The Washington Bureau

The National Urban League has had a formal presence in the U.S. Capitol for more than 50 years, advancing policies that protect and expand civil rights for more than 50 years. The “Washington Office” as it was first known, was charged with building a direct relationship with the federal government in the interest of protecting and expanding civil rights for all Americans. From its inception, the Office worked to ensure the Urban League had a voice in the legislative process, educating and advising lawmakers on the challenges and injustices facing urban America.   

 Today, The Washington Bureau, as it is now known, focuses on policy and advocacy goals grounded in the local program experiences of the Urban League’s more than 90 affiliates throughout the U.S. Informed by this on-the-ground, real-world perspective, the Bureau is uniquely qualified to represent the Urban League before the Legislative and Executive Branches, lead policy discussions that advance economic and social equality for the communities we serve, and engage the Urban League movement, including our Young Professionals and Guild members, in advocacy campaigns aimed at achieving policy wins.


To view a listing of National Urban League Congressional
hearings please click the button below.
 

Congressional Hearings


In 2016, the Washington Bureau launched its advocacy division tasked with building policy alignment, broadening grassroots mobilization, and strengthening relationships between the Urban League Affiliate Movement, members of Congress, and local elected officials. The division’s launch of the Congressional Advocacy Certification Program, State of Black America podcast, and its robust library of publications, toolkits, and other educational resources, keeps the Urban League Movement informed, engaged, and empowered to act on the issues impacting our nation and local communities.

In recent years, the Washington Bureau has become the hub of the Urban League’s civic engagement activity and a powerful platform for advocacy. The advocacy division played a major role in the National Urban League’s 2020 Reclaim Your Vote GOTV activations and COVID-19 outreach efforts during the height of the global pandemic. On an ongoing basis, the advocacy division is responsible for coordinating digital campaigns and civic demonstrations in support of policing reform, voting rights, infrastructure investments in urban communities, and much more… making thousands of congressional contacts and community connections every month!

Toolkits


Papers & Reports
 
Press Releases and Statements (January 2021 – Present)