Q: What is the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability?
A: The Alliance for Nuclear Accountability (ANA) is a network of more than 35 grassroots and national organizations from communities in the shadow of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex working to protect human health and the environment by addressing issues of nuclear weapons production and waste cleanup. We believe there are fundamental rights to public safety, environmental quality, government accountability, and democracy.
Q: What is DC Days?
A: For the past 22 years, ANA has hosted four days of training, education, and political advocacy that bring activists from around the country to Washington to explain the concerns of their communities. It is an opportunity to make your voice heard at the national level and to network with people and organizations working on similar issues. In past years, as many as one hundred activists have attended DC Days, so it's a great way to join with others to send a strong message to decision-makers in Washington. DC Days for 2012 will be from March 18 - 21, 2012.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Early-bird registration for the four days is $150, which covers facilities costs, materials and food. Student registration is just $50. The early registration deadline is FEBRUARY 29, 2012. All registration forms postmarked after the deadline require the late registration fee of $200. ANA provides a light breakfast and lunch for the Sunday training and light refreshments during the week. There is an additional $10 fee for the pizza party on Monday evening. Attendees are responsible for all other meals, housing and travel. The approximate individual cost, depending on your housing situation, can range from $500 to $1,000. DC Days is a great opportunity for your local group to raise funds to send a representative or a team to DC to make sure that your community's voice is heard.
Q: Where will I stay?
A: You'll find a listing of low and moderately priced lodging in the Washington DC area in your DC Days organizer kit. Ideally, someone in your organization will have a friend or relative in the DC area who would like to contribute to your group's efforts by housing an activist or two. There are a number of faith communities that offer group accommodations in guest houses and community spaces throughout DC at extremely low rates. These group accommodations may not be as comfortable as traditional hotels, but can build community within your group and save a lot of money. Please look at the housing list for help in finding accommodations.
Q: How will I get around in Washington, DC?
A: The DC Days headquarters (HQ) is conveniently located at 322 4th Street NE, in the heart of Washington DC. HQ is a short walk from all House and Senate office buildings, as well as Union Station. As a major hub for AMTRAK, regional trains, and DC's public transit system, the Metro; Union Station allows access to Washington DC and the surrounding area. The DC Metro system is one of the best in the United States and offers clean, affordable, and speedy transportation around the city and into Maryland and Virginia. Metro's website is particularly useful; you can find it at www.wmata.com. If you prefer taxis, they are easy to find and fairly inexpensive (find estimated fares here: http://tinyurl.com/59dnkp). Please use the following map to locate important places for DC Days, including the headquarters, the Saturday training location, and Congressional offices: http://tinyurl.com/73gu74d. When you register for DC Days, you will receive a map showing important DC Days locations as well as Metro stations.
Q: What is the best way to get to DC?
A: Washington DC has three airports: National Airport (DCA), Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), and Dulles International Airport (IAD). DCA is the closest, easiest, and often most expensive option. It is located on the Yellow/Blue Metro lines and can save you time and hassle over the other airports. BWI and IAD often offer cheaper flights, but also require additional time and fees for ground transportation. If you fly into BWI or IAD, you should add at least an hour to your trip itinerary. BWI is connected to Union station via AMTRAK and regional trains, as well as to DC’s Green Line Metro trains via Metro bus (route B30), the following website can help you get from BWI into DC: http://tinyurl.com/y5bgpe7. Travel from IAD into Washington can be a bit more difficult, but the following website can guide you through the process: http://tinyurl.com/2emf4sz. Don’t forget that DC can be easily accessed via AMTRAK, regional trains, or buses. Some of these trips can cost as little as $20 from other major cities, so these may be the most affordable options.
Q: What is the DC Days headquarters (HQ)?
A: The ANA DC office will be our Headquarters for DC Days. The office is located in the Hans Bethe Center at 322 4th Street, NE, on the Senate side of Capitol Hill and only blocks from Union Station. The Headquarters is a place where you can receive and leave messages, access phone, fax, and wireless internet, de-brief with other DC Days participants, enjoy some snacks, pick up materials to distribute on Capitol Hill and just put your feet up after a long day of pounding the pavement. ANA's Media Consultant will be available at the headquarters to help you frame your message and contact media. ANA's experienced staff and activists are also there to answer your questions and help troubleshoot last minute issues.
Q: How will I meet and connect with other DC Days participants?
A: Get a head start by coming to DC early on Saturday to join other participants at DC Days HQ as they prepare event essentials. On Sunday, the mandatory training day is the place to make real connections. Monday evening's pizza party is not to be missed; it's a great opportunity to bond with your fellow DC Days participants and reflect on your hard work. At $15 including food and entertainment, the pizza party is the most affordable happy hour on Capitol Hill! Beer and wine will be available for purchase at crazy cheap prices. The DC Days HQ will be buzzing with activity throughout the week. Finally, Tuesday's evening awards ceremony will inspire and motivate you by highlighting some of our greatest accomplishments in the past year.
Q: What if I don't consider myself an "expert" on issues pertaining to the US nuclear weapons complex?
A: The most important thing for you to possess is a belief in the public's fundamental rights to safety, environmental quality, government accountability, and democracy. Sunday, March 18th will be a full and informative day of skills building and issues training including such topics as:
- How to be a part of team meetings on Capitol Hill
- How to get through to DC decision makers
- Strategies for ANA priority issues such as clean-up of weapons sites, nuclear weapons policy, nuclear waste, and nuclear power
After attending this training, first-time DC Days participants will be able to successfully advocate to officials on our issues. Even if you prefer to simply listen during meetings, note-takers and timekeepers are essential for every meeting. Experienced DC Days participants will help train a new generation of DC Days activists and learn a few new things themselves. Fact sheets are sent out early, so please study them before arriving in DC.
Q: Do I need to schedule my own meetings with my elected representatives?
A: Not necessarily. ANA will schedule key meetings with Administration officials, Congressional Representatives, Senators, and Staff. As a DC Days participant, you will have the incredible opportunity to meet various leaders and decision makers as part of a team. If you would like a meeting with your Senators or Congressperson, please check with DC Days Coordinator Ese Emerhi at the ANA DC office via phone (202)544-0217 x2501 or via email at eemerhi@ananuclear.org to see if ANA is already requesting a meeting with that person. If you plan on setting up your own meetings, please let Katherine know as soon as possible to avoid any confusion.