Friday, Dec. 8th, 12:00noon Policy * Politics * Gender Friday Power Lunch with Rep Abigail Spanberger, Mara Elliott and Bonnie Stable Register HERE
Saturday, Dec. 9, 9:30am – 11:00am at Busboys & Poets, Shirlington Arl Dems Second Saturday Breakfast, with Matt Weinstein Join our Friends at Arlington Dems as we hear from Matt Weinstein, State Electoral Board member, who will be discussing election security and processes.
Join the Virginia Grassroots Coalition’s “Voter Readiness” Working Group, Goal: Reduce the Number of Provisional Ballots issued to Voters During the November election, there was a large increase in Provisional Ballots being issued at Polling Places – with a number of them being rejected due to Voter and Election Official error. The Virginia Grassroots Coalition is forming a working group focused on reducing the number of these ballots through the following (but not limited to) actions: well trained Voter Registration Gatherers; Poll Observers; Greeters and Election Officials in key (competitive) locations for the 2024 elections. To learn more about these efforts or sign up to help, please contact Kathleen Murray at: kamwjm@gmail.com
Monday, Dec. 11, 7:15pm Premiere Special Event: COMMON GROUND Screening As a powerful follow-up to ‘Kiss the Ground’ (Netflix), ‘Common Ground’ is a sobering yet hopeful documentary investigating the often toxic interconnections of American farming and food systems, policy, business and health, and explores the destruction and healing across the United States and beyond. Sharing stories of folks utilizing and supporting regenerative agriculture, the film explores how these practices restore the soil, produce tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense, chemical free food, and balance the climate while bringing entire ecosystems back to life…and how people from different walks of life share one thing in common: the very soil beneath their feet. Join us to view the documentary and stay for a panel discussion and Q&A immediately following. Location: Cinema Arts Theatre, 9650 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031 Panelists include: – Tia Earman – President of Loudoun County Farm Bureau – (The challenges of working with local governments to implement policies which support sustainable agricultural businesses and preserve agriculture for the future.) – Sharon Shutler – Virginia Sierra Club Legislative Committee Member – (Insights on how to get state legislation passed.) – Mike & Pat Cassidy – Cool Water Farm, Recovering Conventional Farmers – (Personal experiences of being conventional farmers and the negative impact it had on their health and financial security.) To watch trailer, Click HERE For more information: https://www.commongroundfilm.org To BUY TICKETS before sold out
Thursday, Dec. 18th, 6:30pm NAACP – Arlington BranchIn-Person Holiday Social & General Membership Meeting – More info HERE.
TWO BIG MONEY OUT VA CALLS TO ACTION JOIN OUR SECOND DEMOCRACY DAY IN RICHMOND, Tuesday, Jan 23rd In 2020, Virginia ranked 46th in a SWAMP Index that ranked states’ rules ensuring transparency and accountability to its citizens. Until we change the way our government works, it’s almost impossible for us to seriously address other issues facing our society. Organized by a coalition of non-partisan partners, Democracy Day is a time for citizens to advocate for good governance bills including campaign finance reform, ranked choice voting, and voting rights. Join us on January 23rd to show legislators that we care about these important issues and expect action! Register HERE.
Week of Election Day
Dearest WofA Members, Thanks to your hard work and determination, we made it across the finish line with a majority in both the House of Delegates and Senate! We did it ALL: Fundraised; Canvassed; Wrote Postcards; Phonebanked; Cured Rejected Ballots; Poll Greeted; Poll Watched and so much more! Let’s all take a well deserved break, enjoy the win and gear up for 2024! What’s Up WofA will be on an abbreviated schedule until the New Year and WofA Membership Meetings will resume in the New Year. Until then, THANK YOU!!!! All the best, Your Friends at WofA ExComm
Week of October 29th
Election Day is around the corner! There are plenty of options each one of us can do to #FlipVABlue – even some from the comfort of your own home! Please see below for canvass options; phonebanking; Poll Greeting; Poll Observing; SwipeBlue texting your friends and more! Here are the canvasses that we have planned for our key House and Senate Races. Please sign up for at least 1 of them! The highlighted canvasses are WofA Power Pack candidates!
Saturday, November 4th, 9:00am Canvassing Bus Trip from DC to VA with Swing Left! Join Swing Left for a free bus trip to Virginia Senate District 16 to knock on doors and get out the vote for Schuyler VanValkenburg! SD-16 is one of the most competitive districts in the state that will be key to protecting Democrats’ majority! The bus will depart from Union Station at 9am on Saturday, November 4. The drive to Virginia will take approximately two hours. We will knock on doors until 6pm and then return to Union Station by approximately 8pm. More info and RSVP
Stand Up for Democracy – Let’s Get Marcia C. St. John-Cunning on the Ballot! In the Franconia District of Fairfax County over 3,000 votes have been nullified by the unprecedented action of a right-wing judge. Last Wednesday, weeks into early voting he disqualified our Franconia District school board candidate taking issue with the Fairfax registrar over a clerical error on her ballot petitions (WaPo 10/27/2023). Her Republican opponent brought more than one suit of this nature before he found a judge willing to participate in this voter disenfranchisement campaign. Please join the Franconia Dems Facebook page to stay abreast of this fast changing situation. We are asking our partners to promote the following volunteer opportunities to demonstrate our resolve in standing for democracy and bringing our school board candidate over the finish line: • Take a shift during Early Voting (thru Nov 4) • Help assemble sample ballots • Join us on Election Day (Nov 7)
Protect Your Vote!!! Many absentee ballots are being returned to VA elections incomplete, with errors or other issues that will make the ballot invalid. If you plan on voting absentee by mail, please review this PDF document. ALREADY mailed your ballot? Track your ballot to make sure it was received and counted HERE.
Today thru November 13th – many dates/times to choose from Urgent – Ballot Curing – from the comfort of your own home! There has been a steady increase in mail-in ballots that are incomplete or have errors. Unless the voter is contacted, the ballot will not count. As this is an off-off election year, many races will come down to very tight margins – every vote is crucial! Please sign up for a shift – or two or three – HERE!
Now – various/flexible dates and times Poll Observer Training! Sign up for training now to see if this is something you want to do. Training is either by video at any time you choose or by Zoom on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For Poll Observer training by video on your own item: Sign Up Here For Live Poll Observer trainingSign Up Here
Tuesday, November 7, 7:00pm – ? WofA Watch Party at Courthaus Social 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington Join WofA & Friends as watch the returns roll in! This will be our last gathering until 2024!!!
Tuesday, November 7th 8:30AM Disarm Domestic Violence Rally – Supreme Court of the United States The Supreme Court will decide whether domestic abusers have the constitutional right to possess a gun, the lives of women and families hang in the balance. Join us to rally on the steps of the Supreme Court to protect survivors and disarm domestic violence. Info & RSVP HERE.
Monday, November 20th 7:00pm NAACP Arlington Branch General Membership Meeting RSVP HERE.
CALLS TO ACTION
WofA is using SwipeBlue to GOTV – it’s very simple and easy! We’re using SwipeBlue to turn out voters across Virginia! SwipeBlue is a FREE app for relational organizing that makes it easy for you to engage your friends in voting by using voter file info to show you the progressive voters you know and prompting you to text them. 1. Download the app here and enter the partner code VA: www.swipeblue.org/app 2. Open the app and follow the prompts to match your contacts with the voter file. 3. Start swiping + texting your contacts to remind everyone to vote! This is one of the most effective ways we can turn out Virginians to vote! A 2020 study found friend-to-friend texting to be 29 times more effective than cold texting and 10 times more effective than social pressure mail.
TONIGHT!! Monday, October 23, 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting Tune in as we hear from Election Prognosticator Extraordinaire: Sam Shirazi! Sam is returning to WofA and will provide updates on the the state of Virginia Elections. We are also pleased to announce that WofA PowerPack candidate Travis Nembhard, HoD Candidate District 22, will be stopping in to introduce himself. Travis is in a very competitive race and his securing the toss-up District 22 will go a long way in flipping the Virginia House of Delegates back to blue! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89402154702 More on Travis NembhardHERE. More on PowerPacksHERE.
Poll Greeters Needed in Loudoun County!!! Loudoun County has 31 Democratic candidates running, which will make the ballot confusing for some voters… including more knowledgeable voters. Sample Ballots must get into the hands if every voter as they line up to vote! Early Voting Poll Greeters sign up for: LEESBURG, PURCELLVILLE, DULLES SOUTH, STERLING Election Day Poll Greeters sign up for: ALGONKIAN, ASHBURN, BROAD RUN, CATOCTIN, DULLES, LEESBURG, LITTLE RIVER, STERLING
Today thru November 13th – many dates/times to choose from Urgent – Ballot Curing – from the comfort of your own home! There has been a steady increase in mail-in ballots that are incomplete or have errors. Unless the voter is contacted, the ballot will not count. As this is an off-off election year, many races will come down to very tight margins – every vote is crucial! Please sign up for a shift – or two or three! Ballot Cure Phonebank sign-up HERE.
Tuesday, October 25 5:30pm – 8:00pm Women Talking with Women – virtual phonebank Join us on October 24th for a historic event! Dedicated women from all corners of the country will come together virtually in support of Virginia. Our mission: to reach an ambitious goal of 100,000 phone calls. It’s a unique opportunity for women to talk with women, emphasizing the importance of keeping control of our bodies and supporting Democratic candidates to reclaim the House and strengthen the Senate. RSVP & Info HERE.
Wednesday October 25th – Tuesday, November 7th GOTV for Josh Cole and Joel Griffin Pick your dates & times HERE.
Wednesday, October 25th 12:00pm – 1:15p Good News on the Fight to Combat Disinformation! Join co-sponsers Friends of WofA along with our friends at 31st Street Swing Left and Honest Media & at this zoom event with “good news about the news.” Democracy-destroying disinformation flourishes where fact-based news has withered. We take heart that a growing number of “honest media” projects are being launched to deliver compelling stories anchored in local concerns in communities in CO, GA, NC, PA and TX. RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uf-Guqz8oG9acWppS7OIJkgTXPaxfo4tV#/registration
Saturday, October 28th WofA Canvass for Danica Roem & Travis Nembhard Join WofA and Friends as we canvass for Danica Roem and Travis Nembhard, HoD candidate in newly drawn District 22. Travis is an excellent candidate in a very competitive race. With historically low voter turnout on off year elections – every door knocked will go a long way! If you need a ride, please contact Kathleen Murray: kamwjm@gmail.com or Micaela Pond: micaela.pond@ahwwp1309 Info on District 22 HERE. Sign Up to Canvass HERE.
Sunday, November 5th 1:00pm -2:30pm Fairfax Dems Inside Poll Observer Training – Help protect the vote and our progress! This training will prepare you to serve as an Inside Poll Observer for the Fairfax County Democratic Committee! Inside Poll Observers can serve during the early voting period which begins Friday, September 22, 2023 and runs through the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Inside Poll Observers must be trained and authorized by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. This training allows volunteers to be authorized to serve as a poll observer and help protect the vote! FCDC’s Voter Protection team will provide training and support to all inside poll observers. Sign Up HERE.
Monday, November 6 Planned Parenthood VA GOTV Phonebank LAST CHANCE to Get Out the Vote to protect our reproductive rights! Join as we call voters in the most competitive legislative seats and make sure they have a plan to vote and know Abortion is on the Ballot. Sign up for Election Eve phonebank HERE.
Tuesday, November 7th 8:30AM Disarm Domestic Violence Rally – Supreme Court of the United States The Supreme Court will decide whether domestic abusers have the constitutional right to possess a gun, the lives of women and families hang in the balance. Join us to rally on the steps of the Supreme Court to protect survivors and disarm domestic violence. Info & RSVP HERE.
CALLS TO ACTION
Tell the Virginia FOIA Council to Expand Meeting Access Under current VA law, local and regional bodies such as school boards and advisory commissions have limited ability to hold virtual meetings. Expanding their ability to do so would remove transportation and childcare barriers to participation, and lead to more equitable and transparent government. Take Action
ONGOING CANVASSING, PHONE BANKING, and LETTER WRITING
Today thru November 13th – many dates/times to choose from Urgent – Ballot Curing – from the comfort of your own home! There has been a steady increase in mail-in ballots that are incomplete or have errors. Unless the voter is contacted, the ballot will not count. As this is an off-off election year, many races will come down to very tight margins – every vote is crucial! Please sign up for a shift – or two or three at this LINK HERE!
Now – various/flexible dates and times Poll Observer Training! Sign up for training now to see if this is something you want to do. Here’s how: Training is by video at a time you choose or by Zoom on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. For Pre-recorded Poll Observer training that you can do any time, sign up here. For Live Poll Observer Zoom training sign up here.
Tuesday, October 17th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm SSPA Phonebank for Sen. Monty Mason With reproductive rights, easy access to books, and more on the line, let’s make sure the VA House of Delegates turns blue in November! New and experienced phonebankers welcome! RSVP here
Wednesday, October 18th, 6:00pm Phonebank for Kimberly Pope Adams Call voters with Kimberly Pope Adams as we flip HD82 Blue! We will be talking with voters to Get Out The Vote. Zoom link available upon RSVP. RSVP here
Wednesday, October 18th, 5:30pm – 8:00pm Get Out ALL The Vote! Dials for Democrats Mobilizing voters in EVERY region is critical to both our immediate success and our ability to secure victories statewide in 2024 and beyond. That’s why we’re asking Democrats within and beyond Virginia to join us in reaching tens of thousands of voters in just 1 evening! Together, using an auto dialer, we can contact far more voters in far less time. No long wait time for an answer. With a healthy turnout of volunteers the average wait time between real conversations with voters will be just seconds! RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/ruralgroundgame/event/585054/
Wednesday, October 18th, 7:00pm Retake the VA General Assembly with Sen. Lucas and Del. Helmer Join Network NOVA badasses Stair Calhoun, Katherine White & awesome host, Tina Barchik to make some good trouble for Democracy – Women’s RIghts – Reproductive Rights – Civil and Voting Rights – Public Education – Labor Rights – LGBTQ Rights and more … The event will be held near the Mosaic District. RSVP here
Friday, October 20th, 12:00pm Power Lunch.RSVP here
Saturday, October 21st 10:00 – 11:30 Inside Poll Observer Training – Fairfax Dems – Help protect the vote and our progress! This training will prepare you to serve as an Inside Poll Observer for the Fairfax County Democratic Committee! Inside Poll Observers can serve during the early voting period which begins Friday, September 22, 2023 and runs through the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Inside Poll Observers must be trained and authorized by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. This training allows volunteers to be authorized to serve as a poll observer and help protect the vote! FCDC’s Voter Protection team will provide training and support to all inside poll observers. Sign Up HERE:
Sunday, October 22 9:15am – 5:30pm “Bus to the Burg” for Josh Cole and Joel Griffin! Road Trip (Lunch Provided!) Join Democrats to Go as they whisk you away to Fredericksburg for a fun filled day of canvassing and apres canvass socializing. RSVP and Info HERE.
ICYMI: VA Needs S’Mores Josh Cole a Great Success! We had a great turnout and the weather could not have been better. Thanks to WofA and Friends’ generosity, we surpassed our financial goal! As this competitive race heats up, these donations will enable Josh to connect with even more voters and highlight his many accomplishments in the VA Legislature – while combating the increasingly negative TV ads from his opponent. Thank you all who supported this evet! If you’re still feeling inspired, please note the links below that will provide ways to continue to support Josh in this very competitive and important race for HoD District #65. Cole Donation Link HERE.
Josh Cole/Joel Griffin Canvasses Sign up to canvass for Josh Cole & Joel Griffin HERE.
Black Radio – Interesting Angle on Fundraising From our Friends at 31st St. Swing Left Two fairly recent studies, highlighted by the authoritative Analyst Institute, have found radio can have a very effective impact on elections. But radio is a rather neglected voter outreach medium, even though it is quite inexpensive. In the context of Virginia’s current low-turnout legislature elections, 31st St sees a particularly good fit for African American candidates to reach out to key voters via Black radio channels specializing in genres such as gospel music, rhythm and blues and slow jazz. With our encouragement, 3 of the candidates on our VA slate have agreed to pursue Black radio largely using funds we have raised for them. However, for one such candidate Josh Cole (HD-65) who is not on the slate, we are raising separate funding. We are seeking $20,000 which will pay for the lion’s share of the effort. Appreciate your consideration of supporting this effort. It could well make the difference in VA. Here is the link to Donate.
Paid Internships – Virginia Campus Organizers The Feminist Majority (FM) is recruiting college and university students and recent graduates in Virginia to organize and mobilize fellow students to vote for pro-choice candidates in the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. FM is hiring for Campus Organizers ($15/hr) at colleges and universities throughout Virginia. More info here
CALLS TO ACTION
Tell the Virginia FOIA Council to Expand Meeting Access Under current VA law, local and regional bodies such as school boards and advisory commissions have limited ability to hold virtual meetings. Expanding their ability to do so would remove transportation and childcare barriers to participation, and lead to more equitable and transparent government. Take Action
MVP Call to Action Please help amplify that the MVP isn’t economically viable through your social media outlets using #CancelMVP and encourage people to use this portal to demand a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Take Action
We have asked Senator Warner to support campaign finance reform 1) by co-sponsoring SJRes45 (language for a constitutional amendment) and 2) by making a statement supporting campaign finance reform in Virginia. See email below. Could you take two minutes and amplify this message by forwarding the message below to his staff members: Jaclyn_Marmol@warner.senate.gov and Tannia_Talento@warner.senate.gov. Subject line: Virginians ask Senator Warner to take action on campaign finance reform, federally and in Virginia Content of message: • I’m a constituent from xxxx • I support campaign finance reform and why. You can take some messages from these “talking points” • Ask: Support the request below to have Senator Warner support campaign finance reform by 1) co-signing SJRes45, and 2) make a statement supporting campaign finance reform in Virginia.
ONGOING CANVASSING, PHONE BANKING, and LETTER WRITING
Sister District National Phonebank – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup here More info
Week of October 8th
Thursday, October 12th, 6:00pm PPVA Phonebank for Josh Thomas Phonebank for PPAV-endorsed candidate for House of Delegates Josh Thomas! Josh is running to defend our reproductive right in one of the most competitive districts that could decide the majority this November. Help spread the word to voters in his district that Abortion is on the Ballot and make a plan with supporters to get to cast their vote! RSVP here
Saturday, October 14th, 6:45pm 2023 NAACP Arlington Branch Freedom Fund Banquet The keynote speaker this year is Symone Sanders from MSNBC and former Chief of Staff for Vice-President Kamala Harris. The Master of Ceremonies is Joshua Cole, former state delegate, NAACP President, and local pastor. Tickets/seating are limited. Purchase your ticket today! Sponsorship opportunities available. Get your tickets HERE.
Saturday, October 21st Inside Poll Observer Training – Help protect the vote and our progress! This training will prepare you to serve as an Inside Poll Observer for the Fairfax County Democratic Committee! Inside Poll Observers can serve during the early voting period which begins Friday, September 22, 2023 and runs through the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Inside Poll Observers must be trained and authorized by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. This training allows volunteers to be authorized to serve as a poll observer and help protect the vote! FCDC’s Voter Protection team will provide training and support to all inside poll observers.
Monday, October 23 6:45 – 8:00pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting Tune in as we hear from Election PrognosticatorExtraordinaire: Sam Shirazi! Sam is returning to WofA and will provide updates on the the state of Virginia Elections and what the best path is towards a Blue House & Senate. We are also pleased to announce that WofA PowerPack candidate Travis Nembhard, HoD Candidate District 22, will be stopping in to introduce himself. Travis is in a very competitive race and his securing the toss-up District 22 will go a long way in flipping the Virginia House of Delegates back to blue! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89402154702 More on Travis Nembhard here: https://nembhardforvirginia.com More on PowerPacks Here: https://www.virginiagrassroots.org/election2023-PowerPacks.php
Wednesday, October 25th 12:00pm – 1:15 Good News on the Fight to Combat Disinformation! Join your co-sponsers Friends of WofA along with our friends at 31st Street Swing Left and Honest Media & at this zoom event with “good news about the news.” Democracy-destroying disinformation flourishes where fact-based news has withered. We take heart that a growing number of “honest media” projects are being launched to deliver compelling stories anchored in local concerns in communities in CO, GA, NC, PA and TX. RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uf-Guqz8oG9acWppS7OIJkgTXPaxfo4tV#/registration
Monday, November 6 Planned Parenthood VA GOTV Phonebank LAST CHANCE to Get Out the Vote to protect our reproductive rights! Join as we call voters in the most competitive legislative seats and make sure they have a plan to vote and know Abortion is on the Ballot. Register for Zoom meeting launch to phonebook HERE.
