October 7, 2021As usual much is happening in Virginia, the bellwether state:
- New Call to Action for the Green New Deal
- Have you voted, checked your registration status?
- And many other exciting events supporting our candidates
Call to Action – Tell Legislators: Pass the New Virginia Economy Act! — the link will help you contact your State Representatives by email, phone or Twitter. The New Virginia Economy Act is the right solution to address our climate crisis in a manner that is good for Virginia’s economy and its workers.
Virginia’s current climate legislation is lacking. The current goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045 doesn’t align with what climate scientists are calling for right now. It also does not stop the immediate buildout of fossil-fuel infrastructure that would make Virginia dependent on fossil fuels for decades to come. It is missing necessary protections for ratepayers as well as protections to keep workers and vulnerable communities from facing the brunt of an inequitable transition to renewables.
That is why Virginia must pass the New Virginia Economy Act; A climate plan that will commit Virginia to 100% clean renewables—mainly solar and wind—by 2035, this plan will uplift workers and vulnerable communities in the process, while protecting residential and small business ratepayers from being burdened by the transition to renewables.
The New Virginia Economy Act is the right solution to address our climate crisis in a manner that is good for Virginia’s economy and its workers.
Take Action! Contact Virginia State Representatives to support the New Virginia Economy Act
Restoration of Rights in Virginia
Effective March 16, 2021, individuals are eligible to have their rights restored after being released from incarceration. What are your civil rights?
- The right to serve on a jury
- The right to run for public office
- The right to become a Notary
- The right to VOTE
If your civil rights have been restored, you are eligible to register to VOTE in the upcoming November 2nd election! The deadline to register is Tuesday, October 12th. Many of our citizens are unaware of the update. Click here to check eligibility status and find out more details here: https://www.restore.virginia.gov/
PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS: It’s All About Community
Friday, October 8, NOON
Why do we stand up and speak out? To protect what matters. This week’s show will focus on activists who are protecting their community, from the women in Syria to the women in Hanover County, Virginia.Our first guest is Gayle Tzemach Lemmon (Author and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations) to talk about her new book The Daughters of Kobani, an extraordinary story of the women who took on the Islamic State and won.
Then Chef Noori, who fled Afghanistan with his family in 2015, will tell us about his modern Afghan fine dining restaurant in Richmond, The Mantu, and how he is working with the International Rescue Committee to make meals for newly arriving Afghan refugees.
We will then discuss another community, Brown Grove, a historically Black community in Hanover County, VA (about 17 north of Richmond). Residents are fighting to stop the construction of a gigantic Wegman’s distribution center will destroy their small community. The situation in Brown Grove is part of the long history of black communities being ravaged by outside development. Guest host Jolicia Ward will lead a conversation on the fight for Brown Grove with Diane Drake (Brown Grove Historian) and Renada Harris (Brown Grove Member & Activist). .
Our candidate spotlight this week is Linwood Blizzard (HD99).
REGISTER FOR THE FRIDAY POWER LUNCH
Be a BADASS, Support the Friday Power Lunch
October 14, 2021 7 pm – 8 pm THE POWER OF WOMEN – Statewide Virtual Rally to #KeepVABlue
This event is hosted by Senator Jennifer McClellan and the unstoppable grassroots women of Virginia. Women leaders from across the Commonwealth will join and discuss what is at stake in our approaching election: our fundamental rights, including funds/wages, voting, reproductive and healthcare! Our amazing candidates for delegate will Zoom in for a hot minute or two.
We’ll have prizes, special guests, an inspirational opening poem by Dorri C. Scott, toe tapping tunes from social justice songwriter Crys Matthews, and more.
Here is the Rally registration link. Let’s Get It Done!
Face The Music’s Keep VA Blue Tour Concludes
Last two opportunities to help #KeepVABlue and join performances from Chas Castell & Pete Kronowitt.
 Thu, 10/7Molly’s Bicycle Shop and Blind Dog Brewery – Chesterfield County supporting Debra Gardner in District 27 INFO |  Fri, 10/8Eavesdrop Brewery – Manassas supporting Dan Helmer in District 40: INFO |
Thursday, October 77-9pm A National Healthcare Forum
Hosted by the FCDC National Affairs Committee, Cosponsored by Democratic Committees from Across Virginia
The distinguished panel of experts will describe a realistic continuum of steps, a roadmap, that they each believe is the best route to move the United States from where we are now to a destination of universal health care coverage, through single-payer Medicare-for-All or other avenues.
Forum Speakers:
- Congressman Don Beyer (VA-8), H.R.1976 cosponsor;
- Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3), H.R.1976 cosponsor;
- Donald Berwick, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement; Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Lecturer in Health Care Policy, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School;
- Robert Pollin, Distinguished University Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst;
- Susan Rogers, President of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP);
- Judy Feder, Georgetown Professor of Public Policy; and
- Melinda St. Louis, Director of Public Citizen’s Medicare for All Campaign
Please Register: fairfaxdemocrats.org/healthcare
Thursday, October 7 5:30 pm Help us help those who are suffering from mental health challenges in the Roanoke Valley
The Family Service of Roanoke Valley helps transform lives by healing trauma and restoring hope for families and individuals of all ages through mental health counseling, case management, and life skills education.
Please donate to support their work or join their virtual rally.
Thursday, October 7th 7:00pm Arlington Candidate Forum
Join the League of Women Voters to meet the candidates from Arlington who will be on the ballot in November.
Saturday, October 9th 2:00pm – 5:00pmAlexandria City Council and Mayoral Forum
Join the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City and their partners, AAUW of Arlington, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for a virtual forum introducing you to the candidates running for Alexandria City Council and Mayor. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions directly in breakout rooms.
Sunday, October 10th 2:00pm – 4:00 pm Alexandria City School Board Forum
Join the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City and their partners, AAUW of Arlington, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for a virtual forum introducing you to the candidates running for Alexandria City School Board. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions directly in breakout rooms.
Saturday, October 9 5pm Rising Stars
You are invited to a reception with special guests Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Senator Jennifer McClellan in support of Michelle Maldonado (HD50), Irene Shin (HD86) and Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (HD-45). It will be hosted in Old Town, Alexandria.
Please RSVP for the address.
Sunday, October 10th 6-8 pm Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn’s 6th Annual Food Truck Fest, Fairfax
Join Speaker Filler-Corn and enjoy an evening of good company and good food.
RSVP here.
Candidate forums with the Fairfax League of Women Voters
Register here.
October 12, 2021 – District 39th with Delegate Vivian Watts (D) and Maureen Brody (R) with Michael Pope as moderator.
October 18, 2021 – District 44th with Delegate Paul Krizek (D) and Richard Hayden (R) with moderator Michael Pope.
October 12th 6pm Vote Mama’s Leadership Council
Join Debra Rodman and Jennifer Carroll Foy for a special event in support of Vote Mama’s Virginia Candidates — an incredible group of women running for the House of Delegates this year. The event will be held virtually via Zoom.
October 13th 5:00 pm Support Essential Workers in Loudoun County!
Frontline county employees — from first responders to mental health workers, librarians to nurses — have kept us healthy and safe during the pandemic. Now it’s time to support them! Right now, both Fairfax and Loudoun counties are debating whether or not these employees should have collective bargaining rights and a seat at the table to negotiate good jobs and great services. Here’s how you can help in Loudoun:
CLICK HERE to email the Board of Supervisors AND join a rally outside the Loudoun County Government Center on October 13th at 5:00 pm
