have their own separate, dedicated meeting time and trainings on Monday morning.
Will states have time to connect before lobby day?
Yes, communities will have time on Monday afternoon to gather in state caucuses to review details, role-play, and plan for the lobby visits on Tuesday.
How do I make a hotel reservation?
We have a block of rooms at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street, NW, that is now open for reservations. Rooms start at $294 per night plus taxes and fees. Click here to make your reservation today. And don’t forget to book your travel plans as well.
How do I register?
Registration will open soon!
Questions?
Contact action@ncjw.org