Welcome to Student Day at the Capitol!
Join us for an inspiring day of advocacy, learning about the legislative process, and change making. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your day!
Tuesday, February 25th, 2025
Check-in: Begins at 8:30 AM
Event Start: 9:00 AM
End of Day: Our staff will be at the Capitol until approximately 3:00 PM!
Our event will start at the State Historical Building
600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319
We will transition to the State Capitol Building as a walking group (0.3 miles, approx. 7 min walk)
Key Deadlines:
Tuesday, Feb. 18th at 5pm: Registration closes, no additional attendees may be added after this deadline.
Sunday, Feb. 23rd at 11:59pm: Substitutions deadline, no name substitutions will be accepted after this deadline.
Registration for Student Day at the Capitol is FREE, but please note that only registered individuals will be permitted to attend.
This event is geared toward high school and college students. Middle school students who are interested in advocacy are encouraged to attend with a chaperone.
Please arrive with enough time to find parking, free parking is available nearby.
Parking Ramp: E Grand Ave and Pennsylvania Ave (recommended)
Street Parking: Along Pennsylvania Ave and E 7th St (between E Court Ave and Des Moines St)
For additional parking resources, please refer to the Capitol Resources & Parking Map.
Stand alongside other passionate students and make your voice heard on the issues that impact you most.
Learn the ins and outs of the legislative process and explore real pathways to influence meaningful change in your community.
Network with fellow GSA leaders and allies, share your ideas, and build your own supportive community that shares your dedication for creating safer and more inclusive schools.
Take advantage of a unique chance to speak directly with the people who make decisions about education, equality, and the youth experience in Iowa.
Please contact hannah@iowasafeschools.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No prior experience necessary! Student Day at the Capitol is designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting out. We'll talk about the basics of advocacy and provide helpful insights about how to engage effectively with lawmakers.
Nope! You won't be expected to talk with a lawmaker on your own unless you feel ready to do so. Our goal is to make civic engagement approachable and to support you in building confidence. Many students tell us that they initially felt really nervous but found themselves ready and excited to speak up once we're up at the Capitol.
We invite you to participate in whatever way feels comfortable:
Ultimately, we expect anyone joining our group to maintain high standards of conduct, interacting respectfully with Capitol staff. Whether you're here to observe, support, or advocate, we're here to help make the experience valuable for you.
That's completely understandable! The State Capitol building can get pretty loud and busy during legislative session. If you need a moment to step away, feel free to access:
If you are attending with a group, please be sure to communicate your whereabouts.
We want you to feel your most confident and professional -- but seriously, no need to stress or purchase anything new. We typically encourage business casual (so think slacks/skirts or dark wash jeans, blouses/polos, button-downs, cardigans, blazers or other comfortable, professional clothing.) Come as your best self in clothing that makes you feel empowered!
NOTE: This event takes place in Iowa in the month of February and includes a short walk between venues. Please take note of the weather the day of the event and dress accordingly. There are coat racks in the Capitol for coats or winter gear.
Bring your enthusiasm, questions, and ideas! You might also bring a pen and notebook to jot your thoughts down.
Please note that all members of the public will pass through a security scan upon entering the state Capitol building. This includes a metal detector and bag check. No dangerous weapons are permitted in state buildings on the Capitol complex.
Nope! A complimentary bagged lunch will be provided to all attendees. If you’d like additional items, you’re welcome to visit the Capitol cafeteria, which closes at 2:00 PM, or use the vending machines available on-site. Please abide by any posted rules regarding food and drink.
Breakfast: Please have breakfast beforehand, as food is not permitted inside the auditorium at the State Historical Building!
Our official event programming will largely be on the second floor of the Capitol building, and will not include a building tour. That being said, attendees are welcome to arrange their own tours of the grounds. These can be self guided tours, joining a guided tour day of, or scheduling a tour in advance. More information can be found on the Iowa State Capitol website.
At Student Day at the Capitol, we understand that the issues being discussed are meaningful, personal, and, at times, challenging. We deeply value the passion that you bring to advocating for LGBTQ youth and other causes important to you. Our goal is to foster an environment that reflects our commitments to inclusivity, leadership, and effective community engagement.
We expect all participants joining our group to be respectful toward Capitol staff, fellow attendees, and the space itself. We encourage you to share your views confidently and engage in dialogue thoughtfully, especially in moments of disagreement. Thank you for helping us have the most possible impact.
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If this is an emergency, dial 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988.
24 x 7 crisis assistance is available from the Iowa Victim Service Call Center 1-800-770-1650 or text IowaHelp to 20121.
Iowa Safe Schools —P.O. Box 704 Des Moines, IA 50303 — 515-381-0588
Iowa Safe Schools