Public Policy
Submitted by Kim Salter

TAKE ACTION IN 2026: SIGN UP FOR LOBBY DAYS & THE SCHOOL BOARD PROJECT SYMPOSIUM

Lobby Days 2026 – A New Approach for Greater Impact

Calling all AAUW Advocates! All members are encouraged to participate in Lobby Days 2026 and help advance our priority legislation, including an AAUW California-sponsored bill package focused on human trafficking and enforcement. This year, we are taking a significantly new approach to Lobby Days, with in-district meetings serving as our primary strategy.

To be involved in this year’s Lobby Days, please complete and return this Sign-up Form by January 16, 2026, and let us know whether you prefer to participate in-person, in the district office, or virtually via Zoom. We are also seeking volunteers to serve as Team Leaders – a critical role responsible for scheduling district office meetings, coordinating team members, and ensuring everyone understands their tasks and logistics.

Key Dates:

· January 6, 2026 – Lobby Days Interest Survey will be sent to all members via email

· January 16, 2026 – Survey responses due

· January 30, 2026 – Team Rosters, including Team Leaders, will be published

· February 9, 2026 – Team Leaders begin scheduling in-district meetings (Recommended lead time is a minimum of 45 days)

· March 16, 2026 – Bill packets (bill language + talking points) available

· March 23, 2026 – Lobby Days Training Webinar

· March 26-April 6, 2026 – Legislature’s Spring Recess

· March 27-April 17, 2026 – Meeting window for in-district meetings

· April 8-10, 2026 – Meeting window for Zoom meetings

For more information about the Lobby Days event, including FAQs, see this detailed article.

To better understand how our Lobby Days advocacy fits into the bigger picture, see the January issue of Public Policy News (p. 6), which features a terrific infographic explaining the policy development and legislative advocacy process.

The School Board Project: Defending the Frontline of Democracy

Please join our virtual symposium on January 31, 2026, 9 am to 12:30 pm PT and learn:
· How the federal government’s restrictive laws impact California’s protective laws
· How to effectively advocate for AAUW values with your local school board members
· Why advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ students is a crucial AAUW priority
· How to support progressive school board members in conservative districts
· How to respond to parents’ concerns with accurate information
· How to form and sustain valuable coalitions in your district with like-minded organizations
· How to identify, recruit, and support school board candidates who share AAUW’s values

See the flyer, and register for the event HERE.