Poll Observer Training! Be a poll observer in November for the Virginia Elections on November 7! Sign up HERE!
ONGOING CANVASSING, PHONE BANKING, and LETTER WRITING
Weekly phone banks for A Blue Virginia Legislature with Silver Spring Progressive Action on Tuesdays: Sign up to phonebank HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Phil Hernandez on Saturdays and Sundays: Sign up to canvass HERE.
Sister District National Phonebank – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup here. More info here.
Still time to RSVP for this great event! Thurs, Oct 5th, 6-8pm – Outdoors Josh Cole Fundraiser – Arlington, VA Please join WofA & Friends on Thursday, October 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a fun event in support of HD 65 Candidate Joshua Cole – with special guest Adele McClure. During our casual evening around the firepit you’ll hear Josh talk about his race and what is at stake this November. There will be S’mores and other tasty treats and libations! Joshua Cole is running again for the House of Delegates in the newly drawn 65th District – if we want to regain a Democratic majority in the House, the 65th District is a must-win in 2023! RSVP Here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wofa-jc2023
Saturday, October 7th 9:00am – 11:00am WofA and Friends Postcards and Prizes! Location: Kaldi’s Social House – 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
Saturday, September 30th 10:00am (Canvass Launch) Fredericksburg Canvass for Josh Cole/Joel Griffin – with Eileen Filler-Corn Calling all WofAs & Friends! WofA will be teaming up with Swing Left National and local University Students, to canvass for our amazing HD 65 Candidate Josh Cole. This is a must win seat and we need boots on the ground! As many of our young canvassers do not have transportation, they will need rides to/from the canvass site. Departure will be 9:00 am from Virginia Square Metro in Arlington (Orange Line). Please see links for times/location! Sign Up to Canvass Here: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/575248/ Sign Up to Drive Here: (departure time from VA Square will be 8:45am) https://airtable.com/app6LEMSyAjnXE8lo/shrLjEsy5IIHfWRh6?prefill_Group=WofA+(We+of+Action) Questions: Please contact Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com or Rose Fabia rpfabia@gmail.com
Thurs, Oct 5th, 6-8pm – Outdoors Josh Cole Fundraiser – Arlington, VA Please join WofA & Friends on Thursday, October 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a fun event in support of HD 65 Candidate Joshua Cole – with special guest Adele McClure. During our casual evening around the firepit you’ll hear Josh talk about his race and what is at stake this November. There will be S’mores and other tasty treats and libations! Joshua Cole is running again for the House of Delegates in the newly drawn 65th District – if we want to regain a Democratic majority in the House, the 65th District is a must-win in 2023! RSVP Here:https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wofa-jc2023
Monday, October 23 6:45 – 8:00pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting Details to follow!
September 30 – October 1 Grassroots Weekend of Action in Chesapeake Join the Virginia Grassroots Coalition, COVA Coalition, GOCD2!, Freedom Virginia, and the Chesapeake Democratic Committee for a Weekend of Action in support of Karen Jenkins’ campaign for House District 89. The weekend will include: guest speaker Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, party at a local brewery, and lots of opportunities to talk with voters on Saturday and Sunday. You will be speaking to voters who live in Congressional District 2, which Missy Cotter Smazal just announced she is running for next year! Sign up here! https://forms.gle/9uib73JPaRqpXTxJ6
ONGOING CANVASSING, PHONE BANKING, and LETTER WRITING:
Sister District National Phonebank – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup hereMore info
Tuesday, September 19th, 6:45pm – 7:45pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting – with Dan Helmer & Lily Franklin Please join WofA & Friends for a jam packed meeting with Actions; Activities and Information on Virginia’s upcoming November Elections. Rep Dan Helmer will be on hand to give us the latest on how the many closely contested races are looking. We’ll also have loads of information on various opportunities for you to make a difference! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89593333404
Tuesday, September 19th, 6:45pm – 7:45pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting – with Dan Helmer & Lily Franklin Please join WofA & Friends for a jam packed meeting with Actions; Activities and Information on Virginia’s upcoming November Elections. Rep Dan Helmer will be on hand to give us the latest on how the many closely contested races are looking. We’ll also have loads of information on various opportunities for you to make a difference! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89593333404
Thursday, Sep 21 VA Senate Candidate Russet Perry in Arlington, with Congressman Don Beyer Join Congressman Don Beyer and hosts for a fundraiser in Arlington Supporting Russet Perry for SD 31. Russet Perry is an attorney running for Senate District 31. As an attorney and former CRA agent, she is ready to advocate to serve. This seat is one of the most important races of 2023 and Russet’s opponent, who just moved to the district last year, is the son of a billionaire. RSVP: Russet Perry — Donate via ActBlue
Friday, Sep 22, 4:30pm – 6:30pm – Courthaus Social, 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington WofAs Vote Early for Victory & Happy Hour! Early Voting has always played a crucial part in Democrat victories. Join WofA and Friends as we all VOTE EARLY and then move on to Courthaus Social for a bit of laughter and libations! Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to vote early! Early Voting Times/Locations: ArlingtonEarly Voting Info and locations HERE. Fairfax CountyEarly Voting Info and locations HERE. Other VA Early Voting Locations and info HERE.
Saturday, September 23rd WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Josh Cole – Drivers & Canvassers Needed! Calling all WofAs & Friends! WofA will be teaming up with Swing Left National and local University Students, to canvass for our amazing HD 65 Candidate Josh Cole. This is a must win seat and we need boots on the ground! As many of our young canvassers do not have transportation, they will need rides to/from the canvass site. Pick up/Drop Off will be at Virginia Square Metro in Arlington (Orange Line). Sign Up to Canvass HERE. Sign Up to Drive HERE. Questions: Please contact Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com or Rose Fabia rpfabia@gmail.com
Saturday, September 23rd 9:00am – 11:00am WofA and Friends Postcards and Prizes! Location: Kaldi’s Social House – 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
Thursday, October 5th 6:00PM – 8:00PM – Outdoors Josh Cole Fundraiser – Arlington, VA Please join WofA & Friends on Thursday, October 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a fundraiser supporting Candidate Joshua Cole with special guest Adele McClure. During our casual evening around the firepit you’ll hear Josh talk about his race and what is at stake this November. There will be S’mores and other tasty treats and libations! Joshua Cole is running again for the House of Delegates in the newly drawn 65th District – if we want to regain a Democratic majority in the House, the 65th District is a must-win in 2023! RSVP Here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wofa-jc2023
GET OUT THE EARLY VOTE WEEK OF ACTION Election Day is around the corner! Virginians start voting on September 22 so we need to make sure every target voter in our candidates’ districts makes a plan to vote for our candidates. Over at the National Phonebank, we’ll be hearing directly from our candidates on the importance of Early Vote all week with appearances from Michael Feggans on Saturday 9/23, Amy Laufer on Monday 9/25, Susanna Gibson on Tuesday 9/26, Travis Nembhard on Wednesday 9/27, Phil Hernandez on Thursday 9/28, and Lashrecse Aird on Friday 9/29. Join the fun – sign up here!
September 30 – October 1 Grassroots Weekend of Action in Chesapeake Join the Virginia Grassroots Coalition, COVA Coalition, GOCD2!, Freedom Virginia, and the Chesapeake Democratic Committee for a Weekend of Action in support of Karen Jenkins’ campaign for House District 89. The weekend will include: guest speaker Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, party at a local brewery, and lots of opportunities to talk with voters on Saturday and Sunday. You will be speaking to voters who live in Congressional District 2, which Missy Cotter Smazal just announced she is running for next year! Sign up HERE!
Poll Observer Training! Sign Up to be a poll observer on November for the Virginia Elections on November 7! Sign up for Poll Observer training HERE.
ONGOING CANVASSING & PHONE BANKING & LETTER WRITING
Sister District National Phonebank – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup here More inf
Friday, September 15th, 12:00pm Power LunchRSVP here
Saturday, September 16th(Every Saturday) 9:00am – 11:00 WofA and Friends Postcards and Prizes! Location: Kaldi’s Social House – 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
Saturday, September 16th, 10:00am Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
Sunday, September 17th, 9:45 am Road Trip for Russet With Democrats To Go Join us on this special canvassing bus trip as we roll out of Alexandria to support Russet Perry in her crucial race for the State Senate seat in District 31. It’s a perfect event for new/less-experienced canvassers. We’ll meet at the Alexandria Democratic Committee office at 9:45 am for light breakfast, take our chartered bus to District 31 (Leesburg area) in style, train you on canvassing, get you knocking doors for Russet with a buddy, and celebrate afterward at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. Then the bus will take us back to Alexandria! Registration here
Monday, September 18th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm NAACP Arlington Branch Fall Candidate Forum Please join the NAACP Arlington Branch for the Fall Candidate Forum to hear directly from candidates running for local and state offices on how they will prioritize issues affecting Black and other people of color in Arlington if they are elected. General Membership Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm. Zoom link HERE.
ONGOING CANVASSING & PHONE BANKING & LETTER WRITING
Sister District National Phonebank – Mondays/Tuesdays, Thursdays/Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup HERE, More info HERE
Tuesday, September 5th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Arlington, VA Expand the Blue Brick Wall with Sen Favola& Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger Please join Senator Barbara Favola alongside Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger at her home to support and expand the Blue Brick Wall. All funds will help Democratic candidates for the State Senate Full address provided upon RSVP. RSVP HERE.
Thursday, September 7th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Fundraiser for Russet Perry for State Senate Please join Virginia Democracy Forward (VADF) and State Senators Jennifer Boysko and Barbara Favola in supporting Russet Perry for State Senate. This race is anticipated to be the most competitive district in the Commonwealth this year, and will likely determine control of the State Senate! RSVP here
Saturday, September 9, 9am -11am, Kaldi’s Social House, 3100 N 10th St, Arlington In-Person Postcard Parties are Back! Postcard Parties are back! Starting this Saturday at Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington. How do postcard parties work? Come join your WofA friends anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will have a table with postcards, scripts, and addresses. Write as many or as few as you want. Messy handwriting? No problem, you can be a proofreader, or help us put the stamps on. We know that personal postcards are effective, especially for buildings and rural areas that are hard to canvass. Come give it a try and meet some fellow activists who know how important this election in November is going to be! WOFA is looking for someone who could take the lead on this project going forward. Not much is entailed in this but being able to commit to some Saturdays so that we know we have it covered. Ideally one to three folks. if you are interested in taking the postcard lead for a couple of Saturdays and also if I you plan on attending this Saturday, please text Micaela at: 703-508-9209.
Sunday, September 10th, 4:00pm Fabulous Fundraiser for Lily Franklin Join Network NOVA, Stair Calhoun, Barbara Selig and Ed Addiss for an event in support of Lily Franklin, Candidate for HD 41. This will be a stunning fundraiser at Barbara and Ed’s home on Lake Barcroft. Lily Franklin is ready to be a legislator. Read about her visionand Register to:meet her on the 10th!
Tuesday, September 12th, 7:00pm-8:30pm Thank YOU Arlington Reception for Delegate Rip Sullivan (FLYER) Join Sharon Shutler, Rose Fabia, Susan Carter and Lynda Horvath to honor Rip Sullivan who must “leave” Arlington to run in the new 6th District. For 9 years, Rip has been an incredible progressive delegate – advocating for both Arlington and the entire Commonwealth on critical climate and clean energy issues, access to the ballot box, reducing gun violence, protecting LGBTQ rights, and expanding healthcare access. Rip would like to thank YOU Arlington! Whether Rip was your delegate or not, join this joyful event. Contributions for his continued advocacy, as he runs in the more conservative 6th District, are gladly accepted. RSVP Natasha Phillips, natasha@ripsullivan.com.
Thursday, September 14th, 7:30pm Delegate Shin’s “Build Your Own Bill” Policy Workshop in Herndon (FLYER) Join Delegate Shin for an interactive workshop where you get to dive into the legislative process. Passionate about bike lanes? Great! Come equipped with an idea for a new bike lane policy and we will explain step-by-step the legislative process where a policy goes from being an idea in your head, to an actual piece of legislation and then on to Virginia Law! This will be the first meeting of a two-workshop series during which you will start with a policy, receive back an officially drafted piece of legislation, work to identify stakeholders for that bill, shop it to potential patrons and advocate for it during the 2024 General Assembly session. Snacks will be provided! Registration here
Friday, September 22 Early Voting Starts! Arlington Early Voting Info and locations HERE. Fairfax CountyEarly Voting Info and locations HERE. Other VA Early Voting Locations and info HERE.
Get involved and Make a Difference
Please Sign Up to Support our PowerPack Candidates! (Joshua Cole; Danica Roem; Joshua Thomas and Travis Nembhard) – Many options and opportunities! “Supporting” can be any/all of the following: canvassing; phonebanking; textbanking; postcard writing; driving local university students to canvass and more. Please fill out the following google form and let us know what aspects of support appeal to you. As opportunities arise, we will be in contact! Questions? Please contact Rose Fabia at: rpfabia@gmail.com. Fill out Google Form: HERE
Saturdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, Kaldi’s Social House, 3100 N 10th St, Arlington In-Person Postcard Parties are Back! Postcard Parties are back! Starting this Saturday at Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington. How do postcard parties work? Come join your WofA friends anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will have a table with postcards, scripts, and addresses. Write as many or as few as you want. Messy handwriting? No problem, you can be a proofreader, or help us put the stamps on. We know that personal postcards are effective, especially for buildings and rural areas that are hard to canvass. Come give it a try and meet some fellow activists who know how important this election in November is going to be! WOFA is looking for someone who could take the lead on this project going forward. Not much is entailed in this but being able to commit to some Saturdays so that we know we have it covered. Ideally one to three folks. if you are interested in taking the postcard lead for a couple of Saturdays and also if I you plan on attending this Saturday, please text Micaela at: 703-508-9209
Arlington Blue Families has postcards! Not able to make it to WofA’s Saturday Postcard Get togethers? No problem! Postcards available now for candidates Russet Perry (SD 31); Joshua Cole (HD 65), Michael Feggans (HD 97); and Danica Roem (SD 30). We must win back the House of Delegates and increase our majority in the Senate! So much is at stake this year. Request postcards HERE.
School Board Candidates Need Our Support! The VGC Education Working Group put together a list of school board races of interest, with the candidates who are in need of help if they are going to defeat their MAGA opponents. The criteria for making it onto a list of high priority candidates needing attention include factors such as: · the seat has the potential to flip a school board or school board seat in our favor, · the candidates are running against far right extremists, · and the seat is in a locality with long term potential to build municipal-level power. There are additional factors listed in the table, and candidates are classified into 3 categories according to priority and how they were nominated. They all need funding, and they need it now, not later. Also, they could use volunteer help with canvassing, postcard writing, and phone banking. Thanks for considering their needs and please share the information with your networks. Also, since the ballots will not list D or R by school board candidates’ names, it is important for us to get involved at the polls to hand out sample ballots because people will not know who is who. Contact Marianne with any questions: Marianne.VAGrassrootsCoalition@gmail.com.
Now – October Postcards Available for Candidate Lily Franklin: WofA is partnering with theNational Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia to write postcards to women in support of women candidates. Lily Franklin, who is running in HOD 41 (Roanoke), grew up in Southwest Virginia and has spent the majority of her life in these mountains. She will be able to hit the ground running when elected having spent the past seven years working for Delegate Sam Rasoul, including as his Chief of Staff. Lily has a proven record, established contacts, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the Commonwealth’s government. Please fill out the form to get your postcards HERE!
VPAP Maps Showing Competitiveness of each Legislative District! New statewide maps added to the VPAP Index show the geographic spread of partisan districts across Virginia. See the maps for the House of Delegates, State Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. In June, the district rankings in the VPAP Index were updated with a blend of 2021 gubernatorial and 2022 congressional election results. You can toggle between the map and the chart, which ranks the competitiveness of each legislative district from Strong Republican to Strong Democratic.
Weekly canvasses for Josh Cole on Saturdays: Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! Sign Up HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Danica Roem on Saturdays: Come canvass with Team Danica every Saturday morning! We’ll be knocking in neighborhoods in SD 30 to talk about how important it is to elect Danica to the State Senate in November. There will be a training at the beginning of the event so no prior canvassing experience is required. All you need is a phone, good shoes, and a passion for electing a great candidate. https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/564749
Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
Canvassing Conversations – for those NEW and EXPERIENCED to canvassing! With the VA Elections coming up swiftly – many of us will be out canvassing and many will be considering giving canvassing a try. Take a look at this short 30-minute video that covers all things Canvassing. Thank you 31st St. Swing Left for putting this together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8SzuTKD8BA
CTA! Mountain Valley Pipeline The Supreme Court recently lifted the stay so MVP has started destroying SWVA’s environment by continuing to build the pipeline. The MVP is facing greater scrutiny since Congress mandated permits be issued for them to resume work while exempting the MVP from judicial review. Many articles have been published questioning the economic need for the MVP and expressing concern about the integrity of the pipe. One article concluded that the MVP would be a phantom pipeline with only 35% predicted capacity. A powerful way to amplify that the MVP is in trouble is to call for a Senate Finance Committee hearing to investigate MVP’s partners: Equitrans Midstream, NextEra Energy, Con Edison, Alta Gas and RGC Resources. Learn more here. Have questions contact Freeda Cathcart 540-598-7231 contactfreeda@ahwwp1309 CTA 1 – Mountain Valley Pipeline workers are setting up to start destroying our environment and economy! Contact Senators to demand a hearing. Use this easy email portal https://tinyurl.com/InvestigateMVP. CTA 2 – Share these social media posts to encourage others to contact the Senate: Retweet and Facebook post.
Week of Aug 27th
Wednesday, August 30th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm “Virginia Blue Victory 2023” Northern Virginia Community Meetup Join campaign, party and grassroots leaders, organizers to discuss how we can work together to Protect The Senate, Flip The House and win local races in November! Co-hosts include “Virginia Blue Victory 2023” Swing Left group, Swing Left Northern Virginia, Virginia for Biden and Network For Progress! We will provide a round of appetizers thanks to a generous donation from former Fairfax County Democratic Committee Chair Sue Langley. The event will be held at the Star Hill Biergarten in Tysons on the “Perch” rooftop of the Capitol One Center near the McLean metro stop. More info and RSVP here
Thursday, August 31st, 4:30pm – 8:30pm Coffee & Canvassing Thursdays for Rachel Levy Join us Thursdays between 4:30pm and 8:30pm for canvassing and training for a fun, digital alternative to text banking and neighborhood outreach for the 59th district at the Lewistown Starbucks – 10237 Lewistown Rd, Ashland, VA 23005. Please click on a date below and which activity you’d like to do and let’s flip this district together! Have questions – Contact ashley@rachelforelegate.org. RSVP here.
Thursday, August 31st, 5:00pm Legislative Working Group Meeting Email Luisa to join: luisaboyarski@gmail.com
Saturday, September 2nd, 11:00am-2:00pm Please join Del. Dan Helmer in Fredericksburg to canvass for Candidates Josh Cole and Joel Griffin Mobilize Sign Up: https://mobilize.us/s/gMa3I1 Contact: Annette Lang, annette.lang1231@gmail.com, 571-458-9317
Tuesday, September 5th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Arlington, VA Expand the Blue Brick Wall with Sen Favola& Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger Please join Senator Barbara Favola alongside Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger at her home to support and expand the Blue Brick Wall. All funds will help Democratic candidates for the State Senate Full address provided upon RSVP. RSVP HERE.
