Advocacy Day

What is Advocacy Day?

Join the National Hydropower Association (NHA) for Advocacy Day, where industry comes together in Washington, D.C., to make an impact on Capitol Hill.

This exciting event is your opportunity to meet directly with U.S. Representatives, Senators, and their staff to advance top water power-related policy priorities.

With all logistics and meetings carefully coordinated by NHA, you’ll be armed with essential materials, including fact sheets, talking points, pocket cards, and training to ensure you’re fully equipped to engage with confidence.


Why Participate?

Research consistently shows that in-person meetings with constituents are among the most effective forms of advocacy. According to a survey by the Congressional Management Foundation, “Congress places a high value on groups and citizens who have built relationships with the legislator and staff,” noting that these personal interactions have a stronger influence on legislative decisions than other advocacy efforts.

By sharing personal stories, local data, and compelling examples, you can leave a lasting impression and help advance policies beneficial to hydropower, pumped storage, and marine energy — whether that’s securing funding opportunities, streamlining permitting processes, or promoting investment tax credits and clean energy incentives.

Come prepared to highlight how water power is driving clean energy innovation and economic growth in your community. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey in policy engagement, your voice has the power to shape the future of our industry!


What Can Attendees Expect?

Advocacy Day will take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 1 PM to 5 PM ET on Capitol Hill. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in 2–4 meetings with Congressional offices, fostering relationships with Members of Congress and their staff while educating them on industry priorities.


How to Participate

To join Advocacy Day, simply check the corresponding box when registering for Water Power Week in Washington.

When registering, you will be asked to provide the zip code associated with the district or state where you’d like to meet with legislators.

  • For example, if you reside in CA-01 but have a hydropower facility in CA-02 that could benefit from the hydropower investment tax credit, enter the facility’s zip code to ensure you’re matched with the appropriate Representative or Senator.

NHA will take care of the rest, match you with your legislators, and coordinate all meeting logistics.

 The Advocacy Associates App

All participants, including NHA Tiger Teams, will have access to the Advocacy Associates app, your all-in-one tool for a seamless Advocacy Day experience.

The app provides:

  • Your personalized meeting schedule
  • Members of Congress’ biographies, voting records, and committee assignments
  • Quick access to NHA’s one-pagers and talking points
  • Other attendees in the meeting + their contact information
  • An interactive Capitol Hill map for easy navigation
  • A meeting report form and notetaking capability
  • Pre-drafted thank-you emails to each office
  • And more!

New This Year! Pocket Cards

To complement the printed one-pagers describing the industry’s legislative priorities, NHA will provide pocket cards for Advocacy Day participants to bring to their meetings. Designed to fit perfectly in a suit jacket pocket, these cards offer concise, top-line talking points on each of NHA’s initiatives, ensuring key information is always within easy reach.


How to Prepare?

Engaging with Congressional offices may seem daunting, but it’s much less intimidating than you think! And NHA has made it easier than ever to participate. We will coordinate all of your meetings and provide one-pagers and pocket cards outlining our legislative priorities—perfect for leaving behind at offices and referencing during your conversations. These resources will ensure you’re well-prepared and ready to engage effectively.  

New This Year! Congressional Management Foundation Training

In preparation for Advocacy Day, NHA is partnering with Advocacy Associates and the Congressional Management Foundation to offer a virtual advocacy training. This resource is valuable to both newcomers to advocacy and seasoned lobbyists alike. The training includes a series of modules featuring videos, worksheets, and quizzes to enhance your knowledge and provide a solid foundation in advocacy. The best part? It’s flexible! The training can be completed at your own pace and only takes about one hour from start to finish.

Don’t Miss: “Perfecting Your Pitch” Session on Monday, March 31, during Water Power Week in Washington

Get ready to sharpen your advocacy skills with our interactive “Advocacy Day” simulation. In this hands-on session, participants will break into small groups with real Capitol Hill staffers to simulate a Congressional meeting and practice pitching NHA’s top legislative priorities. This is your chance to refine your pitch, receive valuable feedback, and build confidence before the big day.

 **Pro Tip: To make the most of Advocacy Day, we strongly encourage you to complete the Advocacy Associates + Congressional Management Foundation virtual training and attend the Pitch Perfect: Advocacy Day Simulation for Capitol Hill Success session.

If you have any questions, please email NHA’s Legislative Affairs Manager, Brittney May (brittney@hydro.org).

We look forward to seeing you at Water Power Week 2025!

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