Advocate with RAINN

RAINN’s largest annual advocacy event unites survivors, advocates, and allies on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to meet directly with members of Congress and urge their support for bills that impact survivors of sexual violence.

The day begins with a welcome breakfast and orientation near the U.S. Capitol, where participants meet their group leaders, RAINN staff, and fellow advocates.

Throughout the day, RAINN policy experts guide small groups through face-to-face meetings with senators, representatives, and staffers from both parties. 

In these meetings, participants share personal experiences and insights to help lawmakers better understand the impact of sexual violence, what must be done to prevent it, and how to hold perpetrators accountable.

Participants may also have opportunities to speak to the press, appear in press conferences, and join other optional activities.

After the meetings, participants are invited to gather at a local restaurant to reflect, connect, and debrief in a supportive environment. 

A licensed clinician is available on-site throughout the day to offer emotional support.

If you’re 18 or older, live in the U.S., and have been affected by sexual violence, you are invited to apply.

Things to consider before applying:

• Publicity. All participants must agree to appear in photographs or videos that may be shared through RAINN’s media channels. 
• Training. Participants are required to engage in a series of 2–3 virtual training sessions in the weeks leading up to Congressional Day of Action. 
• Mobility. Participants typically cover 3–5 miles walking from meeting to meeting on Capitol Hill, rain or shine. If you use a mobility aid or require extra time to move from location to location, please let us know in your application so we can ensure the appropriate accommodations are in place.
• Schedule. The Day of Action begins as early as 8 A.M., and the final meetings usually end no later than 5 P.M. Our post-event gathering may continue until 7 P.M. We encourage participants to arrange lodging in Washington, D.C. for two nights: the night before and the night of the event.
• Preparedness. Consider whether you feel prepared to engage in emotionally challenging discussions. RAINN Congressional Day of Action can be deeply empowering, but it may also feel overwhelming or even retraumatizing to some. We encourage you to honestly assess whether you feel ready to take this journey with us.

We review every application carefully. Our aim is to reflect a range of survivor experiences, backgrounds, and home states, because survivors come from all walks of life. 

Nope! We provide virtual advocacy training to all participants in the weeks leading up to RAINN Congressional Day of Action. 

We’ll teach you the basics of legislative advocacy, introduce you to RAINN’s policy priorities, and arm you with strategies for sharing your story safely and effectively.

Unlike some nonprofit organizations, RAINN does NOT require a donation to participate in our Congressional Day of Action. 

However, participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meals, with two exceptions: RAINN provides breakfast and lunch to all participants on the advocacy day itself.

Congressional Day of Action takes place every spring. We announce the exact date in January or February, after we’ve confirmed congressional schedules and meeting spaces.

If you apply and are selected but cannot attend once the date is announced, that’s okay! Applying is not an obligation. You will have an opportunity to confirm or decline participation when we announce the date.

Absolutely! There are many ways to affect change from right where you are. 

Survivors across the nation take action by advocating in their own communities; contacting their elected officials; sharing RAINN’s resources; joining local awareness efforts; and more. 

Keep scrolling to explore more ways to get involved.