Thursday, September 7th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Fundraiser for Russet Perry for State Senate Please join Virginia Democracy Forward (VADF) and State Senators Jennifer Boysko and Barbara Favola in supporting Russet Perry for State Senate. This race is anticipated to be the most competitive district in the Commonwealth this year, and will likely determine control of the State Senate! RSVP here
Sunday, September 10th, 4:00pm Fabulous Fundraiser for Lily Franklin Join Network NOVA, Stair Calhoun, Barbara Selig and Ed Addiss for an event in support of Lily Franklin, Candidate for HD 41. This will be a stunning fundraiser at Barbara and Ed’s home on Lake Barcroft. Lily Franklin is ready to be a legislator. Read about her visionand Register to:meet her on the 10th!
Tuesday, September 12th, 7:00pm-8:30pm Thank YOU Arlington Reception for Delegate Rip Sullivan (FLYER) Join Sharon Shutler, Rose Fabia, Susan Carter and Lynda Horvath to honor Rip Sullivan who must “leave” Arlington to run in the new 6th District. For 9 years, Rip has been an incredible progressive delegate – advocating for both Arlington and the entire Commonwealth on critical climate and clean energy issues, access to the ballot box, reducing gun violence, protecting LGBTQ rights, and expanding healthcare access. Rip would like to thank YOU Arlington! Whether Rip was your delegate or not, join this joyful event. Contributions for his continued advocacy, as he runs in the more conservative 6th District, are gladly accepted. RSVP Natasha Phillips, natasha@ripsullivan.com.
Thursday, September 14th, 7:30pm Delegate Shin’s “Build Your Own Bill” Policy Workshop in Herndon (FLYER) Join Delegate Shin for an interactive workshop where you get to dive into the legislative process. Passionate about bike lanes? Great! Come equipped with an idea for a new bike lane policy and we will explain step-by-step the legislative process where a policy goes from being an idea in your head, to an actual piece of legislation and then on to Virginia Law! This will be the first meeting of a two-workshop series during which you will start with a policy, receive back an officially drafted piece of legislation, work to identify stakeholders for that bill, shop it to potential patrons and advocate for it during the 2024 General Assembly session. Snacks will be provided! Registration here
Monday, September 18th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Fall Candidate Forum Please join the NAACP Arlington Branch for the Fall Candidate Forum to hear directly from candidates running for local and state offices on how they will prioritize issues affecting Black and other people of color in Arlington if they are elected. General Membership Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm. Zoom link HERE.
Saturday, September 23rd WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Josh Cole – Drivers & Canvassers Needed! Calling all WofAs & Friends! WofA will be teaming up with Swing Left National and local University Students, to canvass for our amazing HD 65 Candidate Josh Cole. This is a must win seat and we need boots on the ground! As many of our young canvassers do not have transportation, they will need rides to/from the canvass site. Pick up/Drop Off will be at Virginia Square Metro in Arlington (Orange Line). Sign Up to Canvass HERE. Sign Up to Drive HERE. Questions: Please contact Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com or Rose Fabia rpfabia@gmail.com
Please Sign Up to Support our PowerPack Candidates! (Joshua Cole; Danica Roem; Joshua Thomas and Travis Nembhard) – Many options and opportunities! “Supporting” can be any/all of the following: canvassing; phonebanking; textbanking; postcard writing; driving local university students to canvass and more. Please fill out the following google form and let us know what aspects of support appeal to you. As opportunities arise, we will be in contact! Questions? Please contact Rose Fabia at: rpfabia@gmail.com. Fill out Google Form: HERE
Saturdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, Kaldi’s Social House, 3100 N 10th St, Arlington In-Person Postcard Parties are Back! Postcard Parties are back! Starting this Saturday at Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington. How do postcard parties work? Come join your WofA friends anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will have a table with postcards, scripts, and addresses. Write as many or as few as you want. Messy handwriting? No problem, you can be a proofreader, or help us put the stamps on. We know that personal postcards are effective, especially for buildings and rural areas that are hard to canvass. Come give it a try and meet some fellow activists who know how important this election in November is going to be! WOFA is looking for someone who could take the lead on this project going forward. Not much is entailed in this but being able to commit to some Saturdays so that we know we have it covered. Ideally one to three folks. if you are interested in taking the postcard lead for a couple of Saturdays and also if I you plan on attending this Saturday, please text Micaela at: 703-508-9209
Arlington Blue Families has postcards! Not able to make it to WofA’s Saturday Postcard Get togethers? No problem! Postcards available now for candidates Russet Perry (SD 31); Joshua Cole (HD 65), Michael Feggans (HD 97); and Danica Roem (SD 30). We must win back the House of Delegates and increase our majority in the Senate! So much is at stake this year. Request postcards HERE.
School Board Candidates Need Our Support! The VGC Education Working Group put together a list of school board races of interest, with the candidates who are in need of help if they are going to defeat their MAGA opponents. The criteria for making it onto a list of high priority candidates needing attention include factors such as: · the seat has the potential to flip a school board or school board seat in our favor, · the candidates are running against far right extremists, · and the seat is in a locality with long term potential to build municipal-level power. There are additional factors listed in the table, and candidates are classified into 3 categories according to priority and how they were nominated. They all need funding, and they need it now, not later. Also, they could use volunteer help with canvassing, postcard writing, and phone banking. Thanks for considering their needs and please share the information with your networks. Also, since the ballots will not list D or R by school board candidates’ names, it is important for us to get involved at the polls to hand out sample ballots because people will not know who is who. Contact Marianne with any questions: Marianne.VAGrassrootsCoalition@gmail.com.
Now – October Postcards Available for Candidate Lily Franklin: WofA is partnering with theNational Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia to write postcards to women in support of women candidates. Lily Franklin, who is running in HOD 41 (Roanoke), grew up in Southwest Virginia and has spent the majority of her life in these mountains. She will be able to hit the ground running when elected having spent the past seven years working for Delegate Sam Rasoul, including as his Chief of Staff. Lily has a proven record, established contacts, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the Commonwealth’s government. Please fill out the form to get your postcards HERE!
VPAP Maps Showing Competitiveness of each Legislative District! New statewide maps added to the VPAP Index show the geographic spread of partisan districts across Virginia. See the maps for the House of Delegates, State Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. In June, the district rankings in the VPAP Index were updated with a blend of 2021 gubernatorial and 2022 congressional election results. You can toggle between the map and the chart, which ranks the competitiveness of each legislative district from Strong Republican to Strong Democratic.
Weekly canvasses for Josh Cole on Saturdays: Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! Sign Up HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Danica Roem on Saturdays: Come canvass with Team Danica every Saturday morning! We’ll be knocking in neighborhoods in SD 30 to talk about how important it is to elect Danica to the State Senate in November. There will be a training at the beginning of the event so no prior canvassing experience is required. All you need is a phone, good shoes, and a passion for electing a great candidate. https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/564749
Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
Canvassing Conversations – for those NEW and EXPERIENCED to canvassing! With the VA Elections coming up swiftly – many of us will be out canvassing and many will be considering giving canvassing a try. Take a look at this short 30-minute video that covers all things Canvassing. Thank you 31st St. Swing Left for putting this together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8SzuTKD8BA
Week of Aug 20th
Wednesday, August 23rd, 7:00pm “Blue Drinks” Kickoff & GOP Debate Watch Party Join Network For Progress and Blue Victory 2024 at Mission-Navy Yard (South Capitol bar upstairs) for the kickoff of our new “Blue Drinks” Networking Event Series and to watch the first GOP Presidential Debate of the 2024 cycle with the DMV’s Democrats, Progressives, Hope Mongers and Change Makers! To encourage attendees to make connections and learn about new ways to defend democracy in 2023 and 2024 starting at 7:30pm we will begin a networking hour including 1-minute introductions, a “Networking Potluck” Bucket and Name Tags More Info and RSVP here
Wednesday, August 23rd, 6:30pm Please join Katie Cristol for an event to benefit the VA House Democratic Caucus with Rep. Don Beyer & Del. Dan Helmer in Arlington, Virginia RSVP by emailing Lucas@DanHelmer.com More info HERE.
Thursday, August 24th at 6:30-8:00 pm Women for Feggans Fundraiser Hosted by Former Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Pamela Northam, Honorable Nancy Guy, Councilmember Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, School Board Member Staci Martin, Sandra Brandt, Little Neck Moms for Progress, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, & MotherBoard. Get Tickets HERE.
Friday, August 25th, 8:00am Breakfast Fundraiser for Del. Clint Jenkins and Del. Nadarius Clark Join us for breakfast with Senator Mark R. Warner and State Senator Louise Lucas! It will be a chance to get to know each other and to talk about the issues that are most important to Virginians – and in particular the constituents of SD 17. RSVP HERE
Week of Aug 13th
Wednesday, August 16th 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Arlington, VA Arlington House Party – with Danica Roem for Senate and VA Sen. Barbara Favola! Come Join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia along with Danica Roem and Senator Barbara Favola, August 16th from 6:30pm to 8pm to meet other activists in the area, discuss the attacks on our reproductive rights, and learn how Arlingtonians can help protect abortion access for all Virginians. Address will be provided with sign up! Register HERE.
Thursday, August 17th 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Arlington Meet Travis Nembhard – a WofA PowerPack Candidate! We invite you to join Travis and Delegates Sickles, Senator Favola, and Adele McClure for a private reception at JD Spain’s house where he will discuss his plans for the campaign, the national importance of this race, his policy positions, and how you can further help the campaign secure the District 22 seat and a Democratic majority in the House of Delegates. RSVP HERE.
Tuesday, September 19th, 6:45pm – 7:45pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting – with Dan Helmer & Lily Franklin! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89593333404
Wednesday, August 23rd, 6:30pm Please join Katie Cristol for an event to benefit the VA House Democratic Caucus with Rep. Don Beyer & Del. Dan Helmer in Arlington, Virginia RSVP by emailing Lucas@DanHelmer.com. More info HERE.
Saturday, September 23rd WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Josh Cole – Drivers & Canvassers Needed! Calling all WofAs & Friends! WofA will be teaming up with Swing Left National and local University Students, to canvass for our amazing HD 65 Candidate Josh Cole. This is a must win seat and we need boots on the ground! As many of our young canvassers do not have transportation, they will need rides to/from the canvass site. Pick up/Drop Off will be at Virginia Square Metro in Arlington (Orange Line). Sign Up to Canvass HERE. Sign Up to Drive HERE. Questions: Please contact Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com or Rose Fabia rpfabia@gmail.com
Sunday, September 24th, 11:00am – 1:30pm Blue Families Potluck Picnic, Lyon Park Community Center, Arlington, VA Sign Up HERE.
Week of Aug 8th
Thursday, August 10th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Justice Advocates New Series! More Info HERE.
Friday, August 11th, 12:00pm Power Lunch. RSVP here
Saturday, August 12th, 11:00am – 2:00pm, Fredericksburg, VA Josh Cole Canvass! Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Sign Up HERE.
Sunday, August 13th, 6:00pm Virginia Grassroots Coalition Meeting Email Luisa with agenda items: luisaboyarski@gmail.com RSVP here
Wednesday, August 16th 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Arlington, VA Arlington House Party – with Danica Roem for Senate and VA Sen. Barbara Favola! Come Join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia along with Danica Roem and Senator Barbara Favola, August 16th from 6:30pm to 8pm to meet other activists in the area, discuss the attacks on our reproductive rights, and learn how Arlingtonians can help protect abortion access for all Virginians. Address will be provided with sign up! Register HERE.
Tuesday, September 19th, 6:45pm – 7:45pm WofA Monthly Membership Meeting – with Dan Helmer & Lily Franklin! Zoom Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89593333404
Saturday, September 23rd WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Josh Cole – Drivers & Canvassers Needed! Calling all WofAs! WofA will be teaming up with Swing Left National and local University Students, as we canvass for HD 65 Candidate Josh Cole. As many of the canvassers do not have cars, they will need rides to/from the canvass site. Generally, pick up is usually at a metro stop in Arlington (Orange Line). Specific Details to follow soon! Please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form HERE.
Sunday, September 24th, 11:00am – 1:30pm Blue Families Potluck Picnic, Lyon Park Community Center, Arlington, VA SignUp HERE.
Week of July 30th
It’s hard to believe that the 2023 VA General Assembly Elections are only a little over 3 months away! The campaigns are really starting to ramp up their activities and we hope you can find a way to support WofA’s PowerPack candidates. Please see below and fill out the form. It really will make a difference – whatever you do!
Please Sign Up to Support our PowerPack Candidates! (Joshua Cole; Danica Roem; Joshua Thomas and Travis Nembhard)- Many options and opportunities! “Supporting” can be any/all of the following: canvassing; phonebanking; textbanking; postcard writing; driving local university students to canvass and more. Please fill out the following google form and let us know what aspects of support appeal to you. As opportunities arise, we will be in contact! Questions? Please contact Rose Fabia at: rpfabia@gmail.com. Fill out Google Form: HERE
Saturday, August 5 – 10:00am – 2:00pm *** High Priority Canvass Kick-Off for Josh Thomas with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, Delegate Danica Roem and Mayor Levar Stoney! This Saturday join your friends from Wofa, along with Delegate Danica Roem, Congresswoman Spanberger, and Mayor Levar Stoney! We’ll be knocking neighborhoods in HD-21 to talk about how important it is to elect Josh to the House of Delegates in November. Everything you do for Josh helps the Danica Roem Team too! Your effort will make all the difference! There will be a training at the beginning of the event so no prior canvassing experience is required. All you need is a phone, good shoes, and a passion for electing a great candidate. More Info & Sign Up HERE. Info on Josh Thomas: https://jetforva.com
Saturday, August 5 – 11:00am – 2:00pm Canvass for Josh Cole – with Beyond Arlington Details & Sign-Up HERE
Sunday, August 6 3:00pm – 5:00pm Blue Families Postcard Party RSVP here
Attention all WofA Postcard Writers!
Saturdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, Kaldi’s Social House, 3100 N 10th St, Arlington In-Person Postcard Parties are Back! Postcard Parties are back! Starting this Saturday at Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington. How do postcard parties work? Come join your WofA friends anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will have a table with postcards, scripts, and addresses. Write as many or as few as you want. Messy handwriting? No problem, you can be a proofreader, or help us put the stamps on. We know that personal postcards are effective, especially for buildings and rural areas that are hard to canvass. Come give it a try and meet some fellow activists who know how important this election in November is going to be! WOFA is looking for someone who could take the lead on this project going forward. Not much is entailed in this but being able to commit to some Saturdays so that we know we have it covered. Ideally one to three folks. if you are interested in taking the postcard lead for a couple of Saturdays and also if I you plan on attending this Saturday, please text Micaela at: 703-508-9209
Now – October POSTCARDS AVAILABLE FOR CANDIDATE LILY FRANKLIN: WofA is partnering with the National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia to write postcards to women in support of women candidates. Lily Franklin, who is running in HOD 41 (Roanoke), grew up in Southwest Virginia and has spent the majority of her life in these mountains. She will be able to hit the ground running when elected having spent the past seven years working for Delegate Sam Rasoul, including as his Chief of Staff. Lily has a proven record, established contacts, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the Commonwealth’s government. Please fill out the form to get your postcards HERE!
Arlington Blue Families has postcards! Not able to make it to WofA’s Saturday Postcard Get togethers? No problem! Postcards available now for candidates Russet Perry (SD 31); Joshua Cole (HD 65), Michael Feggans (HD 97); and Danica Roem (SD 30). We must win back the House of Delegates and increase our majority in the Senate! So much is at stake this year so get your postcards HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Josh Cole on Saturdays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! Sign Up HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Danica Roem on Saturdays Come canvass with Team Danica every Saturday morning! We’ll be knocking in neighborhoods in SD 30 to talk about how important it is to elect Danica to the State Senate in November. There will be a training at the beginning of the event so no prior canvassing experience is required. All you need is a phone, good shoes, and a passion for electing a great candidate.https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/564749/
Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP here
Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
Week of July 23rd
Support Our Candidates! Please Sign Up for Various Options to Support our Candidates (Joshua Cole; Danica Roem; Joshua Thomas and Travis Nembhard) “Supporting” can be any/all of the following: canvassing; phonebanking; textbanking; postcard writing; driving local university students to canvass and more. Please fill out the following google form and let us know what aspects of support appeal to you. As opportunities arise, we will be in contact! Questions? Please contact Rose Fabia at: rpfabia@gmail.com. Fill out Google Form: HERE
Attention all WOFA POSTCARD WRITERS!
Saturdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, Kaldi’s Social House, 3100 N 10th St, Arlington In-Person Postcard Parties are Back! Postcard Parties are back! Starting this Saturday at Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington. How do postcard parties work? Come join your WofA friends anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will have a table with postcards, scripts, and addresses. Write as many or as few as you want. Messy handwriting? No problem, you can be a proofreader, or help us put the stamps on. We know that personal postcards are effective, especially for buildings and rural areas that are hard to canvass. Come give it a try and meet some fellow activists who know how important this election in November is going to be! WOFA is looking for someone who could take the lead on this project going forward. Not much is entailed in this but being able to commit to some Saturdays so that we know we have it covered. Ideally one to three folks. if you are interested in taking the postcard lead for a couple of Saturdays and also if I you plan on attending this Saturday, please text Micaela at: 703-508-9209
Arlington Blue Families has postcards! Not able to make it to WofA’s Saturday Postcard Get togethers? No problem! Postcards available now for candidates Russet Perry (SD 31); Joshua Cole (HD 65), Michael Feggans (HD 97); and Danica Roem (SD 30). We must win back the House of Delegates and increase our majority in the Senate! So much is at stake this year. Request postcards HERE.
Tuesday, July 25th, 6:00pm Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP here
Wednesday, July 26 6:00pm – 7:00pm Brady’s Team ENOUGH Welcome Session for Young People If you are a young person between 13 and 25 years old who is interested in taking action around preventing gun violence – join Brady’s Team ENOUGH welcome session to learn more about the different ways you can engage. Sign up HERE.
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Saturday July 29, 11:00am – 2:00pm Canvass with Josh Cole for Virginia! Fredericksburg Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! Sign Up HERE.
Sunday, July 30th 12:00pm – 6:00 (you may choose shifts) PPAV Weekend of Action Canvass for Danica Roem, Manassas, VA Join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia as we knock doors for reproductive rights champion Danica Roem in this critical swing senate district! Abortion is on the Ballot – make sure voters in this critical race know what’s at stake at the polls this year. Sign Up HERE.
Weekly canvasses for Josh Cole on Saturdays: Let’s turn Virginia blue! Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin on Saturdays at 11:00 am to knock on doors and let voters know about the important November election. Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! Sign Up Here: https://www.mobilize.us/coleforva/event/571307/
Weekly canvasses for Danica Roem on Saturdays: Come canvass with Team Danica every Saturday morning! We’ll be knocking in neighborhoods in SD 30 to talk about how important it is to elect Danica to the State Senate in November. There will be a training at the beginning of the event so no prior canvassing experience is required. All you need is a phone, good shoes, and a passion for electing a great candidate. Sign up HERE.
Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP HERE
Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
Week of July 16th
Hello All! The results from the Dem Primary races are in and that means it’s time to get to work! WofA has decided to support a number of candidates identified by the Virginia Grassroots Coalition’s PowerPacs. We will be supporting Danica Roem (SD-31) along with Travis Nembhard (HD-22) & Joshua Thomas (HD-21) – both candidate’s districts overlap Danica’s Senate District 31. Additionally, we will be supporting Josh Cole (HD-65). Of course, if you have a favorite candidate not listed, please go ahead and work for them! There is a very long list of opportunities listed below.
