Spring Lobby Weekend- End the War in Afghanistan March 19, 2011

Friends Committee on National Legislation, Military Families Speak Out, Peace Action, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace and the Civilian Soldier Alliance have teamed up for a Spring Lobby Weekend on the 8th Anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Join us in DC for a weekend of actions, teach-ins, trainings, and lobbying. In the streets and in the halls of Congress, we'll be showing our representatives that we want an end to the war in Afghanistan, and for all the troops to come home and be provided proper care.

Who should attend?
The lobby weekend is open to all participants - from students and first-time lobbyists to seasoned activists. We will have two days of training and preparation to help you prepare for your lobby visits and deepen your impact.

Saturday:
12-2:00pm — Rally with Veterans For Peace @ Lafayette Park, followed by an action at the White House

5-10pm - Move the War Money, Save our Communities Teach-In @ Luther Place - 5-6 dinner, 6-8 Teach-In, 8-10 Concert

Sunday:
Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW
10:00-10:20am — FCNL, Who Are We?
10:20-10:45 — Quaker Faith and Practice in Our Lobbying
10:45-10:55am — Coffee Break

Session I: Issue Based Training
11:00-11:50am — Issue Based Training on Afghanistan: Political and Military update, July 2011 drawdown
Panel: Matthew Hoh, Lorelei Kelly, Michael Shank
12:00-12:50pm — Working Lunch: IVAW on Operation Recovery
1:00-1:50pm — Budgeting Priorities: War Spending on the Table
2:00-3:00pm — Collateral Murder in Context
3:30-4:30pm — Quaker Meeting for Worship (optional)
5-7pm - Military Families Speak Out Meet-Up

Monday:
Location: True Reformer Building 1200 U Street, NW

Session II: Lobby Training
10:00-11:00am — Effective Lobbying Workshop
11:00-11:15am — Break
11:20-1:00pm — Strategy Session and Role Play Led By: Matt Southworth
Session III: Bringing the Message Home
1:00-2:00pm — Working Lunch: Media Engagement By: Jim Cason
2:00-3:00pm — “Lobbying: What Works on the Hill?” By: TBD (Hill staff)
3:00-3:45 — Organize your Base: Building a Grassroots Movement to End the Wars
3:45-4:00pm — Closing Session and Survey
4:00-5:00pm — Space Available for Strategy Planning

Tuesday:
8:30am-3:00pm— Lobby Day