Logo


We look forward to seeing you in Washington!

 

The Parkinson’s Policy Forum annually unites members of the Parkinson’s community and lawmakers to discuss and take action on pressing patient needs and policy opportunities. The Forum concludes with “Hill Day,” a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill where advocates educate elected officials on Parkinson’s and the ways policy impacts research and care.

Advocacy training sessions will be held on Monday, September 9 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. Meetings will take place on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 10, and will conclude by 5 p.m. that day.

You can prepare for the Forum by exploring the resources on this page. 

As the event approaches, materials for your Hill Day meetings will be added.


Scroll down to learn more about:

Event Agenda
Travel Information
Application and Scholarship Information
Awards
FAQ
Questions?

Agenda


The Forum agenda will be available shortly.

 

Programming will begin early the morning of Monday, September 9.

 

Attendees will be on Capitol Hill (also called Hill Day) on Tuesday, September 10 with no programming planned for the end of the day. The Parkinson's Policy Forum organizers will schedule your Capitol Hill meetings and will work with your travel schedule.

Travel Information


The Parkinson's Policy Forum has contracted a reduced rate at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. Rooms for single or double occupancy are $289.00, plus taxes and fees per night. 


Located across the street from The White House, the JW Marriott is in the heart of Washington, D.C. The closest airport is Reagan National Airport, but is also easily accessible to Baltimore-Washington International Airport or Dulles International Airport. Amtrak trains are also easily accessible via Union Station. 


If you or your care partner are receiving a travel scholarship, you need to complete this travel form. Please complete the form as soon as possible, but the deadline to complete is August 9, 2019.

 

The organizers of the Policy Forum have contracted with Heather Blakesley with Premier Travel to assist in making travel arrangements for Forum participants. We will forward your travel information to Heather and she will be in touch directly. Please don’t forget that her email may go to your spam inbox. 

If your scholarship includes your hotel stay, the organizers of the Policy Forum will make your reservation based on information in your application and travel form. A reservation number will be forwarded to you as we approach the Policy Forum. If you are making your own hotel reservations, you can do so directly. The deadline to make reservations is Friday, August 16, 2019.

Application and Scholarship Information

Applications for the Policy Forum and Scholarships are closed. If you applied, you should receive notification by June 14, 2019.

Advocacy Awards

As part of the annual Parkinson’s Policy Forum, we recognize some of our outstanding Parkinson’s advocates. This year, we are asking for your nominations. While the awards will be presented during the 2019 Parkinson’s Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., awardees do not need to attend the Forum to be recognized. Self-nomination is welcome. You can nominate an advocate for more than one award; please complete a separate form for each nomination.

 

There are three awards open for nomination:

·        The Social Media Advocacy Award recognizes an advocate who furthers policy goals by effectively engaging on social media.

·        The Year-Round Advocacy Award recognizes an advocate who engages with legislators and their staff throughout the year to build an ongoing relationship for policy advocacy.

·        The Milly Kondracke Award for Outstanding Advocacy is named for Milly Kondracke, a tireless Capitol Hill advocate who humanized PD and educated lawmakers. This award recognizes an individual who embodies that spirit of personal and determined federal advocacy, either advocacy on Capitol Hill or in her/his state. 

 

Nominations will be open shortly. 

FAQ


Q: How do I schedule meetings with my representative and senators?
A: The organizers for the Policy Forum have contracted with a company that will schedule Capitol Hill meetings for attendees. You will receive more information about your schedule and how to prepare as we get closer to the Forum. 

Q: What is a meeting like? What will I discuss with my representative or senator?
A: Your group will arrive at the member’s office a few minutes before your appointment time and your group leader will check in. You then will meet with your senator, representative or one of their staff members. Attendees will introduce themselves and the group will discuss several issues that matter to people with Parkinson’s. As space can be limited in some offices, these meetings may take place in a hallway or a small meeting room. At the Forum training sessions, we will discuss the messages to be conveyed at the meeting as well as other points of conversation.

Q: How will I know what to say in my meeting?
A: You will receive written materials prior to the Forum, as well as trainings on Monday, September 9 at the Forum. Additionally, prior to the Forum, there will be two webinars to help attendees prepare for the trip to Washington. 

The two webinars will cover logistical information, as well as provide training on advocacy and the issues that we will be discussing. Participation in the webinars is required and recordings of the presentations will be made available on this website. The webinars are currently being scheduled and the dates and topics will be posted here as soon as they are scheduled. 

Q: How will I get to Capitol Hill for my meetings?
A: Shuttle buses will transport all advocates to and from the J.W. Marriott and Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 10. More specific information will be available at the Forum. 

Q: How will I know where to go for my meetings?
A: You will be with a group of several other Forum attendees. We will designate a group leader and provide them with training before the event. You will be given a map of Capitol Hill, and security officers in the House and Senate are always available to assist you.

Q: When will I see my final schedule of meetings?
A: You will receive your schedule during the Forum training sessions. Please note that schedules may change at the last minute.

Q: What meals will I be responsible for?
A: The following meals will be provided to all Forum attendees:

~ Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available on Monday, September 9

~ Breakfast on Tuesday, September 10

Attendees are responsible for all other food or beverage costs, including lunch on Hill Day. There are several cafeterias on Capitol Hill where you can purchase food.

Q: What do I do after my meetings?
A: The in-person meeting is just the beginning! Within a few days of your visit, make sure to send a thank you email (ask for the business card of the person you met with in order to do so). We will provide you with draft email text that will remind lawmakers and staffers about the issues you discussed. Keep in touch! Feel free to send the staff member items relevant to you and the broader Parkinson's community.

Questions?


If you have any questions or concerns please email info@parkinsonsforum.org.  

Thank you to our
2019 Parkinson's Policy Forum Supporters

American Parkinson Disease Association

Parkinson’s Unity Walk

Friends of Parkinson’s

Parkinson Alliance

Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation

Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s

Houston Area Parkinson Society

Parkinson Voice Project