Sign Up for Various Options to Support our Candidates “Supporting” can be any/all of the following: canvassing; phonebanking; textbanking; postcard writing; driving local university students to canvass and more. Please fill out the following google form and let us know what aspects of support appeal to you. As opportunities arise, we will be in contact! Fill out Google Form: HERE
Tuesday, July 18th, 6:00pm MoneyOut – Campaign Finance Reform Group Meeting We will be joined by Delegate Mark Sickles, Delegate from just under the Beltway in Mount Vernon, Rt 1 area (south of Alexandria). We are asking Delegate Sickles, member of last session’s House P&E committee, for his guidance and input into getting campaign finance bills passed in the next General Assembly. Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86227980541?pwd=SnRHZlpxZnBKeURQcjBtZnI3TDkzQT09
Wednesday, July 19th, 5:30pm Elections Working Group Meeting Email Luisa to attend: luisaboyarski@gmail.com
Thursday, July 20th, 6:00pm Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP here
July 21st, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Grassroots Rise Up to Win Join the Virginia Grassroots Coalition at the Women’s Summit for an awesome evening of elections and legislative strategy discussions, informal networking, and fun! Location: Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Send agenda items to Luisa: luisaboyarski@gmail.com
July 22nd and 23rd Women’s Summit Since 2017, Network NOVA has transformed Virginia politics by organizing and hosting our Women’s Summit – putting our year-round grassroots organizational machinery into high gear to build the political structure required for sustainable, continuous gains. In 2023, our goal is not to just win, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Buy Tickets hereMore info here
Tuesday, July 25th, 6:00pm Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP here
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Weekly letter writing to Virginia voters with DoTheMostGood: • Virtually on Mondays at 7pm: Sign up here • In-person on Thursdays at 2: Sign up here
Thursday, July 20th, 6:00pm PPAV Phonebank for Aaron Rouse Join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia for a phonebank in support of reproductive rights champion Sen. Aaron Rouse! Sen. Rouse was a key vote to block abortion restrictions in 2023, and we need to keep him there to block Youngkin’s abortion ban and protect our rights. Help us remind voters to support Sen. Rouse and that Abortion is on the Ballot this fall! RSVP here
Saturday, July 22nd, 1:00pm Office Opening and Canvass Launch with Rep. Spanberger – Team Cole & Team Griffin Join Team Joshua Cole and Team Joel Griffin for our joint office opening and canvass launch with Rep. Abigail Spanberger! RSVP here
Sunday, July 23rd, 1:00pm Joint Canvass Launch with Team Cole and Del. Kathy Tran Joshua Cole and Delegate Kathy Tran in reaching out to voters door-to-door spreading the word about our Democratic candidates on Sunday, July 23rd from 1:00 – 4:00 pm! Training is provided. Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and some water! The event will be held at the Cole-Griffin coordinated campaign office: 620 Kenmore Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia. RSVP here
Tuesday, July 25th, 6:00pm Phonebank for Travis Nembhard Call your neighbors to get the word out about HD-22’s next Delegate Travis Nembhard! RSVP here
Saturday, August 19th, 10:00am Monthly canvassing in Leesburg, VA for State Senate 31, with SwingLeftHoCoMD The primary is over and the democratic candidate for State Senate 31 is Russet Perry. It’s essential for us to flip this seat to keep Democratic control in the State Senate. Since redistricting this seat is now competitive and the incumbent is not running. Our meet up location is Russet Perry headquarters (currently in Marquee Law Group office) at 20 W Market St, Leesburg, VA. There is parking across the street. And a gazebo in the back where we will gather. More info and RSVP here
ICYMI: GENERAL ASSEMBLY RACE RATINGS
Chaz Nuttycombe, a leading handicapper of state legislative races, has released a post-primary set of ratings of General Assembly races: https://projects.cnalysis.com/23-24/state-leg/virginia#lower I’ve listed those contests that are at all competitive.
House of Delegates Northern Virginia HD 21 (Josh Thomas): Toss Up HD 65 (Josh Cole): Tilt D HD 22 (Travis Nembhard): Tilt R HD 30 (Rob Banse): Likely R HD 64 (Leonard Lacey): Very Likely R
Metro Richmond HD 57 (Susanna Gibson): Toss Up HD 82 (Kimberly Pope Adams): Toss Up HD 58 (Rodney Willett): Likely D HD 75 (Stephen Miller-Pitts): Very Likely R
Hampton Roads HD 97 (Michael Feggans): Toss Up HD 84 (Nadarius Clark): Lean D HD 71 (Jessica Anderson): Lean R HD 86 (Jarris Taylor): Likely R HD 89 (Karen Jenkins): Likely R
Southwest Virginia HD 41 (Lily Franklin): Very Likely R
Senate Northern Virginia SD 31 (Russet Perry): Toss Up SD 27 (Joel Griffin): Tilt R SD 30 (Danica Roem): Very Likely D
Metro Richmond SD 16 (Schuyler Van Valkenburg): Lean D
Hampton Roads SD 24 (Monty Mason) Toss Up SD 17 (Clint Jenkins): Lean R
Roanoke SD 04 (Trish White-Boyd): Very Likely R
There’s a lot of overlap with the races targeted by House Republicans this week for TV ads.
Sister District Natʻl Phonebank – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Let’s turn Virginia blue! Help elect top-priority Dem state legislative candidates & drive votes up the ticket in Virginia in 2023. This works. Last year, each National Phonebank averaged 4 local volunteers recruited and 12 Undecided Voters Identified. We only call voters in the ballpark. Join us & make a concrete impact. Signup here, More info here
Week of June 25th
VA Democratic Primary Results Some very interesting races were had and Congratulations to the winners! A big round of applause for EVERYONE that took part in fundraising; canvassing; donating and more for the large slate of candidates throughout Virginia! Results are Here: https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/Virginia/elections/2023DEMPRI
Tuesday, June 27 7- 8 pm (on Zoom) 31st Street Swing Left Fundraiser for Virginia General Assembly Candidates Join 31st Street Swing Left and special guest Rep. Jennifer Wexton to support 10 candidates for the Virginia General Assembly, including Josh Cole, Travis Nemhard, Josh Thomas, Michael Feggans, Monty Mason and others. (Note that WofA will be supporting many of these candidates in the general election campaign). To help, please join members and friends of 31st Street Swing Left from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET on June 27th. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83592664427 Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/31ststvaleg23?refcode=invite
Wednesday, June 28th, 12:00pm Everything You Need to Know About… the Inflation Reduction Act & the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Join Generation180 and Evergreen Action to learn how individuals and communities can access new Federal funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other new Federal funding from the experts at Evergreen. RSVP here
Thursday, June 29th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Virtual Forum: Dark Money Is Coming for Our Children: Exposing the Right-Wing Agenda To Destroy Public Education This FCDC National Affairs Forum panel of nationally eminent experts will examine and expose the real right-wing, dark money-funded, Republican agenda to dismantle public education, divert public education funding to private education management, take over the multimillion-dollar education market for profit, evade school oversight and accountability, undermine and weaken teacher unions, and eliminate critical thinking and evidence-based curricula from America’s public schools. RSVP here
Friday, June 30th, 12:00pm Power Lunch – RSVP here
Monday, July 10th, 8:00pm Campaign Finance: The Basics and Opportunities for Reform Do you want to learn more about campaign finance laws? Join this discussion on the evolution of campaign finance legislation, both federally and in individual states. Organized by BigMoneyOutVA, David Kolker, Senior Counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, will draw on his 20 years at the Federal Elections Commission and review the history of campaign finance laws and current challenges. Nancy Morgan, coordinator of BigMoneyOutVA, a non-partisan group advocacy group focused on campaign finance reform, will review the status of Virginia and identify opportunities for reform and entry points for action. RSVP here
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA Since 2017, Network NOVA has transformed Virginia politics by organizing and hosting our Women’s Summit – putting our year-round grassroots organizational machinery into high gear to build the political structure required for sustainable, continuous gains. In 2023, our goal is not to just win, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Buy Tickets here More info here
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Call to Action
Mountain Valley Pipeline The MVP is facing greater scrutiny since Congress mandated permits be issued for them to resume work while exempting the MVP from judicial review. Many articles have been published questioning the economic need for the MVP and expressing concern about the integrity of the pipes. Court challenges have been filed to contest the constitutionality of the Dirty Deal. One article concluded that the MVP would be a phantom pipeline with only 35% predicted capacity. A powerful way to amplify that the MVP is in trouble is to call for a Senate Finance Committee hearing to investigate MVP’s partners: Equitrans Midstream, NextEra Energy, Con Edison, Alta Gas and RGC Resources. Learn more here. Have questions contact Freeda Cathcart 540-598-7231 contactfreeda@ahwwp1309 CTA – Contact Senators Warner and Kaine to ask them to call for a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the economic viability of the MVP project. Share this social media post to encourage others to join you. Want to do more? Then use this MVP digital toolkit. Mark R. Warner Phone: 202-224-2023 Email form: https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactPage Tim Kaine Phone: 202-224-4024 Email form: https://www.kaine.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
Tuesday, June 27 7-8 pm (on Zoom) 31st Street Swing Left Fundraiser for Virginia General Assembly Candidates Join 31st Street Swing Left and special guest Rep. Jennifer Wexton to support 10 candidates for the Virginia General Assembly, including Josh Cole, Travis Nemhard, Josh Thomas, Michael Feggans, Monty Mason and others. (Note that WofA will be supporting many of these candidates in the general election campaign). To help, please join members and friends of 31st Street Swing Left from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET on June 27th. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83592664427. Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/31ststvaleg23?refcode=invite
Thursday, June 29th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Virtual Forum: Dark Money Is Coming for Our Children: Exposing the Right-Wing Agenda To Destroy Public Education This FCDC National Affairs Forum panel of nationally eminent experts will examine and expose the real right-wing, dark money-funded, Republican agenda to dismantle public education, divert public education funding to private education management, take over the multimillion-dollar education market for profit, evade school oversight and accountability, undermine and weaken teacher unions, and eliminate critical thinking and evidence-based curricula from America’s public schools. RSVP here
Sunday, July 9th, 6:00pm Virginia Grassroots Coalition Meeting Email Luisa with agenda items: luisaboyarski@ahwwp1309. RSVP here
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Week of June 11th
Now – June 17th Early Voting for Dem Primaries! For dates/times in your area, click HERE.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 @ 7:00pm Black Wall Steet, The Greenwood Ave Project Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse – 2903 Columbia Pike You are invited to a screening of Black Wall Street, The Greenwood Ave Project, a documentary film that explores the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when mobs of white rioters attacked Black residents, destroying their homes, businesses, and public institutions in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood was also know as “Black Wall Street.” • Free • No tickets or reservations required • Admission is 21+ unless accompanied by a parent • Discussion with Executive Producer, Karen Reese • Sponsored by the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington (BMHA)
Friday, June 16th, 12:00 pm Power Lunch • RSVP HERE
Friday, June 16th 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Alexandria, VA Danica Roem with Prince William County Democrats & Special Guest Sen. Mark Warner! One Stop Shop to Flip the VA House and Improve Our Margin in the Senate! Please join U.S. Senator Mark Warner and the Alexandria Democrats as we support four exceptional candidates running for VA House and Senate seats in Prince William County. Michelle Madonado (HD-21), Josh Thomas (HD-22), and Travis Nembhard (HD- 23) are all running in winnable districts that overlap with (SD-38), home of our groundbreaking friend, Danica Roem. Your contribution will help ensure that the Dems reclaim the VA House and bring an incredibly effective new voice to the VA Senate. Click here to sign up for this important (and fun!) happy hour on Friday June 16! Bring a few friends and stay for dinner in Old Town or Del Ray.
Friday, June 16, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm Arlington Historical Museum NAACP ~ Arlington Branch Juneteenth Celebration The NAACP is hosting this event along with the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. We have an exciting program with historic artifacts that tell the rich history of Arlington’s Black community builders. Free and open to the public.No registration required – 1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202. Questions? Contact membership@arlingtonnaacp.com
Saturday, June 17th, 12:00pm – 8:00pm (choose your own shift) Columbia Pike Music Festival – Volunteer for Parisa’s Booth Please join Parisa’s campaign at their sponsored booth for the Columbia Pike Music Festival. A great opportunity to speak with voters while listening to some great music – at one of the most popular fun-filled annual events in Arlington! Please contact Rose at rpfabia@gmail.comto sign up for a shift. More on this event: https://www.columbia-pike.org/bluesfest-2023/
Saturday, June 17th, 9 am to 4:00 pm Poll Greeter for Parisa – Sign-Up! We have one more Early Voting on Saturday, June 17th and we need poll greeters for one of these three sites: Walter Reed Community Center, Madison Community Center, or Bozman Center near the Courthouse. AND your help is needed for Primary Election Day, June 20th, where there are still some spots that need to be filled. Contact Rose at rpfabia@gmail.com to sign you for some shift(s).
Sunday, June 18th – 1:00pm – 3:00pm Walk Arlington ~ Black Heritage Walk starts at Towers Park Discover Black heritage in Arlington on a walk to honor Juneteenth led by Craig Syphax, a board member and former president of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. More HERE.
Thursday, June 29th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Virtual Forum: Dark Money Is Coming for Our Children: Exposing the Right-Wing Agenda To Destroy Public Education This FCDC National Affairs Forum panel of nationally eminent experts will examine and expose the real right-wing, dark money-funded, Republican agenda to dismantle public education, divert public education funding to private education management, take over the multimillion-dollar education market for profit, evade school oversight and accountability, undermine and weaken teacher unions, and eliminate critical thinking and evidence-based curricula from America’s public schools.RSVP here
Tuesday, June 20th Virginia Dem Primaries! Where/When: HERE
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Actions & Info
Ask All Candidates Running in Your District to COMMIT to GOOD GOVERNANCE! How? Check out the newly released VA Good Governance Scorecard. This scorecard puts candidates on the record so, if elected, we can hold them accountable on governance issues of concern to voters, whether it be access to the ballot box, amplifying our voices over those of deep-pocketed donors, ensuring ethical guardrails to govern legislative behavior. They need to hear from their future constituents. With your help, we can make this year’s election about candidates’ commitment to good governance and a government which works for all voters. Put in your address, find out who all the candidates are in your district and send them an email asking them to fill out the scorecard. Questions: nancyruthmorgan@gmail.com
Heidi Draushak Canvass and Phonebank through June 20th Join Team Heidi for a community canvass at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield at 10:00 am – RSVP here. Any experienced canvassers are more than welcome to knock doors for Heidi during the week. – Sign up here. Join the weekly phone bank at 5:00 pm on Wednesdays. – Sign up here.
Poll Greeter Sign-Up! Sign up to be a Poll Greeter on Primary Election Day, June 20, 2023 at a polling site of your choice. Included is a Poll Greeter form link to fill out for a two hour shift on June 20th. We are not taking this race for granted and we will persuade every voter on Election Day that a vote for Justice Reform is a vote for Parisa. Together We Will Win. Poll Greeter For Parisa Form
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
Saturday, June 10th, 10:00am Canvass for Parisa! Please join us as we canvass to re-elect Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti. Parisa is a fierce advocate for justice reform that will build a justice system that prioritizes our safety, treats everyone fairly and reflects our values. You can count on us for every Saturday at 10 am, from 6066 9th Road N., for the next four Saturdays or you can ask for a turf assignment at a time that suits you best. To ensure we have enough canvass packets for each volunteer, please fill out this Canvass for Parisa form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPMlEcImF1pZRY_wuHS8V4TVM9vR4dsoehmQZKlwDtKtmeGQ/viewform) and submit it back to me, Rose Fabia, electronically so we can coordinate enough packets to distribute each weekend.
Saturday, June 10th, 10am & 2pm Canvass w/ Heidi Drauschak for SD35 Join Team Heidi for a community canvass! We’ll be at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield at 10am. Join us to knock doors, talk to voters, and build progressive power in SD35! RSVP here
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 , 7:00pm Black Wall Street, The Greenwood Ave Project Arlington Cinema And Drafthouse – 2903 Columbia Pike You are invited to a screening of Black Wall Street, The Greenwood Ave Project, a documentary film that explores the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when mobs of white rioters attacked Black residents, destroying their homes, businesses, and public institutions in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood was also know as “Black Wall Street.” • Free • No tickets or reservations required • Admission is 21+ unless accompanied by a parent • Discussion with Executive Producer, Karen Reese • Sponsored by the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington (BHMA)
Friday, June 16th 5:00 – 7:00pm Alexandria,VA Danica Roem w/Prince William County Democrats & Special Guest Sen. Mark Warner! One Stop Shop to Flip the VA House and Improve Our Margin in the Senate! Please join U.S. Senator Mark Warner and the Alexandria Democrats as we support four exceptional candidates running for VA House and Senate seats in Prince William County. Michelle Madonado (HD-21), Josh Thomas (HD-22), and Travis Nembhard (HD- 23) are all running in winnable districts that overlap with (SD-38), home of our groundbreaking friend, Danica Roem. Your contribution will help ensure that the Dems reclaim the VA House and bring an incredibly effective new voice to the VA Senate. Click hereto sign up for this important (and fun!) happy hour on Friday June 16! Bring a few friends and stay for dinner in Old Town or Del Ray.
Friday, June 16, 2023, 7:00-8:00pm Arlington Historical Museum NAACP ~ Arlington Branch Juneteenth Celebration The NAACP is hosting this event along with the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. We have an exciting program with historic artifacts that tell the rich history of Arlington’s Black community builders. Free and open to the public, No registration required – 1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202. Questions? Contact membership@arlingtonnaacp.com
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Thursday, June 29th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Virtual Forum: Dark Money Is Coming for Our Children: Exposing the Right-Wing Agenda To Destroy Public Education This FCDC National Affairs Forum panel of nationally eminent experts will examine and expose the real right-wing, dark money-funded, Republican agenda to dismantle public education, divert public education funding to private education management, take over the multimillion-dollar education market for profit, evade school oversight and accountability, undermine and weaken teacher unions, and eliminate critical thinking and evidence-based curricula from America’s public schools.RSVP here
Attention all Postcarders! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE STILL AVAILABLE! Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed as soon as possible as early voting has already started. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
Saturday, June 3 10:00am (through Saturday, June 17th) Canvass for Parisa! Please join us as we canvass to re-elect Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti. Parisa is a fierce advocate for justice reform that will build a justice system that prioritizes our safety, treats everyone fairly and reflects our values. You can count on us for every Saturday at 10 am, from 6066 9th Road N., for the next four Saturdays or you can ask for a turf assignment at a time that suits you best. To ensure we have enough canvass packets for each volunteer, please fill out this Canvass for Parisa form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPMlEcImF1pZRY_wuHS8V4TVM9vR4dsoehmQZKlwDtKtmeGQ/viewform) and submit it back to me, Rose Fabia, electronically so we can coordinate enough packets to distribute each weekend.
Saturday, June 3 starting at 2:00pm Wear Orange Event & Rally – Arlington, VA ~ MOMS Demand Arlington Join fellow Gun Violence Prevention advocates as we walk to Clarendon Metro and back and then follow up at 2:00pm with a Rally to Honor the Victims of Gun Violence. On the first weekend in June, we’ll honor all lives taken and wounded by gun violence as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. We’ll continue to turn Virginia orange as we bring together all members of our community to show our solidarity as we stand together to prevent gun violence. Join us for a walk and rally on Saturday June 3, 2023 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Courthouse Plaza.
Friday, June 16th 5:00 – 7:00pm Alexandria,VA Danica Roem with Prince William County Democrats & Special Guest Sen. Mark Warner! One Stop Shop to Flip the VA House and Improve Our Margin in the Senate! Please join U.S. Senator Mark Warner and the Alexandria Democrats as we support four exceptional candidates running for VA House and Senate seats in Prince William County. Michelle Madonado (HD-21), Josh Thomas (HD-22), and Travis Nembhard (HD- 23) are all running in winnable districts that overlap with (SD-38), home of our groundbreaking friend, Danica Roem. Your contribution will help ensure that the Dems reclaim the VA House and bring an incredibly effective new voice to the VA Senate. Click hereto sign up for this important (and fun!) happy hour on Friday June 16! Bring a few friends and stay for dinner in Old Town or Del Ray.
Friday, June 16, 2023, 7:00-8:00 pm, Arlington Historical Museum NAACP ~ Arlington Branch Juneteenth Celebration The NAACP is hosting this event along with the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. We have an exciting program with historic artifacts that tell the rich history of Arlington’s Black community builders. Free and open to the public. No registration required – 1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202. Questions? Contact membership@arlingtonnaacp.com
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Actions & Info
Ask All Candidates Running in Your District to COMMIT to GOOD GOVERNANCE! How? Check out the newly released VA Good Governance Scorecard. This scorecard puts candidates on the record so, if elected, we can hold them accountable on governance issues of concern to voters, whether it be access to the ballot box, amplifying our voices over those of deep-pocketed donors, ensuring ethical guardrails to govern legislative behavior. They need to hear from their future constituents. With your help, we can make this year’s election about candidates’ commitment to good governance and a government which works for all voters. Put in your address, find out who all the candidates are in your district and send them an email asking them to fill out the scorecard. Questions: nancyruthmorgan@gmail.com
Heidi Draushak Canvass and Phonebank through June 20th Join Team Heidi for a community canvass at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield at 10:00 am – RSVP here. Any experienced canvassers are more than welcome to knock doors for Heidi during the week. – Sign up here. Join the weekly phone bank at 5:00 pm on Wednesdays. – Sign up here.
