ADVOCACY

SPEAK Out! Day
February 10-11, 2026

Registration Closed

For more than a decade, SHAPE America has worked to build relationships on Capitol Hill and establish a strong voice for our profession, which has led to more federal support and funding for health and physical education programs. Why were we able to achieve these successes? Because our voices are stronger together.

2026 Preliminary Agenda

  • Tuesday, February 10, 1:30 – 5:30 pm:
    • During the prep session you will receive training on the state of play in Congress, meeting talking points, and recent funding decisions impacting education. This training is critical in ensuring you are prepared to represent SHAPE America in your meetings with members of Congress.
  • Wednesday, February 11, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm:
    • 8:00am: Bus departs for Capitol Hill
    • 8:30am - 3:00pm: Meetings with Congress
    • 3:30pm: Bus departs Capitol Hill for airport and hotel

Please contact Carly Wright at [email protected] with any questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions for SPEAK Out! Day

Do I need advocacy experience to attend SPEAK Out! Day?

You do not. But, chances are, you already have some type of advocacy experience, and maybe you don’t even know it! Have you discussed why health & PE are important with your students, colleagues, or school administrators? You’re an advocate! SHAPE America will provide advocacy training for all SPEAK Out! Day participants.

Should I register for SPEAK Out! Day if I’m unsure if I will be able to participate?

Please do not register for SPEAK Out! Day unless you are sure you are able to participate. As Congressional meetings are scheduled, it’s incredibly important to know who is able to participate in these meetings with members of Congress and Congressional staff. We don’t want to have any “no shows” for Congressional meetings as that could reflect poorly on SHAPE America. If you register and later discover you cannot attend, please just let Carly Wright know as soon as possible at [email protected].

Should I schedule my own Congressional meetings for SPEAK Out! Day?

In order to streamline the appointment-making process and coordinate the overall schedule, SHAPE America will be making the appointments with legislators. You will be notified of your appointment schedule at the prep session on Tuesday, February 10. If you do have a personal relationship with one of your legislators, please just reach out to SHAPE America directly to coordinate a plan for scheduling your meetings

Is the prep webinar and prep session mandatory?

Yes, both the prep webinar and prep session are mandatory for all SPEAK Out! Day attendees. During the prep webinar you will receive training on Congressional meeting logistics and the meeting scheduling process for this year. During the prep session you will receive training on the state of play in Congress, meeting talking points, and responses to potential pushback you could receive during your meetings. This training is critical in ensuring you are prepared to represent SHAPE America in your meetings with members of Congress.