Washington Week

Washington Week is open to SVA chapter members, campus professionals, and student veteran leaders who are interested in advocacy, policy, and sharing their experiences with elected officials.

Not at all. Washington Week is designed for both first-time and experienced advocates. The prep webinar and provided resources will help you feel ready.

Attend the Washington Week Prep Webinars – Prepare for Washington Week with our three-part webinar series designed to ensure you feel confident, informed, and ready to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C. Each session covers a different aspect of the experience, including the week’s schedule, advocacy best practices, guidance for engaging with elected officials, and tips for representing your chapter effectively. Students are highly recommended to attend at least one webinar in the series and are encouraged to participate in all three in order to gain the most complete preparation for Washington Week.

• Prep Webinar #1 – Tuesday, February 17 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (ET)
• Prep Webinar #2 – Friday, February 20, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (ET)
• Prep Webinar #3 – Tuesday, February 24, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (ET)

We encourage all attendees to bring business cards to exchange with other attendees and Hill Staff.

SVA does not schedule meetings on behalf of attendees, but we will support you with best practices, talking points, and policy priorities to ensure you feel prepared and confident.

Meeting Prep Resources

• Find Your Member of Congress
• Find Your House of Representatives
• Contacting U.S. Senators

Advocacy efforts will focus on SVA’s 2026 federal policy priorities (coming soon), which reflect student veteran experiences, research, and solutions that support success in higher education and beyond.

Participants can arrive and depart at their own discretion, but we recommend arriving in Washington, D.C. by Monday, March 2, in time to participate in the SVA Headquarters Open House and be fully prepared for events beginning Tuesday morning.

Participants can arrive and depart at their own discretion, but we’d recommend departing on Wednesday, March 4, after completing their meetings with elected officials. If you have flexibility, staying an extra day to explore D.C. is always recommended. Check the Welcome Packet for a list of favorite things to see and do in the city if this is your first time.

No. While we encourage participants to attend as many events as possible, attendance is flexible. The most important component is meeting with your elected officials or their staff while in Washington, D.C.

All attendees can download the SVA mobile app now and will have access to the Washington Week program within the app beginning on March 1.

• Business professional attire is expected for congressional meetings and hearings.
• Comfortable shoes are highly recommended
• Business casual is appropriate for the SVA Headquarters Open House.

View business attire examples.

Need a career-ready, confidence-driven professional outfit mailed directly to you?! Check out SVA’s Career Closet

While participants arrange their own lodging, we encourage staying near Capitol Hill or along a Metro line for convenient access to meetings and Washington Week events.

Meeting with congressional staff is common and still very impactful. Staff members play a key role in shaping policy and advising elected officials.

Arrival Instructions for SVA Headquarters in Metropolitan Square

• The SVA Headquarters is located at: 655 15th Street NW, Suite 320 Washington, D.C. 20005
• Enter the Metropolitan Square building through the 15th Street NW entrance.
• Once inside, check in with the security desk. Once cleared, you will be directed to take the elevators to the Third floor.
• Our office is located in Suite 320. When you arrive, knock on the door, and a member of the SVA team will be there to greet you.

For questions about registration, logistics, or advocacy preparation, please contact: [email protected]