Poll Greeter Sign-Up! Sign up to be a Poll Greeter on Primary Election Day, June 20, 2023 at a polling site of your choice. Included is a Poll Greeter form link to fill out for a two hour shift on June 20th. We are not taking this race for granted and we will persuade every voter on Election Day that a vote for Justice Reform is a vote for Parisa. Together We Will Win. Poll Greeter For Parisa Form
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
Attention all Postcarders! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE STILL AVAILABLE! Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed as soon as possible as early voting has already started. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group! These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more.To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
Week of May 21st
TONIGHT! Monday, May 22, 6:00 – 8:00pm ~ CourtHaus Social, Arlington WofA In Person Social at Courthaus Social !! Please join us as we FINALLY gather together (in person) at Courthaus Social (2300 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA). As always, please feel free to bring a friend! Questions: kamwjm@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 24th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Join Kris Brown, Brady United President – Reception for Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Join Host, Kris Brown, for an intimate reception honoring our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. Hear from Parisa on the progress she has made in keeping our communities safe while championing critical initiatives to ensure the criminal justice system works in a fair and impartial manner. Bring your questions, comments and thoughts and help us elect a Commonwealth’s Attorney truly making a difference for everyone. RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brownmay24
Wednesday, May 24, 7:00 – 8:00pm PhoneBank for Danica Roem – Arlington Sign up HERE
Saturday, May 27, 10:00am Canvass for Parisa! Please join us as we canvass to re-elect Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti . Parisa is a fierce advocate for justice reform that will build a justice system that prioritizes our safety, treats everyone fairly and reflects our values. You can count on us for every Saturday at 10 am, from 6066 9th Road N., for the next four Saturdays or you can ask for a turf assignment at a time that suits you best. To ensure we have enough canvass packets for each volunteer, please fill out this Canvass for Parisa form and submit it back to me, Rose Fabia, electronically so we can coordinate enough packets to distribute each weekend.
Monday, May 29, 1:00pm March in Falls Church City Parade with Parisa! Join the many Parisa supporters as they march in Falls Church’s beloved Annual Memorial Day Parade. Please contact Parisa’s campaign manager, Josh Artis at: josh@parisaforjustice.comto rsvp a spot and for further details
Saturday, June 3, starting at 2:00pm Wear Orange Event & Rally – Arlington, VA ~ MOMS Demand Arlington Join fellow Gun Violence Prevention advocates as we walk to Clarendon Metro and back and then follow up at 2:00pm with a Rally to Honor the Victims of Gun Violence. On the first weekend in June, we’ll honor all lives taken and wounded by gun violence as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. We’ll continue to turn Virginia orange as we bring together all members of our community to show our solidarity as we stand together to prevent gun violence. Join us for a walk and rally on Saturday June 3, 2023 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Courthouse Plaza.
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Actions & Info
Ask All Candidates Running in Your District to COMMIT to GOOD GOVERNANCE! How? Check out the newly released VA Good Governance Scorecard. This scorecard puts candidates on the record so, if elected, we can hold them accountable on governance issues of concern to voters, whether it be access to the ballot box, amplifying our voices over those of deep-pocketed donors, ensuring ethical guardrails to govern legislative behavior. They need to hear from their future constituents. With your help, we can make this year’s election about candidates’ commitment to good governance and a government which works for all voters. Put in your address, find out who all the candidates are in your district and send them an email asking them to fill out the scorecard. Questions: nancyruthmorgan@gmail.com
Heidi Draushak Canvass and Phonebank through June 20th Join Team Heidi for a community canvass at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield at 10:00 am – RSVP here. Any experienced canvassers are more than welcome to knock doors for Heidi during the week. – Sign up here. Join the weekly phone bank at 5:00 pm on Wednesdays. – Sign up here.
PPAV Update by Han Jones, Political Director Abortion Bans, Sen. Morrissey’s Abortion Record, and More
Governor Youngkin has recently renewed his push for a 15-week abortion ban, leaving no doubt that if there is an anti-abortion majority in the Virginia House and Senate that we would see an abortion ban in Virginia as early as next year. This comes on the tails of a number of other southern and neighboring states passing their own abortion bans.
North Carolina Abortion Ban The North Carolina legislature passed a 12-week abortion ban that is on pro-reproductive rights Governor Cooper’s desk . Not only does this legislation ban abortion after 12-weeks gestation, it institutes a series of medically unnecessary barriers for people seeking abortion care before 12 weeks of pregnancy. These barriers include a 72-hour waiting period, requiring a new in-person advanced visit, that would make abortion care more difficult to receive for North Carolinians and those in neighboring states that have abortion bans who were traveling to North Carolina to seek care. Additionally, because of building requirements in the bill, many health centers may not be able to continue providing abortion procedures. While Governor Cooper will veto this legislation on Saturday, the anti-abortion Republican supermajority likely has enough votes to override this veto, ensuring this legislation would go into effect on July 1.
South Carolina Special Session Shortly after the passage of North Carolina’s abortion ban, South Carolina announced that they would be going into a special session with an abortion ban on the priority list for what they will discuss. It is likely they will try to pass a 6-week abortion ban as they did previously, but now the legislation is more likely to become law with the more conservative state Supreme Court. If South Carolina does pass a 6-week abortion ban, every state in the southeastern United States south of North Carolina will have an abortion ban in place at 6 weeks or less, making Virginia an even more crucial access state.
Poll Greeter Sign-Up! Sign up to be a Poll Greeter on Primary Election Day, June 20, 2023 at a polling site of your choice. Included is a Poll Greeer form link to fill out for a two hour shift on June 20th. We are not taking this race for granted and we will persuade every voter on Election Day that a vote for Justice Reform is a vote for Parisa. Together We Will Win. Poll Greeter For Parisa Form
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
Attention all Postcarders! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE STILL AVAILABLE! Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed as soon as possible as early voting has already started. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group! These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more.To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
Week of May 7th
May 7, May 10 and May 13 Arlington County School Board Endorsement Vote Sunday, May 7 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School Address: 3500 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22206; Wednesday, May 10 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Campbell Elementary School Address: 737 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204 (Map) Saturday, May 13 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Washington-Liberty High School Address: 1301 N Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22201 More Info here: https://arlingtondemocrats.org/event/school-board-endorsement-vote-2/?instance_id=1700
Saturday May 13th ~ 10am WofA Weekend Canvass w/ Heidi Drauschak for SD35 Join us for a community canvass! We’ll be at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield at 10am. Join us to knock doors, talk to voters, and build progressive power in SD35! Other weekend time slots also available. RSVP here Other options to support Heidi: Canvass during the week – Sign up here Join the weekly phonebank at 5 PM Weds – Sign up here
Saturday, May 13 ~ 10:00am Canvass for Parisa ~ Arlington Pick up your lit and turf at 6066 9th Road N, Arlington, VA. If you have any questions, please contact Rose Fabia at rpfabia@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 17 ~ 7:00 – 8:30pm Meet & Greet for JD Spain Join Hosts, Micaela and Josh Pond for an intimate meet & greet with Arlington County Board candidate, JD Spain. Get to know him, ask him the tough questions, while enjoying refreshments among friends. All proceeds go towards campaign materials: stickers, yard signs, etc. Your help is much appreciated! Address and details provided upon registration. RSVP Here
Thursday, May 18th, 8:00pm Restoring the Right to Vote in Virginia Virginia is one of three states with lifetime disenfranchisement of former felons written in the constitution. In 2016 Governor Terry McAuliffe instituted automatic restoration of rights upon release from prison; Governor Northam continued the same practice and more than 200,000 returning citizens had their rights restored. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ended the decade-long practice and is creating his own version of who could/should be allowed to vote. Join the Center for Common Ground and guest speakers working on this issue in Virginia on May 18th for where we are now and how we change the Virginia constitution. RSVP here
Sunday, May 21st, 11:15am Virginia’s State Legislation Progress in Addressing Climate Change Speaker: Delegate Rip Sullivan, Location: Langley Hill Friends Meeting, 6410 Georgetown Pike, in McLean. Attendance in-person or by zoom. Zoom link starting after 11: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87196329921?pwd=QUZXc2FDb1h6UzlUaTczZkNxMkxvUT09. Please RSVP to lhhousegrounds@gmail.com. If questions, please contact Keith Oberg at 571-212-4139, or Lynne Corn at 571-765-0522
Monday, May 22 – 6:00 – 8:00pm ~ CourtHaus Social, Arlington WofA In Person Social at Courthaus Social !! Please join us as we FINALLY gather together (in person) at Courthaus Social (2300 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA). As always, please feel free to bring a friend! Questions: kamwjm@gmail.com
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Actions & Info
Poll Greeter for Parisa Sign-UP! Sign up to be a Poll Greeter on Primary Election Day, June 20, 2023 at a polling site of your choice. Included is a Poll Greeter form link to fill out for a two hour shift on June 20th. We are not taking this race for granted and we will persuade every voter on Election Day that a vote for Justice Reform is a vote for Parisa. Together We Will Win. Poll Greeter For Parisa Form
NOW! GOTV for Adele McClure Postcards! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE AVAILABLE Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed out as soon as possible. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
PROMOTE EARLY VOTING, VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT THE PRIMARIES ARLINGTON COUNTY Residents: Call for Volunteers for the School Board Endorsement Vote. ACDC needs your help. Most of the tasks are pretty straight forward and most are inside, and allow for some sitting. If you do registration, it’s preferable that you have a laptop. Spend a few hours with like minded friends, free lunch and snacks. Volunteer Sign-Up Form – Please sign up today!
FAIRFAX COUNTY Residents: VOTE in the FCDC School Board Endorsement Caucus. For the first time, the Fairfax County Dems are inviting all registered Democrats residing in the county to participate in the School Board Candidate endorsement process. SIGN UP to VOTE: https://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org/2023endorsement/
Why Primaries Matter! This is an excellent resource produced by the Virginia Grassroots Organization. Covers the importance of Primaries; Current Links to voting in Virginia and much more: https://www.virginiagrassroots.org/action-vote-primaries.php
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group! These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more. To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
NOW! GOTV for Adele McClure Postcards! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE AVAILABLE Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed out as soon as possible. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
Tuesday, May 2, 5:30PM Josh Cole in Arlington with Adele McClure! Location: Continental Beer Gardens – 1901 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209 You’re Invited! Please Join in for a Young Dems Fundraiser (and you don’t have to be young to join in!) to Support Joshua Cole and Adele McClure. Joshua is running again for the House of Delegates in the newly drawn 65th District! If we want to regain a Democratic majority in the House, the 65th District is a must-win in 2023. Adele is running in a competitive primary for VA’s 2nd District. Donations are a suggestion. Please come regardless of contribution level. RSVP to: info@jgcole.org Donate to:https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jc4va-23-youngdc
Tuesday, May 2nd, 7:00pm – 8:15pm NOPE Meeting with Senator Kaine Join us as we turn our attention to the 2023 Virginia state legislature races and celebrate the role of our grassroots partners. Virginia is a bellwether state, so maintaining the current state Democratic Senate majority and flipping the state House of Delegates will build momentum for 2024. US Senator Tim Kaine will join us to explain the importance of these races for the nation and for his own race in 2024. Our other speaker will be Tram Nguyen, Co-Executive Director of New Virginia Majority. Like other grassroots organizations, New Virginia Majority works year-round to build relationships with under-represented minorities, youth, and low-income workers, empowering them to advocate for issues that affect their daily lives. In election season they build on these relationships to get out the vote for Democrats up and down the ballot. More info and RSVP here
Wednesday, May 3 7:00PM – 9:00PM Arlington Dems Monthly Meeting – County Board Candidate Forum This meeting will be livestreamed to the Arlington Democrats Youtube Channel: https://arlingtondemocrats.org/youtube
Saturday, May 6, 10:00AM & 2PM / May 7, 12Noon Heidi Drauschak Canvass Join Team Heidi for a community canvass at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield. Please support WofA-endorsed Heidi Drauschak https://www.heidiforvirginia.com/! RSVP here Any experienced canvassers can knock doors for Heidi during the week – Sign up here Join the weekly phonebank at 5 PM Weds – Sign up here
Sunday, May 7 12:00PM – 2:30PM Canvass Launch for Parisa! 6216 N 23rd St., Arlington RSVP: josh@parisaforjustice.com
Saturday May 13 10:00 AM WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Heidi! RSVP here Save the Date – details to follow!
Thursday, May 18th, 8:00pm Restoring the Right to Vote in Virginia Virginia is one of three states with lifetime disenfranchisement of former felons written in the constitution. In 2016 Governor Terry McAuliffe instituted automatic restoration of rights upon release from prison; Governor Northam continued the same practice and more than 200,000 returning citizens had their rights restored. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ended the decade-long practice and is creating his own version of who could/should be allowed to vote. Join the Center for Common Ground and guest speakers working on this issue in Virginia on May 18th for where we are now and how we change the Virginia constitution. RSVP here
Saturday, May 20 3:00PM – 6:00PM ~ Arlington, VA WofA Paint Virginia Blue Social & Membership Meeting! We miss you all and want to spend our May monthly membership meeting reconnecting in person. We will provide drinks, appetizers and paint supplies – you just provide your creative spirit! Spend the afternoon with your favorite activists! RSVP here: Micaela.Pond@gmail.com
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Saturday, July 29th, 9:00am FCDC Training Summit – Save the Date Calling all Democratic Precinct Captains and Dedicated Volunteers! Come to an all-day Training Summit where you will learn what you need to know about the 2023 Elections. Let’s make sure Democrats win BIG this year! More info
Actions & Info
Why Primaries Matter! This is an excellent resource produced by the Virginia Grassroots Organization. Covers the importance of Primaries; Current Links to voting in Virginia and much more: https://www.virginiagrassroots.org/action-vote-primaries.php
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group!These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more.To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
Week of April 22nd
NOW! (Mailing Deadline is April 30th) GOTV for Adele McClure Postcards! POSTCARDS FOR ADELE MCCLURE AVAILABLE Adele McClure is running for House of Delegate in the new 2nd District in Arlington. Help get out the vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed out by April 30th. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Please request your postcards as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to elect Adele McClure to HOD 2!
Saturday, April 29 11:00AM Parisa Canvass in Arlington 519 N. Jackson St, Arlington, VA Please join us as we continue to canvass Arlington neighborhoods to remind our neighbors about our Commonweath’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti’s important re-election campaign. This will be a great opportunity to share facts; speak about #PromisesMadePromisesKept and hear our neighbors’ concerns and questions. Questions? Please contact Kathleen Murray at: kamwjm@gmail.com
Monday, May 1, 2023, 7 p.m. Meet Senator Barbara Favola – Support Her in the June Primary Join fellow members of WofA and Del. Rip Sullivan for an evening with our fabulous Senator Barbara Favola – staunch defender of women’s reproductive health, public education, access to health care and the environment. Having worked with Sen. Favola on legislation for the past several years, we can assure you she is the master strategist! Barbara is being primaried and needs our help. We cannot afford to lose this progressive voice! PLEASE keep this tireless and effective advocate in the Virginia Senate. RSVP HERE. And PLEASE DONATE HERE whether or not you can attend in person.
Tuesday, May 2nd, 7:00pm – 8:15pm NOPE Meeting with Senator Kaine Join us as we turn our attention to the 2023 Virginia state legislature races and celebrate the role of our grassroots partners. Virginia is a bellwether state, so maintaining the current state Democratic Senate majority and flipping the state House of Delegates will build momentum for 2024. US Senator Tim Kaine will join us to explain the importance of these races for the nation and for his own race in 2024. Our other speaker will be Tram Nguyen, Co-Executive Director of New Virginia Majority. Like other grassroots organizations, New Virginia Majority works year-round to build relationships with under-represented minorities, youth, and low-income workers, empowering them to advocate for issues that affect their daily lives. In election season they build on these relationships to get out the vote for Democrats up and down the ballot. More info and RSVP here
May 7, May 10 and May 13 Arlington County School Board Endorsement Vote Sunday, May 7 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School Address: 3500 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22206; Wednesday, May 10 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Campbell Elementary School Address: 737 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204 (Map) Saturday, May 13 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Washington-Liberty High School Address: 1301 N Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22201 More Info here: https://arlingtondemocrats.org/event/school-board-endorsement-vote-2/?instance_id=1700
Thursday, May 18th, 8:00pm Restoring the Right to Vote in Virginia Virginia is one of three states with lifetime disenfranchisement of former felons written in the constitution. In 2016 Governor Terry McAuliffe instituted automatic restoration of rights upon release from prison; Governor Northam continued the same practice and more than 200,000 returning citizens had their rights restored. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ended the decade-long practice and is creating his own version of who could/should be allowed to vote. Join the Center for Common Ground and guest speakers working on this issue in Virginia on May 18th for where we are now and how we change the Virginia constitution. RSVP here
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024.Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Actions & Info
Parisa Yard Signs Available – Pick Up or Delivery! Please consider showing your support for our Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with a “Re-Elect Parisa” yard sign. Just send Kathleen Murray an email with your address and number of signs requested – they will be delivered to your doorstep! Kathleen Murray kamwjm@gmail.com
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group! These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more. To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
Tuesday, April 11 6:30pm – 8:00pm Equality Arlington Meeting Join Equality Arlington for our next meeting as we finalize our structure, select leaders, discuss upcoming advocacy efforts, and prepare for pride month celebrations! All are welcome! Clarendon Presbyterian Church – 1305 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA. Join HERE.
POSTCARDS FOR PARISA AVAILABLE NOW! WofA has partnered with the Favola and Dehghani-Tafti campaigns to write postcards to Get Out The Vote for the June 20th Democratic Primary. Postcards need to be mailed out by April 30th. If you would like to order postcards, please fill out this form. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive an email with the postcard writing instructions and the address in Arlington where you can pick up your postcards. Thank you for helping to re-elect Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti!
Saturday, April 15, 12pm – 1:00pm Speak Out for Abortion Access with Planned Parenthood More info here
Saturday, April 15, 11:00am – 5:00pm Arlington Fair Housing Conference Join the NAACP Arlington Branch, HOME of Virginia, and Equal Rights Center for the 2nd Annual Arlington Fair Housing Conference on April 15th to discuss the threats and opportunities to advancing fair housing policy across the state and within Arlington. RSVP Here :https://us4.list-manage.com/survey?u=6d686c29cfe3c78466c87a78a&id=fc1c8a52d8&attribution=false
Saturday, April 15, 4:00pm – 6:00pm Tea for Lashrecse – Let’s Get Pro-Choice Candidate Lashrecse Aird Elected! Please join hosts Planned Parenthood Viginia PAC, Senator Barbara Favola, Mary Byrne, Georgina Cannan, and Friends of WofA Virginia for an event in support of Lashrecse Aird for VA Senate! After this week’s news out of Tennessee and Texas, we can see how important it is to elect legislators that represent the will of their constituents! Lashrecse is running a pro-choice VA Senate campaign against Joe Morrissey, who is the last anti-choice Dem in the VA Senate. RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/airdinarlingtontea
Saturday, April 15, 4:30pm – 6:00pm – Arlington, VA Re-Elect Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with Rep Jennifer McClellan! Please join newly elected Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan at the home of Matt de Ferrranti and Brooke Tansil de Ferranti in support of Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. Help us continue to strengthen the reforms made and continue the work needed to create a more equitable justice system for ALL . #PromisesMadePromisesKept RSVP &/or Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/041423pfj
Sunday, April 16th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Our Dem Grassroots is Powerful—Now, Let’s Be Proud and Get Loud! Hear from Simon Rosenberg, one of the only people to correctly predict a competitive election in 2022, about the power of the Dem grassroots. Simon will explain why we need to BOTH continue our game-changing electoral work AND become loud and effective at sharing how things always get better with Dems. And be sure to check out Simon on the new substack he has launched, Hopium Chronicles. He’s built it in part to be better able to communicate with all of us. More info and RSVP here
Tuesday, April 18 – 6:30pm Panel Discussion on Reparations As part of a multi-year project, in collaboration with universities around the country, the Breath Project will host a free panel discussion on the topic of slavery reparations in the United States. Discussion to be moderated by April R. Silver of AKILA WORKSONGS. Full panel to be announced by April 10. RSVP HERE.
