Legislative Day & Capital Awards Dinner

The Legislative Day program was introduced in 2007 and serves to further the HNBA policy agenda before Congress and executive branch officials through direct grassroots advocacy by our members. It also educates HNBA members from around the country about public policy issues and the federal legislative process. Prior advocacy topics have included Comprehensive Immigration Reform; Increase Compensation and Diversity among the Federal Judiciary and fully funded Census 2010. Legislative Day is the only national HNBA event that is free to members who register and attend all event activities. The 2010 Legislative Day and Capital Awards Dinner will take place on May 11-13 2010 in Washington, DC and will be co-chaired by Liz Lopez, HNBA Vice President of External Affairs, and Alejandra Castillo.

From left to right: 2008-2009 Board Members: Ricardo Aponte-Parsi, National Vice President of Committees; Sean Andrade, National Secretary; Roman D. Hernandez, President-Elect; Liz Lopez, National Vice President of External Affairs; and Ramona E. Romero, HNBA National President.

Preparation for the two-day Legislative Day begins weeks prior to the event. After members are confirmed as event participants they are assigned to small teams and briefed on the advocacy topics. Legislative Day is officially kick-off with a Welcome Reception where members have the opportunity to network with other participants. On the first day, multiple HNBA teams participate in a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill and attend pre-scheduled meetings with Members of Congress and/or their key staffers to present the HNBA’s position on selected issues. On the second day, HNBA participants have the opportunity to attend a briefing at the White House by senior administration officials.

Since 2008, HNBA has recognized key legislative initiatives (National Museum of the American Latino Community Commission Act S 500) and Members of Congress who redefine the meaning of excellence through their leadership, and commitment to their communities with the HNBA Capital Award (click here to view the 2009 award ceremony video). Prior HNBA Capital Award recipients include Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Former Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO), Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-12), Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-39); Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) and Robert Raben (Founder, The Raben Group).

To view sponsorship opportunities and the sponsorship selection form, please click here.  For more information regarding sponsorship, contact Liz Lopez at (202) 509-9579 or lopez.liz.m@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC.

• Legislative Day 2010 – Registration Open Now!
• Legislative Day 2009