Park Advocacy Day 2023 Agenda | Cal Parks

This year California State Parks Foundation will host Park Advocacy Day on Tuesday, May 16 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a reception to follow. We will begin the day at the Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, entering at 1020 11th St between J St and K St. We will spend the morning at the M.A.Y Building and then head over to the Capitol swing space for legislative appointments and an optional reception. For details on the day, please see the agenda below. If you have any questions, please contact advocacy@calparks.org. We hope to see you there! 

Monday, May 15, 2023 

1:00pm to 4:00pm: Team leader training 
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street (3rd floor)

  • Team leaders will come together early for training on legislation, members they are meeting with, and how to run an effective meeting. 


5:30pm to 7:30pm: Dinner 
Location: Zócalo Restaurant Midtown, 1801 Capitol Avenue

  • Team leaders are invited to dinner with California State Parks Foundation staff and board. 
     

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 

8:30am to 9:00am: Event Check In
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • Check-in begins at 8:30am and we will serve a continental breakfast as attendees arrive.   


9:00am to 9:40am: Welcome Speakers
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • During this session, California State Parks Foundation’s Executive Director Rachel Norton and distinguished guests will welcome participants to the Capitol. We will cover the agenda for the day and any additional important information.   


9:40am to 10:00am:  Legislative Champion Award Presentation
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • The Legislative Champion Award will be presented in honor of noteworthy efforts by legislators on behalf of state parks who have made significant contributions to protecting, enhancing, and advocating for California’s state parks. 
     

10:00am to 10:45am: California’s Political Landscape Panel
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • During this panel discussion, Environmental & Energy Consulting, a lobbying and consulting firm specializing in environmental advocacy, and guests from the California Legislature, will provide an update on what legislators are talking about, what issues are favored, and more.  


10:45am to 11:00am – BREAK


11:00am to 11:30am: An Overview of Legislative and Budget Priorities 
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • California State Parks Foundation staff and Environmental & Energy Consulting will cover priority legislation and budget items. 


11:30am to 12:00pm: Legislator Presentations
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street 

  • Several legislators have been invited to discuss legislation affecting state parks and answer questions.


12:00pm to 12:15pm: Grassroots Champion Award Presentation
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • California State Parks Foundation will present the Grassroots Champion Award to honor outstanding work by individuals and groups to protect California’s state parks and keep them open.


12:15pm to 1:00pm: Lunch/Depart for the Capitol (swing space)
Location: Capitol Event Center at the M.A.Y Building, 1020 11th Street

  • Attendees will receive a boxed lunch and eat before heading to the Capitol (swing space). 


1:00pm to 4:30pm: Legislative Appointments
Location: Swing Space, 1021 O Street

  • Attendees will meet with legislators and staff to discuss priority legislation and budget items that are important to California state parks. 


4:30pm to 6:30pm: Reception (optional)
Location: Prelude Kitchen & Bar, 1117 11th Street  

  • Join us for a reception to share stories, provide feedback on follow-up action items with members, and network with your peers.