Sunday, April 23 3:00pm – 5:00pm Get Louder Now–Be a Powerful Info Warrior for Dems Join DTMG and our guest speakers to learn how we can get more Democrats elected and protect democracy with Simon Rosenberg’s breakthrough strategy for amplifying the message that “We all do better with Democrats.” RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/dtmg/event/557632
Monday, April 24 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting! Details to follow! Join Zoom Meeting Link HERE Meeting ID: 816 1862 1646 Passcode: 545893 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdxN4hBFeW
Wednesday, April 26th 12:00pm – 1:00pm Taking on the Fight Against MAGA Media: Mobilizing the Grassroots Join WofA and their friends at 31st St. Swing Left as we help launch a grassroots “anti-propaganda” effort. Dan Pfeiffer will open the webinar and lay the groundwork for a presentation by Tara McGowan of Courier Newsroom. (Dan needs no introduction, especially if you’ve read his Battling the Big Lie, which we highly recommend. If Tara isn’t already on your list of heroes engaged nonstop in battling right-wing disinformation, she will be after the webinar.) Our dream is to help launch and support a broad and effective effort to combat corrosive right wing disinformation. No need to bring your credit card or checkbook, this is not a fundraiser. Zoom RSVP: HERE
Monday, May 1, 2023, 7 p.m – Arlington, VA Meet Senator Barbara Favola – Support Her in the June Primary Help us keep Barbara in the Senate where she has been a tireless and highly effective advocate. Having worked with Barbara on bills and legislative strategies, we can tell you firsthand, there is nobody better. She is the master strategist! RSVP HERE. And PLEASE DONATE HERE whether or not you can attend in person
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024.Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit
Actions & Info
WofA Included in Indivisible’s Matching Gifts Campaign! Indivisible’s matching gift campaign is returning through the distributed fundraising program. From April 1 through May 31, all of the funds WofA raises through the distributed fundraising program will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $500 per group! These funds will go a long way to help cover general group expenses like website hosting and development, Zoom access, community outreach and events, advocacy work, and more. To donate please go here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblewofa377431950
Week of March 26th
Monday, March 27 – 6:45pm – 8:00pm (“Social” 6:45-7:00) WofA Membership Meeting with Brady United President, Kris Brown! Please join WofA and Gun Violence Prevention activist extraordinaire Kris Brown, President of Brady United. Hear what Kris has to say re: new legislative issues; local initiatives to reduce the number of guns in our community; Brady’s current and future focus on GVP issues; and why we must continue to work towards ensuring that every community is safe from Gun Violence. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86843321088 Meeting ID: 868 4332 1088
Tuesday, March 28, 6 PM In-Person Phonebank – Arlington, VA Beyond Arlington and the Women’s Caucus will be making calls to Wisconsin voters on at Arlington Democrats HQ, 1235 S. Clark St, Suite 207. Food will be provided. You can sign up here.
Thursday, March 30th ~ 6:00pm – 7:30pm WofA Meet & Greet with Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti 519 N. Jackson St, Arlington VA Please join WofAs and Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti for a casual Meet & Greet. Parisa will share her accomplishments and challenges encountered since taking office, while also highlighting the important work that is still needed to create an equitable and safer Arlington/Falls Church for All. This will be a great opportunity to have questions answered and concerns shared. For planning purposes, please let me know if you can make it. Email: kamwjm@gmail.com or Text: (703) 216-7345
Friday, March 31st – 12:00pm Friday Power Lunch RSVP
Saturday, April 1 – 10:00am – George Mason Regional Library WofA Weekend of Action Canvass – Heidi Drauschak Join Team Heidi in Fairfax County to knock doors, talk to Democratic voters, inform them about the new district, and get the word out about our Wofa endorsee! Help elect the first woman to represent the 35th State Senate District and build progressive power in Northern Virginia. (optional post-canvass lunch at Jukebox Diner)
Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm – George Mason Univ. (Arlington Campus) OAR Presents: Meet the Candidates Forum On April 6 at 7 pm, OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church will host a candidate forum for local races that involve the criminal legal system. Candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church and candidates for Arlington County Sheriff will discuss their qualifications for office and critical issues related to public safety. This is a free, open event for the community. Please fill out the RSVP here:https://www.oaronline.org/candidateforum2023
Wednesday, April 26th 12:00pm – 1:00pm Taking on the Fight Against MAGA Media: Mobilizing the Grassroots Join WofA and their friends at 31st St. Swing Left as we help launch a grassroots “anti-propaganda” effort. Dan Pfeiffer will open the webinar and lay the groundwork for a presentation by Tara McGowan of Courier Newsroom. (Dan needs no introduction, especially if you’ve read hisBattling the Big Lie, which we highly recommend. If Tara isn’t already on your list of heroes engaged nonstop in battling right-wing disinformation, she will be after the webinar.) Our dream is to help launch and support a broad and effective effort to combat corrosive right wing disinformation.
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Actions & Of Interest
Update on VA State Senate Races Hear from Virginia Grassroots Coalition’s Lead, Luisa Boyarski giving a synopsis of the current state of competitive VA Senate Races at Network NoVA’s Power Lunch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd-MiCp_Xws&t=815s
Virginia Grassroots Coalition 2023 Elections Check out the Democratic Districts that Virginia Grassroots Coalition has determined to be very competitive HERE.
GVP Action Brady United and the Ad Council launched the newest addition to the life-saving End Family Fire campaign, “Prepare for Misuse.” Please watch HERE and share. Warning: video contains firearm images and emergency response scenes.
Primary Endorsement Update The current and final proposed Wofa endorsements are for Steve Descano for Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney and Julius “JD” Spain for Arlington County Board. Background on these two proposals are in the attached link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Hc3TQwz-xeAwH1d9P0YaCUqQ8JqT1mhPaV_kVEBC3Bo/edit?usp=sharing. We would appreciate comments by March 31, so that Wofa’s Excomm can finalize the endorsement decisions shortly thereafter. Please send comments to: wofava@gmail.com
March 20 NAACP Arlington Monthly Meeting Meeting Registration HERE
Monday, March 20th, 8:00pm “Blue Victory 2023” War Room Join Virginia “Blue Victory” Outreach Crew for a briefing on democratic events, actions and resources. RSVP here
Tuesday, March 21st, 10:00am DC National Day of Action Third Act’s year-long campaign demanding the Big 4 Dirty banks (Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Bank of America) divest from fossil fuels is drawing to a close. Our demands have been met with silence, so it’s time we take bigger actions to match the gravity of our dire planetary crisis. There’s no time to waste! In the words of the inimitable Bill McKibben, we must stop burning stuff now! Washington DC will be one of Third Act’s main targets on this big day, and Folks from VA, DC, and MD will come together to show and tell the Big 4 Dirty banks the error of their ways. We invite you to join our elder-led action! We are stronger together. If you are coming please sign up using this link.
Tuesday, March 21st, 12:00pm Lobby Day w. Senator Warner’s Tyson’s office staffers Join the rescheduled meeting on Zoom. RSVP here
Thursday, March 23rd, 3:00pm – 4:30pm A Radical Rest Conversation & Workshop Join Voices for Virginia’s Children for part two of our Radical Rest series, which is meant to provide intentional time to center rest and healing post-General Assembly session. This time will be dedicated to discussing what it means to rest radically, provide justification and validation for sitting down, and tool-building radical acts of rest in our continued work toward justice. To sustain this work, we must rest. More info and RSVP here
Thursday, March 23rd, 6:00pm – 6:30pm New Virginia Majority’s March Volunteer Meeting: Environmental Justice Join us on Zoom for our 2023 March volunteer meeting! This month, we will be joined by special guest Tyneshia Griffin, New Virginia Majority’s Environmental Policy Analyst. We will discuss environmental justice issues and priorities that NVM has been working on. More info and RSVP here
Monday, March 27 – 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting with Brady United President, Kris Brown! Please join WofA and GVP activist extraordinaire Kris Brown, President of Brady United. Hear what Kris has to say re: new legislative issues; local initiative to reduce the number of guns in our community; Brady’s current and future focus on GVP issues; and why we must continue to work towards ensuring that every community is safe from Gun Violence. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86843321088, Meeting ID: 868 4332 1088
Saturday, April 1 – 10:00am WofA Weekend of Action Canvass – Heidi Drauschak George Mason Regional Library (optional post-canvass lunch at Jukebox Diner) Join Team Heidi in Fairfax County to knock doors, talk to Democratic voters, inform them about the new district, and get the word out about our Wofa endorsee! Help elect the first woman to represent the 35th State Senate District and build progressive power in Northern Virginia. Info & RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/heididrauschakforvirginia/event/555638/
Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm – George Mason Univ. (Arlington Campus) OAR Presents: Meet the Candidates Forum On April 6 at 7 pm, OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church will host a candidate forum for local races that involve the criminal legal system. Candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church and candidates for Arlington County Sheriff will discuss their qualifications for office and critical issues related to public safety. This is a free, open event for the community. Please fill out the RSVP HERE.
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024.Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Action!!!
Now – April 3rd Join NOPE! Neighbors Dialing for Democracy – Wisconsin! Early voting starts tomorrow in Wisconsin. With two weeks until the state Supreme Court election, please join us to support Judge Janet Protasiewicz for one hour this week. Calls are vital not only to ensure that every Wisconsin Dem knows about April 4 but also to improve turnout by having voters encourage friends and family to vote. Since early voting starts on Tuesday, calls now are very timely. Training will be provided before we start. • Mondays, 5:00–7:00 p.m. EDT, with Swing Blue Alliance. Sign up here. • Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m. EDT, with Silver Spring Progressive Action. Sign up here. Here’s a sample of a few conversations we’ve had: “I was a lifelong Republican, then an Independent, and since the Trumpies took over, I now vote straight Democratic.” She plans to vote and tell her friends to do so too. When talking to a gentleman about tripling his vote, he said, “That’s what I’m going to do with my family and friends–tell them three simple words–Let’s go vote!” Calls like these are very satisfying. Hope you’ll join us. Contact: KimberColton
Women’s History Month Activity Women Art & History- National Gallery of Art Explore works by women artists spanning time, place, and media, ranging from 17th century Dutch still life painter Judith Leyster to 18th century American impressionist Mary Cassatt to modern art by Georgia O’Keeffe, Joan Mitchell, Faith Ringgold, Jenny Holzer, Carrie Mae Weems, Alma Thomas, Guerrilla Girls, and more. More info at NGA.gov HERE.
WofA Primary Endorsement Submissions Update Submissions Approved: • Steve Descano, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney • Julius “JD” Spain, Arlington County Board • Heidi Drauschak, SD 35 • Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, Arlington County/City of Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney • Adele McClure, HD 02 More on WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy HERE
Week of March 12th
Thursday, March 16th Virtual Register Democrats Summit Join for this all day virtual event (zoom call) featuring guest speakers (leading elected officials, party officials, grassroots leaders etc.) and discussion panels. This will be a time for the entire Democratic movement to come together to strategize and organize around how we can register Democrats and build winning coalitions across the country. Check out the Agenda and RSVP Here Ranked Choice Voting Sign up for coalition-building updates on Ranked Choice Voting and democratic organizing at https://tinyurl.com/VABlueVictoryCoalition.
Monday, March 20, 7:00pm NAACP Arlington Monthly Meeting Register HERE
Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm – George Mason Univ. (Arlington Campus) OAR Presents: Meet the Candidates Forum On April 6 at 7 pm, OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church will host a candidate forum for local races that involve the criminal legal system. Candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church and candidates for Arlington County Sheriff will discuss their qualifications for office and critical issues related to public safety. This is a free, open event for the community. Please fill out the RSVP here:https://www.oaronline.org/candidateforum2023
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23 7th Annual Women’s Summit – McLean, VA We are thrilled to announce Network NOVA’s 7th Annual Women’s Summit – ALL IN to Win Virginia – on JULY 22-23, 2023 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Full program details to date, registration for March Early Bird, and workshop proposals are posted on networknova.org – In 2023, our goal is not to just win in Virginia, but to win BIG. Be a part of the winning energy that will set up the nation for a blue victory in 2024. Info and RSVP: 7th Annual Women’s Summit!
Action!!!
Protest Walgreen’s Limiting Distribution of Abortion Pills Send letter to Walgreen’s HERE.
WofA Primary Endorsement Submissions Update We will be considering our next batch of endorsements. If you would like to endorse a candidate, please read WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy and complete the Primary Endorsement Google Form. Please submit by March 17th.
Week of March 5th
Sunday, March 12th – Arlington WofA Canvass Launch for Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti Address: 519 N Jackson St., Arlington, VA Join WofA and Friends for Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti’s 100 Days Canvass Kick-Off. WofA has endorsed Parisa and now it’s time for Action – let’s make sure Parisa can continue working towards a more equitable and safer Arlington/Falls Church for All. Please see links below, addressing our Commonwealth’s Attorney and #PromisesMadePromisesKept. Please arrive with Minivan already downloaded onto your phone – there will be no paper canvass sheets. If you do not have the app, you can download here from Google Play. More Info on Parisa: https://www.parisaforjustice.com If you want Parisa yard signs personally delivered, or have any other questions, please email Kathleen Murray: kamwjm@gmail.com Blue Virginia Interview – Why Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehgahni-Tafti is Running for Reelection: https://bluevirginia.us/2023/01/blue-virginia-interview-arlington-falls-church-commonwealths-attorney-says-shes-running-for-reelection-because-it-took-centuries-to-get-to-where-we-are-now-im-not-done-after-t
Thursday, March 9, 7:00-9:00 pm in McLean (location provided on RSVP) Del. Rip Sullivan Campaign Kickoff Please support Delegate Rip Sullivan in his re-election bid. Due to redistricting, Rip will need to reach out to voters who may be unfamiliar with his record, particularly those who have been represented by retiring Del. Kathleen Murphy. Special guests at this event include US Sen Tim Kaine and Del Kathleen Murphy. Please RSVP and Donate. As a reminder, Rip is a true champion of climate & clean energy, having patroned the original Virginia Clean Economy Act and in this most recent VA General Assembly session, the Virginia Electric Regulation Act (HB 1604), which will return regulatory authority to the State Corporation Commission and allow excess utility profits to be returned to customers. We need his leadership on important issues.
Saturday, March 11, 2:00 – 4:00 pm in McLean (Location provided on RSVP) Fundraiser for Steve Descano re-election campaign, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney One of the most important offices up for election this fall is that of Commonwealth Attorney. Fairfax County’s incumbent Commonwealth Attorney, Steve Descano, has made great strides in bringing progressive reforms to Fairfax’s criminal justice system. Steve is facing a primary challenge from a lawyer who makes money defending police involved in shootings. Here are just some of the reforms Steve has implemented: ending cash bail, creating a next generation diversion program, declining to prosecute marijuana possession, refusing to seek the death penalty, not using 3rd strike charging enhancements for petty larceny, and prioritizing rehabilitative intervention over adult-style punishment for juvenile offenders. At the same time, Steve has prioritized supporting victims, for instance by having the same prosecutorial team on a case from beginning to end and using red flag laws to remove guns from dangerous individuals. All the while, Fairfax County is one of the safest communities of its size in the United States. Reelecting Steve will ensure that these reforms take root; electing his Democratic opponent, who makes money defending police officers, would turn back all the progress Steve has made. Steve has also been outspoken in his support for women’s reproductive rights. Please join us at a fundraising reception for Steve’s campaign on Saturday, March 11 from 2 to 4pm in McLean. And if you can’t make the event, a donation would be greatly appreciated! Here is the RSVP link: RSVP and Donate here.
Thursday, March 16th Virtual Register Democrats Summit Join for this all day virtual event (zoom call) featuring guest speakers (leading elected officials, party officials, grassroots leaders etc.) and discussion panels. This will be a time for the entire Democratic movement to come together to strategize and organize around how we can register Democrats and build winning coalitions across the country. Check out the Agenda and RSVP Here Ranked Choice Voting – Sign up for coalition-building updates on Ranked Choice Voting and democratic organizing at https://tinyurl.com/VABlueVictoryCoalition.
Monday, March 27 – 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting with Brady United President, Kris Brown! Please join WofA and GVP activist extraordinaire Kris Brown, President of Brady United. Hear what Kris has to say re: new legislative issues; local initiative to reduce the number of guns in our community; Brady’s current and future focus on GVP issues; and why we must continue to work towards ensuring that every community is safe from Gun Violence. Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86843321088 Meeting ID: 868 4332 1088 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86843321088# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,86843321088# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc2ZQagwhR
Saturday, March 4th, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Rural Roots Rising – Candidate Lily Franklin (HD-41) Join us for “Rural Roots Rising,” a lunchtime meet and greet in Annandale supporting Lily Franklin for Delegate (HD-41) in Southwest Virginia. Lily’s roots run five generations deep in the New River and Roanoke valleys. Now, she’s running to bring progressive representation to her home hometown. Please join members of the current Democratic Caucus as they join us for a warm & welcoming lunchtime event with great folks, food, & refreshments all to support Lily! RSVP here
Saturday, March 11, 2:00pm – 4:00pm in McLean, VA Fundraiser for Steve Descano, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Join us to help re-elect Steve Descano, Fairfax County’s effective and progressive prosecutor. Steve’s vision for Fairfax is based on the knowledge that safety and justice go hand in hand. His smart, data-driven reforms have made Fairfax’s justice system more fair and equal. Fairfax County is also the safest county of its size in the US, and Steve has created diversion programs and restructured the office to a victim-centric model. Steve has a primary opponent, Ed Nuttall, who has represented more than 20 police officers in police-involved shootings. Co-hosted by Nadja Golding and Amy Bergner. RSVP and Donate here
Upcoming Primary Races to Keep an Eye On Due to redistricting and retirements there will be a big impact on the November General Assembly Elections. TY Rose Fabia for putting the following info together!
Primary Races (to watch)
HD–02 – Adele McClure vs. Kevin Saucedo-Broach
HD13 Del. Marcus Simon vs. Del. Kaye Kory
SD36 Sen. George Barker vs. Stella Pekarsky
SD11 Sen. Creigh Deeds vs. Del. Sally Hudson
SD 13 Sen. Joe Morrissey vs. Lashrecse Aird, Angela Rowe
SD18 Sen. Louise Lucas vs. Lionell Spruill Sr.
SD21 Andria McClellan, Mike Pudorodsky, Angelia Williams Graves
SD 29 Elizabeth Guzman vs. Jeremy McPike
SD 31 Zach Cummings vs. Russet Perry
SD33 Hala Ayala vs. Jennifer Carroll Foy
SD35 Heidi Drauschak vs. Sen. Dave Marsden
State Senators Who Will Opt Out for 2023 (source: VPAP)
Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax)
Sen. Jennifer McClellen (D-Richmond) – Now. Rep. McClellan
Sen. Jill Vogel (R-Fauquier) ? Sen. John Bell (D-Loudoun) ? Sen. John Edwards (D-Roanoke) ? Sen. Janet Howell (D-Fairfax/Arlington) ? Sen. Lynwood Lewis (D-Eastern Shore) ? Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) Currently 12 Republican Incumbents, 16 Democratic Incumbents, 10 Open Seats
Delegates Who will Opt Out (source VPAP)
Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-Fairfax)
Del. Kenneth Plum (D-Fairfax)
Del. Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond)
Del. Mike Mullin (D-Newport News)
Del. Tim Anderson (R-Virginia Beach)
Del. James Edwards (R-Halifax)
Del. Margaret Ransone (R-Westmoreland)
Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield)
Del. Rob Bell (R-Albemarle)
Wendy Gooditis (D-Loudoun) ? Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach) Currently 37 Republican Incumbents, 34 Democratic Incumbents, & 29 Open Seats
Local – Arlington County School Board Arlington County Democratic Committee Nominees: •• Angelo Cocchiaro •• Erin Freas-Smith •• Miranda Turner The voting for the endorsement will be held at three different locations •• May 7, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Drew Elementary School •• May 10, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Campbell Elementary School •• May 13, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Washington-Liberty High School The voting process will use ranked-choice voting, and additional rules and information about the process will soon be available at the Arlington Democrats’ website
WofA Primary Endorsement Submissions Update We will be considering our next batch of endorsements. If you would like to endorse a candidate, please read WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy and complete the Primary Endorsement Google Form.Please submit by March 8th.
