National Legislative Seminar (NLS)
NLS 2024
Experience of a Lifetime
The National Legislative Seminar takes place once each biennium in Washington, D.C. where participants engage in workshops, discussions, field trips, and visits to their Congressional representatives "on the Hill" over a four day stay.
Schedule-at-a-Glimpse (tentative)
NLS 2026: Advocating in Uncertain Times
Sunday, March 8th: Meet & Greet (starting at 4:00 PM)
Opening Session dinner and speaker
State Sharing Session
Monday, March 9th: Workshop Session 1
Workshop Session 2
Luncheon
Workshop Session 3
Workshop Session 4
Workshop Session 5
Issue Talking Points Work Session
Tuesday, March 10th: "On the Hill"
Feedback session
Networking Social
Wednesday, March 11th: Workshop Session 6
Workshop Session 7
Wrap-up Luncheon
Adjourn by 1:15 PM
Excursion to Ford Theater 3:00 - 5:00 PM
2-1-26
Featured Speakers
Speakers will provide information on hot issues of the day and provide insights on effective advocacy techniques, as well as what to expect "on the Hill."
1. Micaela Pond, VA, founder of We of Action VA, will speak at the opening session on the value of engagement and advocacy today.
2. Susan Dixon, CA, member of the Senate Advisory Group on Social Secuirty will speak on sustaining advocacy efforts and the Social Security Fairness Act.
3. Mark Lieberman is a reporter for Education Week specializing in federal education policy and finance and will focus on updating participants of DOE and Congressional activities.
4. Kristen Kern, League of Women Voters, Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager, on voting rights.
Preparing for NLS
Watch this space for all you will need to do to be ready for meeting with your legislators, addressing issues, and packing what you will need to make your NLS experience a wonderful and "life changing" event.
January 14th 6:30 CST Interviewing Your Legislator Webinar
February 11th 4:30 CST Written Testimony: Preparing your Documents
February 25th 6:30 CST Packing and other things to know about NLS
See EVENTS page for details and registration links for these workshops.
Making an Appointment with Your Legislator
Most legislators begin making appointments about one month in advance of your planned trip but many like to try to book their sessions earlier. There is no magic date.
Appointments may be made by calling the legislator's office (get the phone number from his/her website) OR by calling the switchboard and asking to be
transfered to the legislator's office.
House of Representatives: (202) 225-3121
Senate: (202) 224-3121
Click here for Tips for your Legislative Visit
When? Where?
Save the date:
March 8-11, 2026
Alexandria, Va
Our. hotel and meeting space is just a short Metro ride from Reagen
National Airport and the National
Mall in D.C.
NLS Registration
If you are not taken to the payment page once you complete the registration form, you may need to re-register using a different browser such as Chrome.
Fees: Full Seminar
$500* after Jan. 31, 2026
* plus a service fee
Includes meals, transport to "the hill," access to sessions, and all materials.
One day ONLY registration
(March 9, 2026) available at $200*,
including meals.
All registration closes March 3, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable experience!
Let the excitement begin!
Hotel Reservations
We will be staying at the
EMBASSY SUITES by Hilton
Old Town Alexandria.
Rooms may be booked now.
https://book.passkey.com/go/DGK2026. Guests preferring to call in their reservation can reach the hotel at 1-(800) 362-2779 and will need to provide the group code “DKG”.
Reserve your hotel room by
February 6, 2026 to get the DKG rate.
Note: a full breakfast & evening
reception snacks/drinks are included in the room rate.
On Your Own Adventures
Old Town Alexandria has a free
shuttle that takes visitors around the historical section.
Plus the Metro Yellow Line goes
right to the National Mall and the
many museums and government
buildings there. Some NLS participants like to come a day
early or stay a day after the
seminar to enjoy D.C. in spring.
Most museums in the National
Mall are free of charge and open
most days. Ask for a map at the
Forum Registration table.
Some places, such as the White
House, Supreme Court, Kennedy
Center, FBI Building require
tickets which may be obtained
through your Representative or
Senators. You can ask for these
online by calling their office.
DO NOT ask for these tickets in the same phone call you make to
schedule visits with your Congress
members.
Kristen Kern
Micaela Pond
I Susan Dixon
Mark Lieberman
Excursions
One of the joys of a D.C. conference is the chance to explore some of the historical sites the city has to offer. The NLS 2026 Planning Committee is
excited to offer three such opportunities:
1. Mt. Vernon Plantation Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 9 am - 1 pm
$25 entry if we have 20+ in attendance plus transportation from hotel
2. Arlington National Cemetary Monday, March 9 from 12 pm - 3 pm
$21.50 for the tram plus transportation from hotel
3. Ford Theater/Peterson House Wednesday, March 11 from 3 - 5 pm
$5 - $20 plus transportation on your own (no production on this date)
CANCELLED
Due to insufficient pre-registration, these excursions have been cancelled. However, information will be provided so that NLS attendees may go to these sites on their own or in a small group. 2-1-26