We are thrilled to welcome you back to an in-person Affiliate Summit from September 19-21st. The theme this year is Resilience and Reinvention. Below are details that can support your decisions on your level of participation and inform your travel plans. We have asked you previously for a headcount. We now ask that each individual attending the summit register for the summit here:
Registration Deadline is August 1st, you must register using the link above to attend.
Affiliate Summit
September 19-21st
The Affiliate Summit is the annual meeting for FASD United Affiliates. The theme this year is Resilience and Reinvention. Affiliates will be collaborating and learning on ways to increase the efficacy of their individual organizations by working together. In person for the first time since 2019, this meeting will be held at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End for Days 1 and 2 of the summit (Monday and Tuesday). Day 3 (Wednesday) will be held in conjunction with the FASD in the Military Health System Workshop at the National Press Club (see details below). Affiliates will be staying at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End. FASD United will be paying for 2 nights hotel per affiliate organization. Please discuss within your affiliate who will be utilizing that room and if the room will be shared between participants. Transportation will be provided for affiliates to travel from Hyatt Place to the National Press Club for Day 3 of the Summit. Questions about the Affiliate Summit can be directed to Susan Elsworth at elsworth@FASDUnited.org. A formal agenda for the Summit will be distributed shortly.
Hill Visits
September 19-20th
With our Affiliates in DC and movement towards passage of The FASD Respect Act (S2238/HR4151) what better time to have a Hill Day! At various times throughout Monday and Tuesday, Affiliates will be leaving the Summit and going to the Hill to meet with their legislators, promoting The FASD Respect Act. We will be booking these meetings for you and arranging for a guide on the hill. For questions, please contact wisdahl@fasdunited.org
Affiliate Dinner
September 19th
Affiliates can join together for an informal meal starting at 6pm at a The Hyatt Hotel. Please indicate on your registration that you will be joining the meal so that appropriate reservations can be made. FASD United will cover the cost of the meal and non-alcoholic beverages. For questions, contact Susan Elsworth elsworth@FASDUnited.org.
Evening Reception
September 20th
The evening of September 20th we plan to gather with a reception in honor of FASD Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to thank our sponsors and donors, build connections, and allow key stakeholders to meet the Affiliates who are carrying out the mission of FASD United in each of their home states. This event will be held from 6:30-8:00pm at the Hyatt. This is not our annual fundraising gala, which will be held in November. Business attire is appropriate, and red shoes are always welcome. For more information on this event, contact Jenn Wisdahl at wisdahl@FASDUnited.org.
FASD in The Military Health System Workshop/Summit Day 3
September 21st
Combined with the 3rd Day of the Affiliate Summit, the FASD in the Military Health System Workshop is the launch of the 4-year project that FASD United is entering into with the Center for Health Services Research at the Uniformed Services University. In this workshop, stakeholders from the military health system will learn more about the project, gain knowledge of where the field is now and learn about the vision of where this project can take the field of FASD. This workshop is still in the planning phase, but we anticipate it being held from 9-5pm at the National Press Club. Transportation from the Hyatt to the National Press Club will be provided. For more information on this event, contact Tom Donaldson at donaldson@FASDUnited.org. Participants may need to leave early. Should that occur, participants would need to arrange for their own transportation from this venue.
What should I pack?
We want all participants to feel prepared and comfortable attending the summit. For affiliates only events, you may choose to dress on the more casual side. Most folks attending hill visits chose a more professional attire. The FASD Awareness Month Reception and FASD in the Military Health System workshop will be attended by outside stakeholders so more professional attire would be appropriate. Temperatures in September in DC tend to be quite warm. We will not have control over the HVAC systems for any events, so you may wish to consider layers to avoid discomfort in air-conditioned rooms.