DC Villages Collaborative (DCVC) is hosting its second informative and interactive Advocacy Workshop designed to equip Villages and aging advocates with the tools, confidence, and shared language needed to influence policy at a critical moment for aging in the District.

As DC prepares for Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) budget performance hearings on February 19th, 2026, decisions are being made that will directly affect the sustainability of Villages and the ability of older adults to age safely and with dignity and joy. These hearings are a key opportunity for Villages to show up – prepared, aligned, and powerful.

Why This Workshop Matters

DC’s legislative and budget decisions in the coming year will shape the future of aging in place, impacting DCVC’s three advocacy priorities 1) direct-care workforce 2) senior housing affordability, and 3) nutrition and food access.

Villages are trusted community voices with lived experience and deep neighborhood connections. This workshop ensures we are ready to:

• Speak clearly and confidently to decision-makers
• Align our messaging across Villages
• Elevate the real experiences of older adults
• Influence outcomes at DACL budget performance hearings and beyond

Our unified voice has never been more urgent or more needed!

Who Should Attend

This workshop is open to everyone in the DCVC community – not just advocacy committee members.

You should attend if you are a:

• Village leader or board member
• Staff person or volunteer
• Engaged Village member
• Partner invested in aging equity in DC

If you care about strengthening Villages and advancing equity for older adults, this session is for you! If you cannot attend in person, the session will be recorded and supporting materials will be distributed via email following the meeting.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain practical, actionable skills to support advocacy efforts tied directly to the DACL budget process and broader policy engagement, including:

• How to advocate effectively with DC Council, DACL, city agencies, funders, community allies, and private-sector partners
• Clear, consistent messaging around DCVC’s three advocacy priorities:
  • Workforce
  • Housing
  • Food access
• How to prepare for and participate in budget performance hearings
• Practical steps for engaging elected officials before, during, and after hearings
• How to mobilize your Village community to show up and speak out
• Real-world examples and hands-on practice in testimony, storytelling, and strategic communication