Frequently Asked Questions

Where will Action Days 2026 take place?

Action Days 2026 will be held in Washington, DC. Action Days training will take place at the Westin DC Downtown (999 9th St NW, Washington, DC, 20005) on Tuesday, February 24th. Capitol Hill Day meetings will take place on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

The Alliance has secured a room block at the Westin DC Downtown for the nights of February 23rd, 24th, and 25th at a nightly rate of $299/night plus tax for either a King or Double bed. Reservations can be booked either by phone or online.

Phone: Call (202) 898-9000 and mention "Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days 2026"

Online: Click here to reserve your room.

We strongly encourage advocates to book early as reservations are limited and are likely to sell out.

What type of clothing should I plan on wearing?

It is best to plan on wearing business casual attire throughout Action Days 2026, including for your Capitol Hill meetings on February 25th. This is merely a suggestion; feel free to use your own discretion.

In order to show that we are a unified group, we ask that you also wear your gold gear! Gold ties, scarves, or jewelry are all encouraged.

We ask that you please refrain from wearing gear from your home organization as we are trying to present a united front and message.

What am I doing on Tuesday, February 24th?

On Tuesday, February 24th, you will participate in a full day of training and prep for your Hill meetings. We will have speakers who will discuss our Congressional asks, best practices for Hill meetings, and the childhood cancer research landscape. You will also have time to prepare for your meetings with other advocates from your state.

What am I doing on Wednesday, February 25th?

On Wednesday, February 25th, you will attend several meetings on Capitol Hill with your home state lawmakers. These meetings will be scheduled for you in advance and you will be with other participants from your state. If there are no other advocates from your state, you will be paired with at least one other advocate from another state.

We encourage advocates to plan to participate in Capitol Hill meetings all day on February 25th. Meetings could be scheduled up until 5pm ET that day - please plan your travel accordingly! Capitol Hill meeting schedules will be available for registrants a week before Action Days.

Which meals will be provided during Action Days?

On Tuesday, February 24th, we will provide breakfast and lunch. On Wednesday, February 25th, there will not be a group breakfast. If you would like to receive a gift card to use for a breakfast of your choice, please indicate when you register for Action Days. Lunch on the 25th will be on your own at one of the cafeterias on Capitol Hill.

Are scholarships available for Action Days 2026?

A limited number of scholarships are available this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors. Scholarships will be administered in the form of a check and will be distributed on Action Days training day (February 24th)

Click here to apply for an Action Days 2026 scholarship.

The application deadline is 5 pm ET on January 9th. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. Recipients will be notified of their award by January 16th.

Will the Alliance offer a Children's Activity Room this year?

Yes! The Alliance will again offer a Children's Activity Room for children between 5 and 11 years old. The Children's Activity Room will be available during the Action Days training session on February 24th. Families will be required to sign a waiver form upon drop-off, and all children will join their families for lunch.

A teen program will also be available for kids ages 12-19 during the training session on February 24th.

*Please note that no childcare will be provided for children less than 5 years old. Additionally, children under age 5 are not permitted in the training session.

What are my transportation options for Action Days?

The Westin DC Downtown is located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC.

Getting to The Westin DC Downtown

• AIR: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles National Airport or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
• TRAIN: Union Station
• SUBWAY: Gallery Place - Chinatown (Green, Yellow & Red Lines), Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange & Silver Lines)

I will be driving to Action Days 2026. What are my parking options?

Parking rates at the Westin DC Downtown are as follows:

On-Site Parking: Hourly: $11.00; Daily: $48.00

Valet: Daily: $72.00, hourly rates apply. Maximum height 6'4”

I'm interested in sponsoring Action Days, how can I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by clicking here.

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Please contact actiondays@acco.org with any additional questions.