Together for Mental Health.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, join NAMI Iowa, our legislative partners, and advocates from around the state for a day of education and inspiration. This Day on the Hill is an opportunity to hear from mental health experts on policy and pending legislation. We will train you to advocate to your legislators for mental health issues, and then we’ll take you to the Iowa Capitol where you can put your new skills into action! We are stronger together, and the more voices we have, the louder our message will be! 

Agenda 

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.: Check-In and Registration (coffee and pastries available)

9:30 - 9:40 a.m.: Welcome — Ryan Crane, Executive Director, NAMI Iowa

9:40 - 10:40 a.m.: Sharing Your Story (The Why) — Mary Neubauer, NAMI Iowa Board Member and Anna Killpack, Executive Director, NAMI Southwest Iowa

10:40 - 11:00 a.m.: Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.:  What's Going On and Where It Needs to Go (The What)-- Joe Bolkcom, Iowa State Senator (Ret.) and Leslie Carpenter, Legislative Advocacy Manager for the Treatment Advocacy Center, a co-founder of Iowa Mental Health Advocacy, NAMI Iowa Board Member

12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00- 2:00 p.m.: Advocacy 101 (The How) — Jamie Stokka, Marketing and Communications Manager, NAMI Iowa

2:00 - 2:15 p.m.: Bus to Capitol

2:15 - 3:50 p.m.: Conversations with Legislators

3:50 p.m.: Group photo on Grand Staircase on First Floor Rotunda

4:00- 4:30 p.m.: Bus back to Curate

4:15-4:45 p.m.: Debrief
 

Ticket Prices

Early Bird: $40 (Early Bird ticket sales ended February 28)

General Admission: $50 (Available thru March 31)

Day-of Registration: $60

Limited Income: $20 *

* The limited income registration option is designed for individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship and may have difficulty affording the standard registration fee. This option is intended to ensure that everyone has access to our programs, regardless of their financial situation. If you believe that cost is a barrier to your participation, we encourage you to select this option.

FAQs

Q: I’ve never advocated for mental health before. Will there be any help? 
A: Yes! We welcome those who are new to the lobbying to join us. We need your voices! To help new advocates, we will be holding a “Advocacy 101" training to teach you the basics. You’ll learn tips and tricks to get ahold of legislators when at the Capitol and what to say. We’ll even practice with some role-playing exercises.

Q: Do I need to submit any financial documents to qualify for the Limited Income ticket option?
A: No, however the limited income registration option is designed for individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship and may have difficulty affording the standard registration fee. This option is intended to ensure that everyone has access to our programs, regardless of their financial situation. If you believe that cost is a barrier to your participation, we encourage you to select this option.

Q: What is the refund policy?
A: Registration may be refunded up to 48 hours before the event on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Amanda Huppert at amanda@namiiowa.org.

Q: How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
A: Please call the NAMI Iowa office at 515-254-0417 or email amanda@namiiowa.org.