Monday, March 25th
12:00PM
War Room - NYS Capitol
Albany, NY
IMPORTANT EVENT LOGISTICS
Arrival Time
The rally kicks off at noon but navigating downtown Albany can be tricky. We recommend arriving in Albany by 10:30am to ensure you find parking and have time to travel to the Capitol building and through the security lines.
Accessibility
The Capitol is located at Washington Avenue and State Street. There is an accessible entrance to the Capitol on Washington Avenue, an entrance on State Street that involves steps (no ramp/elevator), and an entrance via the Empire State Plaza complex. The Capitol building itself is wheelchair accessible.
Location
The rally will take place in the Capitol War room on the second floor. Once you enter the Capitol, keep an eye out for representatives from #bFair2DirectCare who will be there to guide participants to the elevators and closest bathrooms. We have also reserved room 104-A on the first floor of the Legislative Office Building as a staging area. If you get to the Capitol early or would like to drop off bags or coats before the rally, you can come to room 104-A.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited in Albany. The visitor lot at the Empire State Plaza usually fills quickly. If the visitor lot is full on your arrival, there are parking meters and lots throughout the city for smaller vehicles. The closest visitor lots are located on Madison Avenue, just south of the Empire State Plaza (the Cathedral lot and the Madison Avenue lot), and easy walking to the main concourse. Some lots are cash-only, and generally cost $5-$20 per day. Some parking meters may have a time limit, so keep this in mind. A map for on-street parking can be found at https://parkalbany.com/meters, a map of parking lots in close proximity to the Empire State Plaza can be found at https://its.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/empire-state-plaza-visitor-parking-map.pdf, and additional City of Albany parking lots can be found at https://parkalbany.com/find-parking. If you are bringing buses or larger vans, someone may need to park offsite and stay with the vehicle. We are finalizing parking details for buses and vans, and will follow up with confirmation.
Security
Everyone needs to go through security to enter the Capitol building. Be prepared to wait in the security line anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes, or possibly more. To speed up the security process, pack as lightly as possible, and avoid wearing large metal jewelry, belt or shoe buckles. All bags will be x-rayed, and electronics (including cell phones and laptops) must be removed from your bag at the checkpoint. Give yourself extra time so you are able to join us at the rally.
Signs, Buttons, Stickers
Bring your hand-held homemade signs, buttons, stickers, and photos of family members or individuals you serve! Wear agency gear if you have it. We want to show our representatives who we are and where we come from! We will have materials available at the rally, but your own handmade signs are the most powerful messages! Please note, signs on sticks will not be allowed in the Capitol.
Following the Rally
They may need to be prepared to circle the Capitol while other vans load. Once you leave the Capitol building, you would need to go back through security to reenter, so remember to collect all your things and use the bathrooms before leaving! We invite you to set up visits with your elective representatives, tour the Capitol, explore the State Museum or just enjoy Albany. If you need suggestions for nearby dining, let us know.