IEC Lobby Days
Demonstrate our movement's power!
IEC annually leads Illinois’ environmental movement to the State Capitol to advocate for our state’s climate and conservation future. We connect Illinoisans representing various communities, professions, and interests with their elected officials—and each other! For decades, our Lobby Days have inspired legislative action among our decision-makers, our affiliates, and passionate Illinoisans just like you!
“It’s good to see the process of government. Also, the rally was fun. I was thrilled to be in a room with a hundred other people who were cheering for energy efficiency!” -Climate Day at the Capitol attendee
Your Impact
Decision-makers often tell us that hearing directly from their constituents at the Capitol influences their priorities. Lobby Days offer Illinoisans opportunities to elevate environmental issues at the Capitol—from youth marches to the Governor’s Office to sharing personal impact stories directly with your legislators, Lobby Days are your chance to make an impact. Our environmental champions and bill sponsors from the House and Senate often seek opportunities to participate in our Lobby Day rallies because they are energized by seeing the support we’ve built for environmental progress.
In 2024, IEC hosted four Lobby Days. We brought together voices to fight for soil health, reinforce conservation resources, make progress on climate action, and free Illinois from plastic and waste pollution. Over 300 Illinoisans showed up for Climate Action Lobby Day alone!
2025 Lobby Days
Our Lobby Day events are free and open to all. Register for the Lobby Day or Days you’d like attend!
March 5: Soil Health Lobby Day
Register today to join the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), Illinois Soybean Association, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts and fellow partners and advocates from across the state on March 5th to advocate for a slate of issues that aim to protect our soil, climate, and water quality.
March 20: Plastic Reduction Lobby Day
Register today to join the Coalition for Plastic Reduction in Springfield, Illinois to advocate for bills to reduce single-use plastics! We will be connecting with legislators to let them know why our priority bills are important and should be passed this session.
April 9: Conservation Lobby Day
Save the date! Registration opens soon!
Date TBD: Climate Action Lobby Day
Check back soon. We're in planning mode!
Climate Day at the Capitol
During the 2025 lame duck legislative session in January, we hosted Climate Day at the Capitol. Hundreds of advocates met with their legislators to voice support for the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Platform. This suite of legislation—the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act, the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, and the Clean and Healthy Buildings Act—will accelerate Illinois’ climate and equity goals.
Never Lobbied Before?
Designed for new and returning advocates alike, we’ll guide participants through every step of the process. You’ll be paired up with seasoned environmental advocates who will support you and your neighbors through conversations with legislators. We also train participants before each Lobby Day so they are prepared, energized, and excited to make a difference.
We asked past attendees how they have or will incorporate this experience into their daily lives. Here’s what they said:
- More engagement in district, local, and state politics
- Paying more attention to bills, laws, etc.
- Convincing others to join the climate movement
- Encouraging others to attend a Lobby Day
- Taking new knowledge back to their communities
