Q. I heard the Family Act didn’t become a law last year.  Will it pass in 2013? 
A. The 113th Congress began in January 2013, and will end in December 2014. Bills introduced in the 113th Congress must pass before December 2014 or they will die. RESOLVE is working hard to get the Family Act introduced in the 113th Congress well before Advocacy Day. Our goal will be to have it pass in the 113th Congress. We are encouraged that we had 33 co-sponsors in the House in the 112th Congress and will build on that success to garner more co-sponsors and an opportunity for the bill to be voted on.

Q. Are children allowed at Advocacy Day?
A. Showing Members of Congress families created by infertility medical treatment or adoption is incredibly powerful. Many advocacy groups from other causes and diseases encourage children to participate in their Advocacy Day if the cause impacts children. While we believe our issues are the most “family-friendly” issues facing Congress, we must respect the feelings of others who are still on their infertility journey. We therefore encourage Advocacy Day participants to bring children who are 12 years of age and older. We believe this is a great opportunity to empower a younger generation of the infertility community to stand up for the rights of their families. If you have questions about bringing children 12 and older, please email info@resolve.org.

Q. What should I wear?
A. We encourage our participants to wear business attire. This does not mean men must wear suits and ties or women must wear business suits, but please avoid jeans, shorts, t-shirts and other casual attire. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. 

Q. Will we be going through any security screening?  What I.D. should I bring?
A. Please make sure you have a valid photo I.D. with you at all times. You will be going through screening areas. 

Q.  Is this a partisan event, meaning, will I have to tell people if I am a Democrat or a Republican?
A.  No, this is not a partisan event. This event will educate and raise awarness to the elected officials in your state. Even if you did not personally vote for them, they must hear from you!

Q. I would love to come but can’t commit 100% until a week or so before…should I still register?
A. NO do not register, as we will make appointments for you and it does not look good when we have to cancel or worse yet, no show for the appointment. If you want to register last minute, it is very easy for us to add you to existing appointments and have you stop in to your representative’s office with the materials.

Q.  Will RESOLVE pay for my travel and hotel?
A.  Unfortunately, RESOLVE can not pay or reimburse for travel costs. Read more here about managing travel costs.

Q. How can I get my travel and hotel paid for?
A. Consider asking friends and family to put together a travel fund in lieu of upcoming celebration gifts. Or look into ways friends or family can donate hotel points or airline miles. 

Q. I am not comfortable public speaking; what will be required of me?
A. Your appointments will either be with just one legislative staff person, making the one-on-one more comfortable or you can choose to be part of a larger group. The group will ask for one person to be the lead speaker.

Q. Are professionals allowed to come - such as doctors, mental health professionals, attorneys, etc?
A. We encourage anyone who wants the infertility community to receive greater access to affordable care and who cares about the infertility community to join us on May 8th. Please tell us if you are a professional when you register –  answer yes to question number 6 and add a note in question number 7 in the registration form. Download information here about how your clinic/practice can get involved with Advocacy Day.

Q. My infertility is resolved and I had insurance coverage for medical treatment…will it still be helpful for me to attend?
A. Yes!  In fact hearing stories of success with insurance coverage is key in making our argument for better insurance mandates.

Q. Do I make my appointments with my representatives?
A. No. RESOLVE will schedule your appointments for you and provide you with a schedule on Advocacy Day.

Q. How do I find out who my representatives are?
Click here to find your U.S. representatives.

Q. We built our family through adoption and never tried medical treatment.  Should I still come?
A. Yes, your personal stories still matter and still make an impact

Q. I don’t have infertility but have friends or family who do; should I come?
A. Yes!  The more people in Washington, D.C on May 8th, the louder our voice.