HLA Days at the Capitol
It is very important that this site is checked or one of the directors listed is called before traveling to the capitol. Information may alter due to sudden changes in the legislative schedule.
We will be having Human Life Amendment day at the Capitol every Tuesday. Speakers will include:
January 29 - Catherine Davis (Representing Network of Politically Active Christians)
February 5 - Alveda King (Priests for Life)
February 12 - Bucky Kennedy (President of Georgia Baptist Convention and Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vidalia)
February 19 - Joseph Scheidler (National Director of Pro-life Action League)
February 26 - Gerald Harris (Editor of the Christian Index)And future speakers will include Dan Becker president of Georgia Right to Life (GRTL), Representitive Martin Scott the sponsor of the Human Life Ammendment, Mike Griffin Director of Government Relations for GRTL, and many more speakers from around the state.
Typical HLA Tuesday at the Capitol Schedule:
7:30am Breakfast (for early arivals)
8:30 a.m. Prayer circle for early arrivals
9:00 a.m. Meet in West Capitol Lobby
9:30 a.m. Press Event
9:45 a.m. Meeting with Representitives
11:30 a.m. Lunch
The following tips will help you plan for a successful day at the Capitol:
1. What should I do to prepare myself for the visit?
2. What if I can't come on Tuesdays?
3. What if I have special needs?
4. What if I’m not sure who my State Representative and State Senator are?
5. What is involved in communicating with your Representitive?
6. What about lunch?
7. What should I wear?
8. How do I get to the Capitol?
9. Where can I park at the Capitol?
10. Can I ride MARTA?
11. Where do I meet the other HLA Representitives?
12. Contact Numbers
1. What should I do to prepare myself for the visit?
Familiarize yourself with H.R. 536 by visiting www.personhood.net. This website has all of the information you need to understand the proposed amendment.
2. What if I can't come on Tuesdays?
If you are not able to make it to the Capitol on Tuesdays, Mike and his legislative assistants will also be available to assist you on Wednesdays and Thursdays when the legislature is in session. Meet them on the west steps of the Capitol (the side across from the Presbyterian Church) between 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. It is important that you notify them ahead of time if you are coming.
3. What if I have special needs?
Please call Mike the night prior to your arrival if you need handicap access to the Capitol building. He will give you directions and help you make appropriate arrangements.
4. I’m not sure who my State Representative and State Senator are. Where can I find this information? (It is advisable you know this information before coming to the Capitol).
1 - Go to http://www.congress.org/congressorg/state/main/?state=GA on the left side, near the top it will say 'write your officials'
2 - enter the zip code and click on the arrow. A new screen will open with the legislators and the fact that some districts are split. Scroll down to address box.
3 - enter the address and click go. The new screen will list the GA house representative last before the 'key votes spotlight'
5. What is involved in communicating with your Representitive?
Each day will be different depending on what is occurring at the Capitol, and because the legislative schedule can change at a moments notice. Mike and his legislative assistants will be there to walk you through the process. You will have as much instruction and help as you desire. You will learn how to locate and call your Representative out of session to discuss your concerns with him or her. If he or she is already supporting H.R. 536, it is important to thank him or her for their support. You may need to be flexible during your visit. It is sometimes difficult to catch up with your Representative, but Mike and his legislative assistants will be there to help you every step of the way in your effort to see your Representative.
There are cafeterias located in the Legislative office Building (LOB) and Sloppy Floyd which are close by.
If possible, business casual attire is recommended. Also, remember to check the weather. You will be outside a few times during the day walking between buildings, so be sure to take this into account. Bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.
8. How do I get to the Capitol?
From the South: Take I-85/75 North to Exit #246 (Central Avenue/Fulton Street). Bear right on exit to Fulton; then turn left onto Capitol Avenue. The Capitol will be on the left.
From the North: Take I-85/75 South to Exit #248A (Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive). Bear right onto MLK Drive. At the third light make a left onto Washington Street. The Capitol will be on your left.
From the East: Take I-20 West to Exit #58A (Capitol Avenue). Turn right onto Capitol Avenue. The Capitol is approximately one mile on the left.
From the West: Take I-20 East to Exit #56B (Windsor Street/ Spring Street/ Stadium). At the third light, turn left onto Central Avenue. Go to Mitchell Street and turn right. Go one block and the capitol will be on the left. Click here for map of the area.
9. Where can I park at the Capitol?
Because parking around the Capitol is limited, we encourage participants to carpool or use Marta. There are some paid parking garages in the vicinity of the Capitol, including underground Atlanta. Buses should drop passengers off at the Capitol and then park the bus at Turner Field (off of Hank Aaron Drive). Click here to see map of parking areas.The Georgia State Station on the East/West line is one block from the Capitol. The fare is $1.75 each way. Visit the MARTA website for more information.
11. Where do I meet the other HLA Representitives?
Mike Griffin, GRTL’s Director of Government Relations, and his legislative assistants will be at the Capitol each day during the legislative session. They will direct you to the appropriate place and will assist you throughout the day. On Human Life Amendment Tuesdays, those who can arrive early, can meet Mike at the Sloppy Floyd building for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. From 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., please meet Mike at the Capitol Rotunda for prayer circle. From 9:15 to 9:25 a.m., please meet on the west steps of the Capitol (the side across from the Presbyterian Church). In the event that you don't make it by 9:25, or if you are having a hard time finding Mike, you may reach him on his cell phone, or you may reach Nancy Stith, GRTL Executive Director.
Nancy Stith: 678-463-3374
Mike Griffin: 706-436-2646
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