What is Day on the Hill?

Never been to a Day on the Hill? Here’s a 2-minute preview of how we work together to make our voices heard at the Capitol.

Legislation We're Promoting

Every year, SAC backs and might even help create policies designed to mold Tennessee into a more survivor-centered state. We work on increasing access to services, making it simpler to hold abusers accountable, and ensure survivors are considered when legislation is created.

For 2026, we have two pieces we're focusing on:

Know Before You Go

Arrival & Navigation

To ensure we stay on track, please plan to arrive and park by 8:30 AM. This allows enough time to navigate parking, pass through security, and walk through the building. We will begin our program promptly at 9:00 AM.

Location: Tennessee State Capitol - Conference Room 8C.

What to Wear

The dress code for the day is Business Casual.

• Show Your Support: We encourage wearing purple or teal if possible. We will also provide SAC teal ribbons for you to add to your outfit.
• Pro-Tip: If you’d like to wear a Coalition T-shirt, we recommend pairing it with a blazer to elevate the look for our meetings with lawmakers.
• Footwear: Please wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a significant amount of walking throughout the Capitol complex.

Schedule & Timing

While we have a set schedule for our legislative visits, advocacy requires flexibility. Last-minute timing adjustments often happen due to floor votes or committee changes.

While we expect to wrap up by 1:00 PM, please be aware that some meetings may be pushed into the early afternoon. We recommend leaving a small buffer in your personal schedule to account for these potential shifts.

Parking

• The library offers the least expensive parking but requires about a 0.5-mile walk.
• Street parking is available nearby but is limited and must be renewed every two hours (though enforcement is not strict).
• Use this link to find additional options: Where to Park | Getting Around | Downtown Nashville

Agenda

• 9:00 AM – Sign-in & breakfast
• 9:15 AM – Welcome, introductions, bill overviews & meet bill sponsors
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Meetings with lawmakers & tabling (Groups will eat lunch between meetings)
• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – Finish up meetings

We will have a table set up in the café that will serve as our “home base” from 12:00–3:00 PM. Please check in before you leave or stick around to recap your meetings with us.

Tips for Meeting with Lawmakers

Volunteers don't have to meet with lawmakers to participate in Day on the Hill. You have the option to engage in other activities, such as writing letters, tabling, and more. However, many people do want to join these meetings. Navigating the halls of the Capitol can feel fast-paced, but you won't be doing it alone! Here is what to expect during our legislative visits and how to make the most of your time:

• Strength in Numbers: You will be placed in a small group of about 5 or more volunteers with an experienced Team Lead. This person will guide your group to each office, introduce the team, and lead the overall conversation with the lawmaker or their staff.
• The 15-Minute Window: Most legislative meetings are brief—typically lasting only 10–15 minutes. Because our time is limited, we want to ensure there is plenty of room to discuss our specific bills and answer any questions the lawmakers may have.
• Sharing Your Story: The main purpose of these meetings, in addition to education and relationship building, is to highlight the pieces of legislation we are advocating for this session. While there may be an opportunity to share your personal "why" or your survivor story, please be aware that timing doesn't always allow for it. If you are invited to share, please keep your testimonial concise, aiming for around 30–45 seconds.
• Focus on the Mission: Whether you speak or stand in silent support, your presence alone sends a powerful message. Your authentic voice is what helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact of the policies we are championing.

Frequently Asked Questions