CapitolStrong
Who we are
CapitolStrong is a coalition of civil society organizations working to strengthen and invest in the institution of Congress and the people who serve there. As our country continues to reckon with the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol one year later, it is critical to recognize the varied faces and diversity of experiences of congressional and service staff who work tirelessly to uphold and support our democracy and to create a space for belonging, healing, and rebuilding.
The violent attack that transpired on Jan. 6, 2021 on one of our most important democratic institutions, remains a painful scar on our country. The attack on our representative democracy put lives at direct risk and perpetuated racism, eroding a sense of belonging and personal safety for those who serve the sacred institution.
The people who serve and work in Congress reflect the diverse communities in our country. They come from all walks of life, united in their commitment to public service. They deserve our gratitude and respect, and we owe it to them to stand up for their work and defend the institution they serve.
Over the course of the year, CapitolStrong has shared resources, hosted virtual events, and acted as informal conduits for information about the needs and experiences of those who were impacted by the attack.
We remain fiercely committed to honoring, listening, and supporting these public servants who have answered the call to serve and are the lifeblood of the institution of Congress. Our coalition works together to provide resources for congressional employees at all levels, while sparking a meaningful dialogue on how our country can begin to heal from this assault on our democracy.
Why “CapitolStrong”?
Participating organizations adopted the #CapitolStrong moniker to convey their admiration and support for those workers, staffers and community members who experienced the attack and returned to their station to preserve the functioning of our government despite tremendous adversity. We understand that for many the attack felt deeply personal, particularly for staffers of color. Despite this extreme adversity, you continue to show up and do your jobs to support the functioning of government. “CapitolStrong” is not just a hashtag; it is an acknowledgement of the dedication, resilience and enormous contribution of the public servants who work in Congress. To congressional and service staffers working on the Hill: we continue to be here to listen and support you.
Share your story
To ensure that the stories of January 6th are preserved, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is conducting an oral history project to preserve these memories, and their lessons, for future generations.
All members of the Capitol Hill and Congressional communities, Capitol Hill residents, Members and staffs, U.S. Capitol building employees, and the families of any person impacted by January 6th are invited to participate in this project. For those seeking temporary or long-term anonymity, your options are stated in the project’s screening form.
visit january6history.org
Updates from participating organizations
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January 2023
- Jan 12, 2023 An Open Letter to Lawmakers, Legislative Staff, and the Capitol Community in Brasilia, Brazil Jan 12, 2023
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April 2021
- Apr 27, 2021 What Congress Can Learn from Social Workers About Workplace Safety Apr 27, 2021
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January 2021
- Jan 15, 2021 Congress: Change Your Office Phone Answering Policies NOW Jan 15, 2021
- Jan 15, 2021 Capitol Hill staff members serve our country and need our support Jan 15, 2021
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November 2020
- Nov 2, 2020 Managing stress related to political change Nov 2, 2020
News
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January 2022
- Jan 25, 2022 Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman gives 1st interview since Jan. 6 attack Jan 25, 2022
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April 2021
- Apr 11, 2021 Kildee opens up about his post-traumatic stress since Jan. 6 Capitol attack Apr 11, 2021
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January 2021
- Jan 28, 2021 Growing Mental Health Concerns on the Hill After US Capitol Riot Jan 28, 2021
- Jan 28, 2021 Insurrection aftermath: Staffers struggle with trauma, guilt and fear Jan 28, 2021
- Jan 15, 2021 Former Congressional Staffers Are Saying Thank You to Current Workers Jan 15, 2021
- Jan 8, 2021 Rampage Weighs on Congressional Staff Members and Capitol Workers Jan 8, 2021
- Jan 7, 2021 The day my ‘second home,’ the Capitol, was overtaken by mob Jan 7, 2021
Stay informed on the work of CapitolStrong and discover ways you can support the Capitol Hill community.