Lobby Days in Richmond

[Hartman, Laura]

Hi folks,

 

I wanted to make sure all are aware of two opportunities (that I know of) to go talk with lawmakers in Richmond during the General Assembly in January.

 

I am helping to organize for the first, which is co-sponsored by Virginia Interfaith Power and Light and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. This one is for people of faith (and those who don’t mind being associated with people of faith) and it includes but is not limited to environmental topics. (Also incarceration, housing, etc.)

 

              Details: Wednesday, 15 January; free bus leaves from Roanoke at 5am and returns around 6:15 pm

              Sign up: here -- https://vaipl.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=235 They ask for $30-40 per person but there is a financial hardship waiver. Bus signup is here -- https://virginiainterfaithcenter.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?id=373

 

I am not personally affiliated with the second but it’s one that seems very valuable, the Virginia Conservation Network’s lobby day. This one is all-environmental issues! I know that others on this list are more connected with VCN and can speak to the event better than I can.

 

              Details: Wednesday, 22 January; I am not aware of a bus but others may know better

              Sign up: here -- https://vcnva.org/conservation-lobby-day/

 

For both of these lobby days, I know that organizers have been working behind the scenes to craft bills and get sponsors all set up. It is not an open ended experience: you show up and they say “please tell your lawmakers to vote for X.” So, the bashfulness factor should be low – there is a script, there has been work behind the scenes, you just need to be the face of the cause by telling the lawmakers that this matters.

 

Overall it is both exciting and satisfying to raise your voice on behalf of issues that matter to you! I highly recommend it. In this politically frustrating time, it’s important that we make our home state the best it can be, and that we take action by speaking up. Please spread the word about these opportunities and join us if you can!

 

Best wishes,

Laura

 

—

Dr. Laura M. Hartman
Associate Professor

Environmental Studies
office 540-375-2445

West Hall Annex Rm. 104
har...@roanoke.edu
pronouns: she, her, hers

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