Week of February 19th
IMMEDIATE!Urgent Calls to Action! (Plus MORE CTA’S BELOW)
Support Jennifer McClellan’s Campaign for Congressional District 4! Text banking, Phone banking and Canvassing opportunities. https://www.mobilize.us/jennifermcclellan/ Knock doors for union member Kerensa Sumers who is running in a critical special election for Gainesville Supervisor in Prince William County! Canvass launches will take place at the IBEW Local 26 Manassas office throughout the day today, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Come help out! The address is: IBEW Local 26, 7010 Infantry Ridge Rd., Manassas. For more info on how to help in this critical election, contact DPala@ibewlocal26.org.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 7:00pm RASR Presents What Can Reparations Look Like? What do you think of when someone mentions reparations? Reparations can take many different forms, from acknowledgement of pervasive systemic racism that leads to inequity, to restitution or compensation for harms done, and many points in between. Join our panel discussion with individuals that are advocating for various forms of reparations for their communities and others. Panelists include members of the African American Redress Network (AARN), Brown Grove Preservation Group, Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), and Black Broad Branch Coalition. RSVP here
Friday, February 24th, 12:00pm Power LunchRSVP here
Sunday, February 26th, 4-6pm Fundraiser for Parisa Dehghani-Tafti It is more important than ever that we stay the course on criminal justice reform– in Arlington and nationwide. That’s why we need to make sure Parisa Dehghani-Tafti is re-nominated on June 20 and reelected this November. Parisa has made good on every one of her campaign promises, from centering prosecution on the most serious crimes to ending cash bail to launching a restorative justice program to stopping prosecution of simple pot possession to bringing the CA’s office into the 21st century with full electronic discovery to… the list just goes on and on. But there is so much work left to do, and a tough election season before us. I hope you’ll join Andrea, me, Parisa, and Rep. Don Beyer at the Kaplowitz home to celebrate Parisa’s work so far, eat some good food, and help raise money for her campaign. You can RSVP and donate here. We very much want to see you in real life, but you can donate even if you can’t make it on the 26th.
Sunday, February 26th, 4-6 pm Fundraiser for Jennifer Carroll Foy for State Senate – Supporting the progressive values of grassroots Democrats! This year we have a unique chance not only to retain control of the Virginia Senate – but to put into office candidates who represent the progressive values of today’s grassroots Democrats! Jennifer has the support of labor unions, Clean Virginia, and has prioritized criminal justice reform and supporting VIrginia’s immigrants. She will work tirelessly to support voting rights, women’s rights, education, and a thriving and fair economy in Virginia! Join us at our McLean reception and forward to all JCF supporters! RSVP and contribute Jennifer Carroll Foy — Donate via ActBlue (address provided after RSVP)
Tuesday, February 28th – 6:45 – 8:00 WofA Membership Meeting Details to follow! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6471318785 Meeting ID: 647 131 8785 One tap mobile +13052241968,,6471318785# US +13092053325,,6471318785# US
Monday, February 27th, 7:00 pm Insights into 2023 Virginia Primaries and Elections; 2023 Legislative Climate Wrap Up Join the Climate & Clean Energy Working Group meeting with special guests Connor Kish, Political & Legislative Director, Virginia Sierra Club and Justin Jones, Political Director, Clean Virginia. Connor will provide an insider’s “guide” to climate & clean energy legislation during the 2023 legislative session and behind the scenes politics. Justin will give a preview of the upcoming primaries and the 2023 General Assembly elections writ large. Invite your friends. Come with your questions! RSVP here
Monday, February 27th, 8:00pm “Blue Victory 2023” War Room Join Virginia “Blue Victory” Outreach Crew for a briefing on democratic events, actions and resources. RSVP here
Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 7pm 31st Street’s Wisconsin Supreme Court Fundraiser, Feb. 28th, 7pm Join 31st Street Zoom fundraiser on Tuesday, February 28th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. (EST) and hear from the executive directors of GROWW and Progress North, two ground grassroots organizations, speak about their all-out effort to get out the rural votes for the upcoming April 4th election to fill a seat in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. By flipping this one seat means Wisconsin will have a Democratic majority on a court that will be hearing significant cases dealing with abortion rights, redistricting/gerrymandering, voter rights and gun safety. On top of that, Wisconsin is one of the three most important key battleground states for the 2024 presidential election and a Democratic majority Supreme Court may play a decisive role. You can contribute before, during or after the event the clicking here https://secure.actblue.com/donate/31st4wiscspring23. Please email Rose Fabia at rpfabia@gmail.com for the zoom link to attend this virtual event
Saturday, March 4th, 12:00pm – 2:00p Rural Roots Rising – Candidate Lily Franklin (HD-41) Join us for “Rural Roots Rising,” a lunchtime meet and greet in Annandale supporting Lily Franklin for Delegate (HD-41) in Southwest Virginia. Lily’s roots run five generations deep in the New River and Roanoke valleys. Now, she’s running to bring progressive representation to her home hometown. Please join members of the current Democratic Caucus as they join us for a warm & welcoming lunchtime event with great folks, food, & refreshments all to support Lily! RSVP here
Saturday, March 11, 2:00pm – 4:00pm in McLean, VA Fundraiser for Steve Descano, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Join us to help re-elect Steve Descano, Fairfax County’s effective and progressive prosecutor. Steve’s vision for Fairfax is based on the knowledge that safety and justice go hand in hand. His smart, data-driven reforms have made Fairfax’s justice system more fair and equal. Fairfax County is also the safest county of its size in the US, and Steve has created diversion programs and restructured the office to a victim-centric model. Steve has a primary opponent, Ed Nuttall, who has represented more than 20 police officers in police-involved shootings. Co-hosted by Nadja Golding and Amy Bergner. RSVP and Donate here
Thursday, March 16th Virtual Register Democrats Summit Join for this all day virtual event (zoom call) featuring guest speakers (leading elected officials, party officials, grassroots leaders etc.) and discussion panels. This will be a time for the entire Democratic movement to come together to strategize and organize around how we can register Democrats and build winning coalitions across the country. Check out the Agenda and RSVP Here Ranked Choice Voting Sign up for coalition-building updates on Ranked Choice Voting and democratic organizing at https://tinyurl.com/VABlueVictoryCoalition.
WofA Primary Endorsement Submissions Update After very serious consideration and thoughtful discussion, WofA’s ExComm came to a unanimous consensus and are happy to announce WofA’s Primary Endorsement for the following candidates: 1. Adele McClure for VA Delegate, “New District #2” 2. Heidi Drauschak for VA State Senate, District 35 3. Parisa Deghani-Tafti for Arlington/Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney Of the three Democratic Primary Candidates put forward for WofA’s endorsement, two were unopposed (McClure and Drauschak) and we had one member in opposition of CA Parisa Deghani-Tafti. After conversation with the WofA member and in-depth review of the issues she raised, along with additional review of Deghani-Tafti’s record and the positions of her opponent, we came to consensus to endorse Deghani-Tafti. We remind WofA members that our endorsement does not affect your ability to independently volunteer for another candidate. We look forward to seeing you out on the campaign trail. We will be considering our next batch of endorsements in the near future. If you would like to endorse a candidate, please read WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy and complete the Primary Endorsement Google Form.
MORE CTAs
PROTECT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM Calls to Action • Say NO to HB 2013. Protect Progress on Probation Reform – Click Here to Take Action • Oppose Mass Surveillance, Oppose ALPRs – Say NO to SB 1165 and HB 1437 – Click Here to Take Action
Stop the RGGI Budget Steal Since Virginia joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised for, among other things, energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades for low income-housing. However, the Governor and House Republicans want to take away RGGI monies that were ear-marked (by statute) for low-income housing energy efficiency efforts and put them in the General Fund. Diverting these monies subverts our statute, undercuts energy efficiency, and undermines environmental justice efforts. Tell our legislators no – Click HereQuestions: Contact Sharon Shutler, Shutlersharon@gmail.com
You can help support public schools during the budget discussions by answering these three Calls to Action. Please tell our legislators to: • Ensure a high quality of education by funding the revised Standards of Quality. Click Here to Take Action • Make meaningful investments in students’ education by increasing support staff and infrastructure improvements. Click Here to Take Action • Prevent the diversion of k-12 public education funds from public schools. Click Here to Take Action Questions: Contact Marianne Burke, Marianne.VAGrassrootsCoalition@gmail.com
Clean Energy – Stop Youngkin’s plan to turn Virginia into a nuclear experiment with his small nuclear projects plan. Small modular nuclear reactors create more nuclear waste and isn’t clean, renewable energy. Go here for more info.CTA: HB 2333 turns Virginia into a test project for an unproven modular nuclear reactors. Email your Senator and tell them to oppose it. Subject: Oppose HB 2333 Text: Dear Senator, Please vote no on HB 2333 that would turn Virginia into a test project for unproven modular nuclear reactors. The VA nuclear energy consortium authority has already been talking about lifting our ban on uranium mining and even suggested we could be a place to recycle the nations nuclear waste. Sincerely, ____________________ Questions: Contact Freeda Cathcart, contactfreeda@gmail.com
Friday, February 10th, 12:00pm Power Lunch: RSVP here
Saturday, February 11th, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Rural Roots Rising – Candidate Lily Franklin (HD-41) Join us for a lunchtime meet and greet in Annandale supporting Lily Franklin for Delegate (HD-41) in Southwest Virginia. Lily’s roots run five generations deep in the New River and Roanoke valleys. Now, she’s running to bring progressive representation to her home hometown. Hear from Delegates Marcus Simon, Kathy Tran and Breana Sewell and others on what to expect in the General Assembly after crossover. RSVP here
Sunday, February 12, 5 pm The Origins and Importance of Individual Rights (link) Individualism is the basis of human and civil rights. The individual is the primary social unit in Liberal thought. In this era of tribalism, recognizing individual rights may be exactly what we need. Author, Attorney, and Activist Rich Procida will overview the origins of Western Liberalism and the importance of defending the Constitution and Liberal democracy. Then join in what promises to be a lively and important discussion of what we must do.
Monday, February 13, 4pm Deep Dive: How Ranked Choice Voting works in multi-winner elections (link) Join Deb Otis, Director of Research at FairVote, for an overview of how ranked choice voting (RCV) works in elections with more than one winner and an in-depth look at how that would look in some Virginia localities. Can’t make it? You can still submit a question ahead of time. The event will be recorded and made available to the public.
Feb 13, 2023 07:00 PM ET Money Fake Grassroots. Real Dark Money (link) Understand the impact of dark money on education, how it affects your schools, and what we can do to fight back.
Wednesday, February 15, 5:30pm Virginia Redress Network’s Monthly Meeting Learn what progress Virginians are making on restitution and the many issues relating to racial and social justice. RSVP HERE
Monday, February 27th – 6:45 – 8:00 WofA Membership Meeting Details to follow! Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6471318785 Meeting ID: 647 131 8785 One tap mobile +13052241968,,6471318785# US +13092053325,,6471318785# US
WofA Primary Endorsement Submissions Since our recent announcement that WofA will be endorsing Democratic Primary Candidates, we have had three submissions. Please take a moment to review and send any comments by February 14th to WofA’s ExComm at: wofava-ec@googlegroups.com where they will be reviewed and a decision will be made whether to go ahead with the endorsement(s). An outline of WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy can be found HERE and the most recent batch of submissions for endorsement can be found HERE
CALLS TO ACTION
CRITICAL CTA on HB1770, the amended House version of the “Dominion Bill”. CLICK HERE –Send ASAP TUESDAY if possible, by Noon, Weds at the latest! Goes to ALL Delegates ahead of House Floor vote. Note, this email is slightly different from the CTA on SB1265. Advocates have sent nearly 2,940 emails.
Reform the Recall Process: CALL TO ACTION – Take Action NOW for the Senate Floor Vote! (We still need to send 61 letters!)Senator McClellan’s amended SB1328 passed committee with unanimous support! Please contact your Senator NOW and ask them to vote for SB1328. The bill enhances public confidence in the recall process and sets clear standards to establish cause for removal. Click Here to Take Action Questions: Contact Luisa Boyarski, luisaboyarski@gmail.com
Public Education CALLS TO ACTION – Take Action NOW for the Senate Floor Vote!
These bills are out of committee and in the Senate, you can help improve mental health resources in schools by asking your senator to vote YES on SB818 and SJ228. Click Here to Take Action
This bill is out of committee and in the Senate. You can support English Language Learners by asking your senator to vote YES on SB1118. Click Here to Take Action
This bill is out of committee and in the Senate. You can improve student academic achievement by getting your senator to vote YES on SB1334. Click Here to Take Action
This bill is out of committee and in the Senate. You can improve teacher learning and mentoring by getting your senator to vote YES on SB1325. Click Here to Take Action
This bill is now out of committee and in the House. You can protect vulnerable students by asking your delegate to vote NO on HB1387. Click Here to Take Action
CTA: Tell Senators on the Commerce and Labor Committee to reject HB1430, allowing large manufacturer exemptions on their electric bills: Tell Senators on the Commerce and Labor Committee to reject HB1430, which has already passed the House. Large manufacturers are asking for special treatment to be exempt from paying costs that the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) requires all customers pay. More study is needed before creating this type of special carve-out. Click Here to Take Action
Email your lawmaker and tell them to prioritize #FamiliesOverCorporations. Prioritizing families and kids over corporations would mean protecting our resources to invest in public education, health care, and more and providing direct support to families through improved tax credits or benefit programs such as TANF and SNAP. Personalize your own email inThe Commonwealth Institute’s portal.
Friday, February 3rd Fundraiser for Kellen Squire RSVP here
Wednesday, February 8th Justice Reform Lobby Day Criminal justice reform advocates will convene in Richmond to speak with legislators about preserving evidence-informed criminal reforms that eliminated presumptions against bail, reformed our probation system, and limited pretextual policing, among other priorities. Never lobbied on criminal justice reform before? Don’t worry, you’ll be meeting with legislators in small groups and you won’t have to know everything. Register, here: https://justiceforwardva.com/blog/2023/1/19/justice-reform-lobby-day-2023
URGENT 1-Click Email CTA on Mega-Data Center Mega-Problem: Deadline Wednesday, February 1st Click here for CTA. Data centers are taking over vast swathes of northern Virginia without any state limits or guidance. In fact, Va. offers tax incentives encouraging this growth, and Gov. Youngkin and Amazon have recently announced a massive $35 billion investment in new mega-data centers, with huge tax breaks to Amazon. These centers use massive amounts of energy and water without creating job. Sen. Petersen’s SB 1078 prohibits the siting of data centers within one mile of a national park, e.g. Manassas Battlefield, while his SJ 240 asks the Assembly to study this issue and come up with reasonable limits on this development. Sen. Petersen & Del. Roem explainer is here. Questions: Contact Meredith Haines, mhainesva@gmail.com, or Amy Bergner, abbergner@gmail.com
CALL TO ACTION – Vote YES for Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards – Take Action by Thursday, February 2nd Please ask Virginia Senators to vote for SB1248, MEI Gender-Balanced and Diverse Corporate Boards for those Companies requesting Tax Breaks/Incentives from the State of Virginia. This is a small step for a select number of companies, it is “not” a mandate for all companies in VA, and as you know if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. SB1248 was on the Senate Rules Committee Docket but did not get a hearing on Friday, 01/27. If it is not heard next Friday,02/03, SB1248 will not go forward. Click Here to Take Action. Questions: Contact Marie Ann Leyko, leyko2530@verizon.net, and Sharon Wunder, sharonwunder@hotmail.com
CRITICAL One-Click CTA – send by Thursday, February 2nd! STOP Dominion Profiting At Expense of VA Electric Customers. Oppose SB1265 in FULL SENATE (Saslaw): Today, the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee approved this bad bill, and now we need to try to stop it in the full Senate. Drafted by Dominion, the bill seeks to substantially increase guaranteed profit margin to please Wall Street investors, allowing up to 10.75 percent profits! Other sneaky shenanigans surrounded this bill! This bill will raise costs to all Virginians and fuels the false narrative proffered by Dominion and Republicans that the rise in costs result from climate legislation – the VCEA and RGGI. Click Here to Take Action. Contact: Amy Bergner, abbergner@gmail.com or Monique Hanis, monique.hanis@gmail.com
Contact Your Senator – Vote YES on Safe Storage SB1139: Take Action by Thursday, February 2nd -Firearms recently became the number one cause of death for children in the United States, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries. -Safe storage practices can help to keep children safe, deter gun theft, and avoid preventable gun-related deaths and injuries. -Those who store their firearms locked or unloaded, or both, were less likely to commit suicide by firearms. Click Here to Take Action. Questions: Kathleen Murray, kamwjm@gmail.com
Expand Virtual Meeting Access for Advisory Commissions by Thursday, February 2nd Ask select members of the VA Senate to Vote YES on SB1351. We need to expand the ability of advisory commissions to hold up to 50% of their meetings virtually per calendar year. Increasing the flexibility as to how these meetings can be held will result in increased access for citizen participation on these bodies which are voluntary and advisory in nature. Click Here to Take Action. Questions: Contact Joanne Collins, jcpalmer030@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, January 31st, 6:00pm MoneyOUT: Campaign Finance Reform Working Group Meeting Join us to 1) Review the status of our bills, 2) Brainstorm on what we can do to promote the bills still in play, and 3) Talk about our experiences during Democracy Day: What went well and what could be improved? RSVP here
Friday, February 3rd, 12:00pm Power LunchRSVP here
Friday, February 3rd, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Fundraiser for Kellen Squire in McLean/North Arlington Our chance to elect a strong Democrat in rural Virginia! You’ve read his amazing posts in BlueVirginia. Now Kellen Squire is running for Delegate and needs your support! Join us and meet Kellen at a reception this Friday at Nadja Golding’s home! Kellen is an emergency room nurse who has a strong progressive voice and agenda. He is running in 55th House of Delegates district in rural areas surrounding Charlottesville with a Republican incumbent. The district was redrawn in favor of Democrats by a margin of 20+ points! Kellen has fought for his community in the ER during the pandemic, the Unite the Right rally, and through people’s toughest moments. Now, he’s ready to fight for all Virginians in Richmond. If you watch this video from his campaign, you will understand why we are supporting him! Also, check out his awesome website squireforyou.com! RSVP and contribute Kellen Squire — Donate via ActBlue(address provided after RSVP)
Saturday, February 11th, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Rural Roots Rising – Candidate Lily Franklin (HD-41) Join us for a lunchtime meet and greet in Annandale supporting Lily Franklin for Delegate (HD-41) in Southwest Virginia. Lily’s roots run five generations deep in the New River and Roanoke valleys. Now, she’s running to bring progressive representation to her home hometown. Hear from Delegates Marcus Simon, Kathy Tran and Breana Sewell and others on what to expect in the General Assembly after crossover. RSVP here
LOBBY DAYS
Jan 31 – Conservation Lobby Day, 8am – 1pm: Our friends at Virginia Conservation Network organize meetings for hundreds of interested constituents to discuss important environmental issues and policy solutions with their representatives. Details and register for $40 here. Feb 8 – Justice Reform Lobby Day – Criminal justice reform advocates will convene in Richmond to speak with legislators about preserving evidence-informed criminal reforms that eliminated presumptions against bail, reformed our probation system, and limited pretextual policing, among other priorities. Never lobbied on criminal justice reform before? Don’t worry, you’ll be meeting with legislators in small groups and you won’t have to know everything. Register, here: https://justiceforwardva.com/blog/2023/1/19/justice-reform-lobby-day-2023
Week of January 22nd
Monday, January 30th 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting With the start of the VA General Assembly’s 2023 Legislative Session, there will be a lot to discuss! Along with Special Elections, WofA’s New Primary Endorsement Policy, Guest speakers Holly Hazard from 4 PublicEducation & Pat Hynes from Stand and Deliver VA will educate you on the issues facing us currently: public vs.charter, policies about gender, prohibition of transgender youth from playing sports, and banned books to name a few. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89663258227
Updated Calls to Action
Updated!!! Contact Your Senator – Vote YES on Safe Storage SB1139: Take Action This Weekend -Firearms recently became the number one cause of death for children in the United States, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries. -Safe storage practices can help to keep children safe, deter gun theft, and avoid preventable gun-related deaths and injuries. -Those who store their firearms locked or unloaded, or both, were less likely to commit suicide by firearms. Click Here to Take Action Questions: Kathleen Murray, kamwjm@gmail.com
Call to Action: Stop Open Carry of Assault Firearms in Public Areas: Take Action This Weekend Ask select members of the VA Senate to Vote YES on SB1192. Mass public shooting injuries and death were significantly reduced when the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was in place between 1994-2004. Tell your VA Senator to prioritize public safety by stopping the open carry of assault firearms in public areas. Click Here to Take Action Questions: Contact Joanne Collins, jcpalmer030@gmail.com
CALL TO ACTION – Stand-Up for the 4th Amendment & Against Race-Based Policing: Take Action This Weekend Protect evidence-informed criminal justice reform progress. Tell Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to strongly oppose SB 875 and SB 1010 that seek to weaken 4th Amendment protections against arbitrary and often race-based police pretextual stops. Click Here to Take Action Questions: Contact Kelly Haywood, mskhaywood@gmail.com
CRITICAL 1-Click Email CTA. It’s not too late to Stop Dominion’s Unconscionable Revenue Grab: Deadline Sun., Jan. 29 NOTE: Hearing postponed and CTA glitch has been fixed! Click here for Combined CTA to ask the full Senate Com. & Labor Committee to protect consumers AND Climate and Clean Energy Laws (both bills headed to full Commerce and Labor Committee, not yet scheduled on the docket):(1) VOTE YES for the Affordable Energy Act (SB1321, McClellan), to restore SCC oversight authority to lower utility rates when Virginians will be overcharged. Since 2009, Dominion has overcharged us by over $1.9 BILLION – and there is nothing the SCC can do about it. This bill fixes that. (2) VOTE NO for Dominion’s so-called retail competitiveness bill (SB1265, Saslaw) that seeks to substantially increase guaranteed profit margin to please Wall Street investors, retain special cost riders and keep a huge chunk of customer overcharges. This bill will raise costs to all Virginians and fuels the false narrative proffered by Dominion and Republicans that the rise in costs result from climate legislation – the VCEA and RGGI. Questions: Contact Sharon Shutler, shutlersharon@gmail.com
URGENT 1-Click Email CTA on Mega-Data Center Mega-Problem: Deadline Sun., Jan. 29 Click here for CTA. Data centers are taking over vast swathes of northern Virginia without any state limits or guidance. In fact, Va. offers tax incentives encouraging this growth, and Gov. Youngkin and Amazon have recently announced a massive $35 billion investment in new mega-data centers, with huge tax breaks to Amazon. These centers use massive amounts of energy and water without creating job. Sen. Petersen’s SB 1078 prohibits the siting of data centers within one mile of a national park, e.g. Manassas Battlefield, while his SJ 240 asks the Assembly to study this issue and come up with reasonable limits on this development. Sen. Petersen & Del. Roem explainer is here. Questions: Contact Meredith Haines, mhainesva@gmail.com, and Amy Bergner, abbergner@gmail.com
2023 Virginia General Assembly is Now In Session! With the General Assembly now in session, please keep your eye out for upcoming Calls to Action (CTA’s). Although the General Assembly is very divided, with your action we WILL see the passage of “Good Bills”! What’s Up WofA will be publishing current CTA’s (bottom of page) For up to the minute updates on current legislation and Calls to Action, please see the Virginia Grassroots Coalition 2023 Priority Legislation Here
Wednesday, January 18th, 7pm BigMoneyOutVA Advocacy Training Heidi Drauschak will provide an overview of the General Assembly, how it works, key dates to follow, as well as best practices when engaging with legislators (in-person and virtually). Register HERE.
