NATIONAL YEMEN ADVOCACY DAY '25
Be the Voice of Yemen
Yemen Advocacy Day empowers Yemeni-Americans to create positive change in Yemen by building bridges with elected officials and fostering dialogue on critical issues shaping U.S. policy towards Yemen.
The Washington Center for Yemeni Studies (WCYS) proudly organized the third National Yemen Advocacy Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., on September 2–3, 2025. The event brought together Yemeni Americans from across the United States to strengthen their collective voice and engage directly with U.S. policymakers on issues impacting Yemen and the Yemeni-American community.
The program began on Tuesday, September 2, with training sessions, workshops, and a discussion forum designed to prepare participants for their advocacy meetings on the Hill. These sessions equipped community members with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively communicate policy priorities.
On Wednesday, September 3, participants headed to Capitol Hill for a full day of meetings with members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and congressional staff. Key issues discussed included the travel ban, the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), ongoing Houthi human rights violations in Yemen, and ways to enhance U.S. engagement in addressing Yemen’s humanitarian and political crises. Participants also emphasized the importance of U.S. support for peace and stability efforts.
This successful initiative highlighted the growing civic engagement of Yemeni Americans and underscored their commitment to working with U.S. institutions toward a more peaceful and stable future for Yemen. WCYS remains dedicated to amplifying Yemeni-American voices and building bridges between communities in the United States and Yemen.
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Advocacy Training Workshop
July 8th
On July 8th, WCYS hosted an engaging in-person workshop designed to empower the Yemeni community through advocacy training and insightful discussions. The event featured notable guest speakers and community leaders, fostering a space for learning and collaboration.
The evening commenced with a comprehensive advocacy training session led by Fatima Abo Alasrar, Senior Advisor at WCYS, and Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at DAWN. Attendees gained valuable skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for their community’s needs and interests.
Following the training, a dynamic panel discussion took place, showcasing prominent Yemeni American leaders and public servants. They shared their personal experiences and expertise, highlighting the significance of civic engagement in creating positive change.
The event concluded with a productive town hall discussion with representatives from the Department of State. This open forum allowed community members to voice their concerns and aspirations for sustainable peace in Yemen and effective US foreign policy in Yemen, fostering a dialogue with key decision-makers.
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