ADVOCACY

SPEAK Out! Day
February 13-14, 2024

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For more than a decade, SHAPE America has worked to build relationships on Capitol Hill and establish a strong voice for our profession, which has led to more federal support and funding for health and physical education programs. Why were we able to achieve these successes? Because our voices are stronger together.

With an uphill battle ahead for federal funding increases, it is more important than ever to build relationships with Congress and advocate in-person. Please join us for SPEAK Out! Day on February 13-14, 2024, to help educate legislators about the importance of effective health and physical education. We need your help!

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2024 Preliminary Agenda

SHAPE America is happy, once again, to offer travel scholarships to attend SPEAK! Out Day.

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  • Tuesday, February 13: SPEAK Out! Day Prep Session (1:00 – 5:30 p.m.) – Crowne Plaza
    • During the prep session you will receive training on the state of play in Congress, meeting talking points, and recent legislation impacting education. This training is critical in ensuring you are prepared to represent SHAPE America in your meetings with members of Congress.
  • Wednesday, February 14: On Capitol Hill (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    • 8:00am: Bus departs for Capitol Hill
    • 8:30am-3:00pm: Meetings with Congress
    • 3:30pm: Bus departs Capitol Hill for airport and hotel

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It’s Time to Prioritize Health & Physical Education

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Frequently Asked Questions for 2024's Event

 

I need advocacy experience to attend SPEAK Out! Day?

You do not. But, chances are, you already have some type of advocacy experience, and maybe you don’t even know it! Have you discussed why health & PE are important with your students, colleagues, or school administrators? You’re an advocate! SHAPE America will provide advocacy training for all SPEAK Out! Day participants.

Should I register for SPEAK Out! Day if I’m unsure if I will be able to participate?

Please do not register for SPEAK Out! Day unless you are sure you are able to participate. As Congressional meetings are scheduled, it’s incredibly important to know who is able to participate in these meetings with members of Congress and Congressional staff. We don’t want to have any “no shows” for Congressional meetings as that could reflect poorly on SHAPE America. If you register and later discover you cannot attend, please just let Joey Martelli know as soon as possible at [email protected].

Should I schedule all Congressional meetings for SPEAK Out! Day?

SHAPE America will schedule all Congressional meetings. Please do not reach out to Congressional offices to schedule meetings.

Is the prep webinar and prep session mandatory?

Yes, both the prep webinar and prep session are mandatory for all SPEAK Out! Day attendees. During the prep webinar you will receive training on Congressional meeting logistics and the meeting scheduling process for this year. During the prep session you will receive training on the state of play in Congress, meeting talking points, and responses to potential pushback you could receive during your meetings. This training is critical in ensuring you are prepared to represent SHAPE America in your meetings with members of Congress.