When is Washington Institute 2025?

Washington Institute kicks off at 1pm ET on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and wraps up with a rousing send-off from lawmakers between 2–3pm ET on Tuesday, May 20. Please note that the start and end times may change slightly as we finalize the program.

Where will Washington Institute 2025 take place?

Washington, DC of course! The exact locations will be provided after you register. Most sessions will be at the hotel on Sunday and Monday, with a celebratory event, RiSE UP! Celebrating Extraordinary Leaders, offsite on Monday night.  

On Tuesday, we will be offsite. 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 the offsite meeting location. 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!).

What are the issues we are addressing on Tuesday, May 20?

NCJW will advocate for three critical bills that advance our mission:

1. the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, to address America’s maternal health crisis;
2. the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act; and
3. the American Family Act, to reduce child poverty and support working families.

Together, these measures further NCJW’s priorities of reproductive justice, access to justice, and economic justice.

Find our advocacy resources from our April 3 and April 9 training calls:

• April 3 recording
• Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act Talking Points
• John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Talking Points
• American Family Act Talking Points
• Tips for Having a Successful Advocacy Visit
• Hard Questions and Pivoting
• Navigating Difficult Scenarios
• 501 c3 Status Do’s and Don’ts 

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, Washington Institute is the place for you!

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. Be sure to join our national network (if you haven’t already) so that you can engage in all that we do throughout the year.

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.

How do I make a hotel reservation?

We have a block of rooms that is now open for reservations, you’ll be provided a link to the hotel block upon registering. Rooms start around $295 per night plus taxes and fees. And don’t forget to book your travel plans as well.

Will leadership cohorts have time to gather? 

Section Presidents, Executive Directors, State Policy Advocates, and other NCJW cohorts 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.

Can I attend the RiSE UP! celebration even if I’m not able to attend Washington Institute?

The all-inclusive three-day ticket to Washington Institute includes admission to RiSE UP! Celebrating Extraordinary Leaders. But if you aren’t able to attend Washington Institute, we would still love to have you join us for the RiSE UP! celebration! Click here to purchase tickets.

How can I and others in my network support Washington Institute?

Sponsorship opportunities and digital ads are available here. You can also make a donation to support the overall work of the organization. Contact Pamela S. Goldstein, Director of Advancement, at [email protected], with any questions.

Other Questions?

Contact [email protected]