The Girls LEAD Act Virtual Lobby Day – October 7th
About the Bill: Girls’ Leadership, Engagement, Agency and Development (Girls LEAD) Act (S.634, H.R.1661) was introduced in March in both chambers by Senator Susan Collins [R-ME], Senator Ben Cardin [D-MD], Rep. David Trone [D-MD], and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [R-WA]. If passed, it would increase girls’ civic and political participation around the world, and strengthen a pipeline of women leaders. This legislation fills key gaps in US foreign assistance by supporting girls’ engagement in policy spaces and building their leadership skills, which will also help them navigate risks they may face in adolescence, such as child marriage or dropping out of school. You can read more about the bill here.
About the Lobby Day: So far, the bill has been endorsed by more than 60 organization, and there are currently 25 co-sponsors in the House and 8 in the Senate. We are hoping to leverage momentum around International Day of the Girl to push for additional co-sponsors in the month of October.
Lobbying teams of 3-6 people will meet with Congressional Staff to talk about why they support the bill, and how it will accelerate girls’ leadership around the world, if passed. Participants have the option of joining a 4-hour morning or afternoon shift, during which they can expect to join 4-8 lobby meetings. As feasible, participants will be scheduled to meet with staff from the offices of their Congressional Representatives.
When: Thursday, October 7. The morning shift is 8:30am-12:30pm EST, and the afternoon shift is 1:00-5:00pm EST. We will also ask participants to join a prep call either 10/5 or 10/6 from 4:00-5:30pm EST.
Where: Lobby Day meetings will be held virtually on Zoom or via conference call.
Who: Anyone with a passion for girls’ rights can participate! No experience is necessary. Training and prep materials will be provided. Lobby Days are a great learning experience and a way to meet other professionals, students, and activists interested in catalyzing girls’ empowerment globally.
How: Register at this link by 9/30: https://forms.gle/PRapCC9DDsCtEnTRA
Email info@girlsleadact.org with any questions!