Wednesdays, January 18 – February 15th, 3:00-5:00pm Phonebank for CD4 Special Election (Jennifer McClellan) We are calling Black voters in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District for the Special Election on February 21st. Register Here
Wednesdays, January 18th – Feb 1, 7:00pm- 8:00pm Better Framed Democratic messages! Please join the Central Communications Committee (C3) of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee for a series of three Zoom workshops aimed at the practice (with a little theory for context) of framing better Democratic messages. The program is based on the teachings of George Lakoff, author of the “The Little Blue Book: The Essential Guide to Thinking and Talking Democratic”. Sign Up Here: https://www.mobilize.us/fairfaxdems/event/545753/
Thursday, January 19th, 6:30pm January Climate Action Call Join us to learn about our fight in Virginia against Mountain Valley Pipeline and the fossil fuel industry. This action hour will be led by David Washington our VA Organizing Manager and Freeda Cathcart, Mothers Out Front Roanoke Team Leader. We will discuss the facts behind MVP, and how you can make a difference virtually or in person all in under an hour! RSVP here
Thursday, January 19, 7pm BigMoneyOutVA Advocacy Training Nancy Morgan will discuss key campaign finance legislations introduced this year, the key legislative players and committees involved, and an overview of the LIS portal (used to monitor the status of bills). Register here.
Thursday, January 19, 6:30 PM Write letters for affordable energy! During the 2023 General Assembly, legislators will consider bills that could make electric bills more affordable and stop water and power shutoffs for unpaid bills during crisis or dangerous weather conditions. You can help make sure these bills get a fair shot by writing a Letter-to-the-Editor (LTE) to your local paper on these important issues! New to writing an LTE? Join us to learn how to publish a letter in your local paper on this topic. LTEs are an impactful way to educate community members AND show legislators that you care about these issues. This event is organized by Appalachian Voices, Clean Virginia, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light and Virginia Organizing. Register for the Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZMpdemvpjoiHdcJ-O5…
Friday, January 20th, 12:00pm Power Lunch RSVP here
Monday, January 23rd Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance Advocacy Day Join us to lobby your legislators, be recognized as spectators in the General Assembly, learn from our reproductive justice partners about how abortion advocacy goes beyond the legislative session, and connect with a community of pro-abortion advocates and supporters. RSVP here
Thursday, January 26th, 9:00am – 1:30pm Energy Burden Coalition Day of Action for Affordable Energy Registration In person in Richmond with Virtual lobby training on Wed 25th. Transportation assistance and lunch. More info and RSVP here
Sunday, January 29, 2023, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm The Janes Repro Rights Program, featuring Heather Booth Discuss The Janes with Heather Booth and Rabbi Hannah Goldstein. The Janes details first-hand accounts from the women who helped 11,000 women obtain abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. RSVP:HERE
Monday, January 30th 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting With the start of the VA General Assembly’s 2023 Legislative Session, there will be a lot to discuss! Along with Special Elections, WofA’s New Primary Endorsement Policy, Guest speakers Holly Hazard from 4 PublicEducation & Pat Hynes from Stand and Deliver VA will educate you on the issues facing us currently: public vs.charter, policies about gender, prohibition of transgender youth from playing sports, and banned books to name a few. (Complete Zoom details at bottom of page) Zoom Link to join meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89663258227 ID: 896 6325 8227
Wednesday, February 15, 5:30pm Virginia Redress Network’s Monthly Meeting Learn what progress Virginians are making on restitution and the many issues relating to racial and social justice. RSVPHERE
WofA Business
WofA Membership Meetings Change – New Dates! So as not to conflict with NAACP and other organizations, WOFA has moved our monthly membership meeting to the 4th Monday of every month.
NEW!!! WofA’s Primary Endorsement Policy WofA’s executive committee has decided to introduce a new policy and process regarding WofA endorsements for primary candidates in 2023. In the past WofA has not endorsed primary candidates because we have not wanted to divide the membership. Instead, our members as individuals have supported candidates in primaries, and endorsements by WofA as a group have been restricted to general elections. However, primary competitions have become very important, particularly in light of the recent redistricting which will pit several Democratic candidates against each other. Please see complete document for further details, HERE
Important Actions & Calls to Action
Support Jennifer McClellan for Congress! Take action HERE
Money Out Please send a message right now to key members of the legislative committees who will be reviewing common sense campaign finance reform bills next week. Use our letter writing tool to make a statement about the importance of getting big money out of politics. Just click here and in one minute send a message to key legislators All of our voices together can make a difference and the time is NOW! Click Here to Take Action
Thursday, January 12th, 7:30-8:30pm Troublemaker Training: How To Be A Media Rockstar! You are making waves and bringing change to your community — are you ready to up your game? It’s time to become a media rockstar! How do you build relationships with reporters, successfully navigate interviews and bring attention to your efforts? Join Red, Wine and Blue to learn what you need to know about interacting with the media. RSVP here
Thursday, January 12th, 8:00pm Virginia Special Election Briefing – Center for Common Ground Due to the sudden death of Congressman McEachin, Virginia’s 4th Congressional District is holding a special election on February 21st. We have just launched campaigns to turn out voters for this historic election; it could be Virginia’s chance to send its first Black woman to Congress. Join us this Thursday to learn more about this critical election. RSVP here
Friday, January 13, 12:00pm Press Conference with Personality The Virginia Grassroots Coalition will invite priority bill sponsors to share the importance of their legislation and discuss strategy for the 2023 legislative session. RSVP here
Monday, January 16 2:00pm – 5:00pm 30th annual MLK Vigil & Advocacy Day for Gun Violence Awareness Please join fellow GVP advocates on Monday, January 16, for the in Richmond, Virginia from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The vigil will take place at the Bell Tower on the Capitol Grounds from 2:00-3:00 pm and then we will all head inside the Pocahontas building to advocate for good bills and against bad ones from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Bus Details There are several buses heading to Richmond from around Virginia. Check the scheduled arrival time and you may decide you want to pack a lunch rather than go to a restaurant when you arrive in Richmond. It might also be a good idea to bring snacks for the bus ride home. From Charlottesville: For information on the bus from Charlottesville and to sign-up please click here: http://evite.me/DUfpPfTc93 From Hampton Roads: For information on the Hampton Roads buses (2), please contact Kaye Tice at kaye.tice@gmail.com From Northern Virginia: For information on the bus leaving from the Occoquan commuter lot off 95 and to sign-up, please click here: https://www.mobilize.us/brady/event/546275/ From Roanoke: For information on the bus from Roanoke, please contact Catherine Koebel at cmkoeb@gmail.com
January 19th, 6:30pm January Climate Action Call Join us to learn about our fight in Virginia against Mountain Valley Pipeline and the fossil fuel industry. This action hour will be led by David Washington our VA Organizing Manager and Freeda Cathcart, Mothers Out Front Roanoke Team Leader. We will discuss the facts behind MVP, and how you can make a difference virtually or in person all in under an hour! RSVP here
Monday, January 23rd Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance Advocacy Day Join us to lobby your legislators, be recognized as spectators in the General Assembly, learn from our reproductive justice partners about how abortion advocacy goes beyond the legislative session, and connect with a community of pro-abortion advocates and supporters. RSVP here
Thursday, January 26th, 9:00am – 1:30pm Energy Burden Coalition Day of Action for Affordable Energy Registration In person in Richmond with Virtual lobby training on Wed 25th. Transportation assistance and lunch. More info and RSVP here
Monday, January 30th 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting Details to follow!
Wednesday, January 18th 7:00pm- 8:00pm Better Framed Democratic messages! Please join the Central Communications Committee (C3) of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee for a series of three Zoom workshops aimed at the practice (with a little theory for context) of framing better Democratic messages. The program is based on the teachings of George Lakoff, author of the “The Little Blue Book: The Essential Guide to Thinking and Talking Democratic”. Sign Up Here: https://www.mobilize.us/fairfaxdems/event/545753/
Week of January 1st
Thursday- January 5th – 7:00-8:00 pm Training & Prep Zoom Call with Aaron Rouse Campaign Field Director for Special Election Canvassing Weekend Join Aaron Rouse Campaign’s Field Director for a training and preparation meeting for the VA State Senate Special Election canvassing weekend in Virginia Beach. Learn about the most important issues to voters in this area, get the latest updates on the campaign & more – all you need to make your canvassing most efficient! Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83445691347?pwd=bS8xcUZiWHV4QlZsei85OENvOW9ndz09 Meeting ID: 834 4569 1347 – Passcode: 876954 One tap mobile +16469313860,,83445691347# US
Friday, January 6, 12:00pm Fired Up PINK & Ready to Win in 2023 RSVP here
Saturday – Sunday January 7th & 8th Canvassing Weekend – Aaron Rouse for Virginia Senate – Special Election Join Virginia Grassroots Coalition volunteers heading down to Virginia Beach on Jan. 7-8, 2023 to flip a critical Virginia Senate seat which is highly winnable. This Jan 10 special election could well make the difference on whether we retain or lose women’s right to choose in Virginia in the upcoming legislative session! Read here for the many reasons why this special election is SO CRITICAL! Ultra-high-impact canvassing on the weekend right before the election in under-the-radar race where few voters will show up! Aaron Rouse is a fantastic candidate! He has the experience having been on the Virginia Beach City Council for many years; he has the name and the popularity as he is a former NFL football star; he has local community support big time – and he would bring more diversity to the Virginia Senate which still needs so much of! We will canvass out of her Dems Virginia Beach Headquarters on Jan 7-8. Senate District 7 includes a small section of Norfolk and the Western part of Virginia Beach, approx. 3.5-hour drive from DC. Free volunteer housing is available, as well as carpools. More information, contact Chris LeMenestrel at cslemenestrel@gmail.com. All information about hotel group rates and dinner HERE. SIGN UP HERE
Saturday, January 7th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Coastal Community Meeting Virginia LCV in partnership with BlueGreen Alliance, Common Defense and Climate Action VA will be hosting a live community discussion in the Hampton Roads area to discuss regional issues and how federal investments in climate can benefit the community. This event will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other federal legislation, educate the public on federal climate investments, and amplify local perspectives and resident concerns on climate action. More info and RSVP here
Saturday, January 7th, 5:00pm Campaign Kickoff for Adele McClure Join us to meet Adele McClure, who is running for the new VA House District 2 in Arlington. Reconnect with your Arlington neighbors and hear how Adele plans to represent us in the coming years. Special Guests include: Congressman Don Beyer, House Leader Don Scott, Senator Barbara Favola, Delegate Patrick Hope and County Board Member Matt de Ferranti. RSVP here
Monday, January 16th , 2:00pm – 5:00pm 30th Anniversary – MLK Vigil and Advocacy Day for Gun Violence Awareness Please join us on Monday, January 16, for the 30th annual MLK Vigil & Advocacy Day for Gun Violence Awareness in Richmond, Virginia from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The vigil will take place at the Bell Tower on the Capitol Grounds from 2:00-3:00 pm and then we will all head inside the Pocahontas building to advocate for good bills and against bad ones from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Bus Details There are several buses heading to Richmond from around Virginia. Check the scheduled arrival time and you may decide you want to pack a lunch rather than go to a restaurant when you arrive in Richmond. It might also be a good idea to bring snacks for the bus ride home. From Charlottesville: For information on the bus from Charlottesville and to sign-up please click here: http://evite.me/DUfpPfTc93 From Hampton Roads: For information on the Hampton Roads buses (2), please contact Kaye Tice at kaye.tice@gmail.com From Northern Virginia: For information on the bus leaving from the Occoquan commuter lot off 95 and to sign-up, please click here: https://www.mobilize.us/brady/event/546275/
New WofA Policy on Primary Endorsements WofA’s executive committee has decided to introduce a new policy and process regarding WofA endorsements for primary candidates in 2023. In the past WofA has not endorsed primary candidates because we have not wanted to divide the membership. Instead, our members as individuals have supported candidates in primaries, and endorsements by WofA as a group have been restricted to general elections. However, primary competitions have become very important, particularly in light of the recent redistricting which will pit several Democratic candidates against each other. For a more in depth explanation, please see HERE .
Monday, January 9th, 7:30pm Culture Wars and Weaponization of Critical Race Theory Former VA Secretary of Education Atif Qarni will explain the origins and historical context of Critical Race Theory (CRT), how the CRT discourse was shaped over the last 2 years, and how the CRT debate influences education. Sponsored by 4 Public Education, NAACP Fairfax, and the Hamkae Center. Please register to get the zoom link. https://www.4publiceducation.org/events Also please consider addressing this call to action: https://hamkaecenter.org/historysol/
Friday, January 13, 12:00pm Press Conference with Personality The Virginia Grassroots Coalition will invite priority bill sponsors to share the importance of their legislation and discuss strategy for the 2023 legislative session. RSVP here
Thursday, January 26th, 9:00am – 1:30pm Energy Burden Coalition Day of Action for Affordable Energy Registration In person in Richmond with Virtual lobby training on Wed 25th. Transportation assistance and lunch. More info and RSVP here
Monday, January 30th 6:45pm – 8:00pm WofA Membership Meeting Details to follow!
Support Candidate Jade Harris – HD24! January 8, 2-4pm – Join Team McClellan as we make calls into the Shenandoah Valley to support Jade Harris’ historic campaign for delegate in HD24. An organizer and advocate, Jade Harris serves her community as Vice Mayor of Glasgow, Virginia. Let’s show up for rural Democrats and help send Jade to Richmond! RSVP here Donate – https://secure.actblue.com/donate/harris4va Interview with the candidate, https://www.jadeharrisva.com/
New Policy on Primary Candidate Endorsements
Dear Members of WofA, WofA’s executive committee has decided to introduce a new policy and process regarding WofA endorsements for primary candidates in 2023. In the past WofA has not endorsed primary candidates because we have not wanted to divide the membership. Instead, our members as individuals have supported candidates in primaries, and endorsements by WofA as a group have been restricted to general elections. However, primary competitions have become very important, particularly in light of the recent redistricting which will pit several Democratic candidates against each other.
Our new policy regarding endorsements by WofA is driven by several considerations:
WofA endorsements are driven by the actions and passions of individual members. Accordingly WofA will only endorse candidates who will be receiving significant support in the form of time and/or funding from individual WofA members (other than the candidates themselves). Those proposing endorsement should have a track record of past action and/or participation as a WofA member.
The focus of endorsement should be meaningful action, not a group name on a list. We envision that the number of endorsements will be limited. Consistent with past WofA endorsements in general election races, a WofA endorsement will mean that the person who requested the endorsement can mobilize volunteers as a WofA group. Due to WofA’s 501(c)4 status, any fundraising activities will be referred to as “Friends of WofA” and not “WofA” or “We of Action”. Please note that proposals for endorsement should not be made with an assumption that the WofA executive committee members will take any lead in support. Those who propose endorsement will need to take responsibility for leading WofA efforts regarding the endorsed candidate.
The WofA executive committee wants to avoid divisiveness within its membership. Accordingly, if WofA members are planning on providing significant support to two or more competing candidates in a primary, WofA will not endorse a candidate in that race, but rather encourage WofA members instead to provide such support as individuals.
WofA will focus time and effort on direct support to candidates, rather than on a time-consuming decision-making process regarding endorsements. We want to maintain a “light touch” on the endorsement process and avoid bureaucracy or elaborate formalities. Accordingly, WofA members can propose candidates for endorsement by submitting this google form, based on their own plans and commitments for supporting these candidates. After vetting the proposal, the Executive Committee may publicize the proposed endorsement through What’s Up WofA, with a 10 day deadline for feedback. The WofA executive committee will make the final decision regarding the endorsement after taking into account any feedback, including proposals to support another candidate in that race, and publicize its decision in What’s Up WofA.
WofA positions will remain nimble. We will start with a January 14th deadline for initial proposals from members for endorsements, and then repeat the process as needed no more than once a month. We look forward to seeing you in 2023! Sincerely, WofA Executive Committee Micaela Pond Jessica Mott Nancy Broff Amy Bergner Eden Brown Julie Hanson Rose Fabia Kathleen Murray
We of Action 