Mobilizing the Movement

Advancing Equity. Shaping Policy. Empowering Communities.

The Washington Bureau leads the National Urban League’s advocacy in the nation’s capital –bringing the voices of the Movement to Capitol Hill and across the federal government. We act with urgency, strategy, and partnership to advance legislation, mobilize grassroots voices, or block dangerous rollbacks to ensure that the pursuit of equity, economic opportunity, and social justice remains at the center of America’s national agenda.

Strategic Advocacy. Legal Action. Grassroots Empowerment.

The Washington Bureau operates at the intersection of policy, activism, and coalition building:

  • Legislative Advocacy: Testifying before Congress, shaping critical legislation, and lobbying for policies that expand opportunity.
  • Executive Branch Engagement: Influencing regulations, executive orders, and agency initiatives that advance equity and inclusion.
  • Public Campaigns and Events: Driving national initiatives to defend DEI, protect voting rights, and mobilize civic engagement.
  • Affiliate Support: Equipping local Urban League leaders with the tools, research, and strategies to advocate effectively in their communities.

Through research, policy recommendations, and direct advocacy, we ensure that the voices of Black communities are heard at the highest levels of government.

Key Initiatives: Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, Defeat Poverty

Guided by our call to action—Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty—the Washington Bureau is at the forefront of the fight, pushing for policies that expand opportunity, protect civil rights, and secure a more just and equitable future for all. In 2024–2025, the Washington Bureau took bold action to protect hard-won civil rights and ensure a more inclusive future:

Demand Diversity Roundtable

Launched on January 22, 2025, the Demand Diversity Roundtable is a national coalition of over 20 civil and human rights groups representing 100 million Americans. Together, they’re defending core values like diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Learn more
 

Fair Budget Coalition

The Fair Budget Coalition is an alliance of civil rights leaders, economic justice advocates, and policy experts demanding a responsible federal budget that centers fairness, opportunity, and economic security for all Americans— including people and communities long overlooked and under-resourced.

Read the announcement
 

Main Street Tax Initiative

The Main Street Tax Initiative is the National Urban League’s ten-point plan to create a fairer tax system as key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire in 2025. It aims to promote economic opportunity for all Americans by making permanent the expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, restoring the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, and boosting support for first-time homebuyers and small businesses in undercapitalized communities.

Learn more


Stop Project 2025

Project 2025's goal is to transform the United States from a democratic country to an authoritarian system, a government that rules with one strong power and greatly limits political freedom and opposition. Explore our analysis of this conservative-led effort and how to fight back.

Learn more about Project 2025 and How to Fight Against It


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)
 
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