Advocate with RAINN!
Every April, RAINN and survivor-advocates gather on Capitol Hill for a Congressional Day of Action. Find out how YOU can advocate with RAINN—in D.C. and beyond.
Your story has the power to reclaim, reshape, and replace harmful narratives by inspiring laws that promote prevention, justice, and healing.
Show Up To Change Minds, Laws, & Lives
RAINN’s Congressional Day of Action
RAINN’s annual advocacy day unites survivors, allies, and advocates in the nation’s capital to call for stronger laws that drive prevention, justice, and healing for survivors of sexual violence.
Meet the 2025 Survivor Advocates
The CDA Experience
What is RAINN’s Congressional Day of Action?
Congressional Day of Action (CDA) is RAINN’s annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C., where survivors, advocates, and allies meet directly with members of Congress. Guided by RAINN staff, participants share their stories and advocate for bipartisan policies that strengthen prevention, ensure justice, and support healing for survivors of sexual violence.
When is the next CDA?
CDA takes place each April during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Because congressional schedules and meeting spaces vary, the exact date is announced in January or February. Whenever possible, RAINN holds CDA on RAINN Day—the second Tuesday in April.
Who can apply?
Anyone affected by sexual violence in the United States is welcome to apply. Applicants must be over 18.
Do I need advocacy experience?
No. RAINN provides virtual training before the event to help participants prepare for meetings with lawmakers. These sessions cover the basics of legislative advocacy, RAINN’s policy priorities, and tips for sharing your story safely and effectively.
Does it cost money to participate?
Unlike some nonprofit organizations, RAINN does NOT require a donation from our CDA participants. We provide breakfast and lunch on Capitol Hill during CDA, but participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and any additional meals.
What should I expect if I’m selected?
The day begins with a welcome breakfast and orientation near the Capitol, where you’ll meet your group leader, RAINN staff, and fellow advocates. Throughout the day, you’ll participate in several meetings with congressional offices to discuss key policy priorities and share why these issues matter to you.
After the meetings, participants gather to reflect, connect, and debrief in a supportive environment. A licensed clinician is available on-site throughout the day to offer emotional support.
What are the participation requirements?
Participants must:
- Attend all virtual training sessions before CDA.
- Agree to appear in photographs or videos that may be shared through RAINN’s media channels.
- Be prepared to engage respectfully in discussions that can be emotionally challenging.
RAINN provides ongoing guidance to help ensure every participant feels ready, informed, and supported.
How does RAINN select participants?
RAINN strives to build a group that reflects a wide range of survivor experiences, backgrounds, and identities. Selection is based on availability, readiness to participate in emotionally demanding conversations, and a commitment to RAINN’s advocacy mission.
Can I take action without traveling to Washington, D.C.?
Absolutely! There are many ways to advocate in your own community; contact your elected officials, share RAINN’s resources, join local awareness efforts, and more. Keep scrolling to explore more ways to get involved.
Join RAINN on Capitol Hill in 2026!
Learn more and sign up to be notified when applications open!
Speak Out To Change Laws—from Anywhere
Can’t make it to RAINN’s Congressional Day of Action? You can still have an impact! From the comfort of your own home, you can speak out about issues that have impacted you or someone you care about:
I want my story to help…
- Eliminate Statutes of Limitations
- End Tech-Enabled Sexual Abuse
- Require Trauma-Informed Training for Investigators
- Ensure Survivors Feel Safe Reporting
- Hold Predatory Professionals Accountable
More Ways To Speak Out
Survivors’ stories are radically reshaping the world’s understanding of sexual violence—and what it means to be a survivor.
Let’s Talk About Prevention
Is prevention possible? And if it is, how can it be achieved? Share your insights and experiences to improve prevention efforts.
Let’s Talk About Justice
What does justice mean to you? And did you get it? RAINN’s prompts will help you tackle some of the toughest questions about justice for survivors.
Step In To Create Safer Communities
No matter where you live, you can help make your community safer by confronting myths about sexual violence, sharing facts to build awareness, and stepping in with courage and compassion to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
Share the Facts
Each time you share RAINN’s resources, you turn awareness into prevention—and compassion into change.
Advocate from Anywhere
Learn to leverage your personal power for good in your own community!
Support Survivors
Learn simple steps to support survivors of sexual violence. You never know when someone will need your help.
Sign up to be Notified about Congressional Day of Action 2027
Join RAINN in Washington, D.C., in April of 2027 for our Congressional Day of Action. The exact date will be announced later this year—but if you’re ready to stand with survivors and advocate for change, apply now to receive updates.
RAINN provides the training and resources; you cover your own travel and lodging. We’ll guide you every step of the way!
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
Join Our Community
Support a future free from sexual violence.
Your contribution is critical to staff our hotline and support survivors.
