Each year, Tri Delta provides the opportunity for collegiate and alumnae members to directly engage in the federal legislative process by advocating for issues of importance to our community, including national anti-hazing legislation, improving student freedom of association rights and improving college affordability.
By participating in the Capitol Hill visits members are able to share the value of the fraternity and sorority experience with elected officials, and gain valuable leadership and advocacy experience.
“My experience with the Capitol Hill visits was amazing,” shared past participant Megan Krynen, Mississippi. “It furthered my professional development and gave me new experiences in a field that I have interest in pursuing in the future.”
Past participant Jordan Devorak, Kansas State, said, “Standing up for issues I truly believe in showed me that I can make a difference if I am passionate enough.”
The visits are coordinated by the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), a nonpartisan coalition formed by the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee and the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund to work collaboratively on federal government relations issues that impact the fraternity and sorority community.
2021 Virtual Capitol Hill Visits
FGRC is seeking outstanding campus and chapter leaders, as well as alumnae experienced with the annual Hill Visits, to participate in the Virtual FGRC Capitol Hill Visits with lawmakers and/or their staffs to advocate for government relations platforms developed by NPC and NIC. The Hill Visits will take place virtually April 13-15, 2021. Applicants must have access to the internet and a device with a camera/microphone from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during each of these days. Student lobbyists will be assigned to teams with other students and alumnae volunteers and will participate in approximately five 30-minute meetings during the three-day period.
All applicants must ensure they feel comfortable advocating for the legislative issues that are priorities for the FGRC (listed above).
Alumnae Opportunities:
There will be two different roles for alumnae volunteers:
Team member: The traditional coaching role for alumnae to work with student lobbyists to become familiar with the legislative topics and share personal experiences with elected leaders and their staff. Alumnae performing this role will need to meet with the student lobbyist in advance of the visits for practice sessions and be available from 8 a.m. –6 p.m. each day of the visits. A final schedule of visits will be shared in April.
Floater: Alumnae with Hill Visit experience who can serve in a role similar to Arnold & Porter lobbyists to ensure consistency and professionalism in all meetings. The Alumnae Floaters will likely kick-off each meeting. These alumnae will not be assigned to specific teams and can volunteer for set time blocks (mornings and afternoon) for each of the three days of visits.
Student Opportunities:
The FGRC is looking for student leaders interested in political action. Student body, Panhellenic and collegiate chapter presidents, as well as students who have previous experience in the political sphere, are encouraged to apply.
What’s the Timeline?
If selected, members will be expected to participate in prep work and a training session leading up to the visits. It is important that students are aware they may need to miss class to participate in the meetings with lawmakers and should be prepared to plan accordingly with professors.
- Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020: Application deadline
- Late January 2021: Students will be notified of selection and asked to confirm participation
- Early February: Alumnae participants will be notified of tentative assignments.
- Week of March 1: Students will be assigned preparation and training activities.
- Week of March 29: Live training sessions (virtual) will be held for all student and alumnae participants.
- Week of April 5: Students and alumnae participate in team practice meetings to prepare for visits.
- Tuesday, April 13 – Thursday, April 15: Students and alumnae participate in virtual meetings with lawmakers and their staffs.
Apply Today!
Please apply by 5 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020.
Student Application
Alumnae Application
If you have any questions about the 2021 Virtual FGRC Capitol Hill Visits, please email Amanda Faulkenberg at amanda@npcwomen.org.
To learn more about Tri Delta’s advocacy efforts, listen to this episode of Let’s Talk Tri Delta.