What a week! SCOTUS took away a right we have had for 50 years and created an entirely new right that increases the threat of gun violence for us all everywhere we go. Although we all knew the SCOTUS decision denying women their right to full body autonomy, while giving new rights to guns and gun owners is an abomination – it is always the slap that surprises us. Meanwhile, all eyes are on those obviously guilty of insurrection and denying the peaceful transfer of power, threatening the core of our democracy. Finally, to add to the horror, as I write you today, SCOTUS has handed down a ruling that weakens the ability of our government to fight climate change. In short, SCOTUS has threatened our most intimate privacy, our families and our health; they have increased the threat of intimidation and violence literally everywhere; and now they increase the threat to our planet.

Many of us were able to take some refuge in the ALL IN to Win Virginia kick off events this weekend which were well timed to give us strength in our convictions and the realization that we are not alone. Being together is an affirmation of our determination to change all this. All they did was light the fire more brightly.

With all this happening, we need to stay focused. This week I will focus on what we can do in light of the overturn of Roe v Wade, with a big nod to our Virginia elections. Next week, I hope there is more good news to lock ’em up. And, who knows, a renewed interest in expanding the Court…….

ALL IN,

Stair

Reproductive Rights Resources

Talk to everyone you know – let them know we are in this together for the long game, it will take work and we cannot leave any voters behind.

Donate to Abortion Funds in Virginia to support women who cannot afford the costs to get an abortion:

Call to sign up to drive women to/from the airport and to/from abortion clinics.

Share information about abortion resources in your community including self-managed abortion. Tell your friends to go to http://NeedAbortion.org or http://INeedAnA.com or http://PlanCPills.com.

Regardless of where you live, you can help to ensure that access to health care doesn’t depend on your zip code. Reach out to one of the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia organizers HERE.

The Reproductive Rights Action Center, located at arlingtondemocrats.org/roe, aims to provide community members, volunteers, and campaigns with the resources they need to take immediate action to protect and expand abortion access in the Commonwealth. It includes information on Virginia-based reproductive justice organizations, abortion funds, volunteer opportunities, and events to attend. It also features fact sheets on state and federal abortion law, how to talk about abortion with voters, and information on receiving abortion care in Virginia.

Thursday, June 30, 5:30pm – Produce, Persuade, Win with Anat Shenker-Osorio

Join to hear from communications researcher and campaign consultant Anat Shenker-Osorio, founder of ASO Communications and host of the Words to Win By podcast. Anat will share both high level principles for persuasion as well as concrete examples of empirically backed creative content for issue and electoral wins.

Friday, July 1, 12:00pm – March Backwards in Richmond

Join the BACKWARDS Climate March (to protest Youngkin’s efforts to undo climate progress) around the Virginia State Capitol. We’re highlighting Governor Glen Youngkin’s radical efforts to move Virginia backwards on climate policy. There will be a lunchtime rally, live music, and a multi-block backwards march around the Capitol building. Co-sponsors include CCAN Action Fund, Appalachian Voices, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, and Third Act Virginia.

22nd Annual Sturdivant Awards Brunch

Westwood Country Club, Vienna

Sunday, July 10, 2022, 10:30-1:00pm

Hosted by the 11th CD Democratic Committee to honor Virginia Diamond with the John N. Sturdivant Award for her contribution and commitment to NOVA Labor community and Democratic values & ideas. RSVP HERE

Special guest, Congressman Gerry Connolly and other elected officials will join.

11th District Community Service Awards will be presented to:

Joseph V Gartlan Award (Fairfax County) – Natalie Woodruff
Deloris Hampton Award (Prince William County) – Ernie Jenkins
Frederick W Silverthorne Award (Fairfax City) – Penelope Rood

Calls To Action

Please pause to take action & share!

Become an Election Official or Poll Observer

Wondering how you can help with elections? Consider becoming an election official. This is why: Bannon is working to place far right election officials in election offices to help overturn elections so we need to sign up to be election officials. Info on How to Become an Election Official.

#DemsAct #Vote4Dems

Representatives Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton all have challenges this year. Please do whatever you can to support them with money, canvassing, phone banking and amplifying their voices. Let Virginia and the nation know what a great job our Democrats are doing: thus #DemsAct therefore #Vote4Dems.

Please amplify our candidates’ voices as they have done much to be proud, and we our fellow citizens need to know! This can be done at your comfort and convenience by talking to all you know and promoting our candidates’ voices on social media. All of our actions will go a long way for democracy in our state and nation. Let’s Do It!

Get started with Team Spanberger’s Weekly Digest! This Digest is full of great information on what Abigail has been doing and saying. Contact Justin Chermol, Press Secretary, Abigail Spanberger for Congress – chermol@abigailspanberger.com

Canvass for Elaine Luria – Courageous Congresswoman on the January 6 Commission (July 16-17, Virginia Beach)

Virginia Dems have always known that Elaine Luria is the real deal. And, as a member of the January 6 Commission, her capabilities and moral fiber have been displayed before the entire country. Nevertheless, Elaine needs our help! After the Virginia redistricting, she is one of the most endangered Dems in the US House of Representatives, and her Republican opponent, Delegate Jennifer Kiggins, is a formidable candidate. Her campaign has reached out to us to help with early canvassing. Please join WofA, NOPE Neighbors and VADF to canvas for Elaine in Virginia Beach. Now, more than ever, we need this talented Congresswoman to continue to represent Virginia.

Click this Link to sign up. For more information, contact Sharon Shutler at shutlersharon@gmail.com

Join DAD for an Evening Reception to Support Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton

Saturday, July 16, 2022

3 Creeks Winery | 18548 Harmony Church Rd.| Hamilton, VA

This will be a delightful way to spend the summer evening! RSVP today!

Summer FUN-draiser for Herb Jones

Sunday, July 17th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Williamsburg

Join Williamsburg JCC Indivisible for a Fun-raiser to help elect Herb Jones to Congress representing Virginia’s 1st Congressional District! There will be a line-up of wonderful Democrats speaking on behalf of Herb, including Senator Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Mike Mullin, representing his District since 2016, former Chair of the Democratic Central Committee for VACD01 and School Board Member in Fredericksburg, Matt Rowe and current Chair of the Democratic Central Committee for VACD01 and Chair of the Gloucester Democrats, Dianne Carter de Mayo. The speaker portion of this event will conclude with our Candidate himself, Herb Jones. What food best represents summer? HOTDOGS The fare at this event will be provided by Dominion Dogs, a gourmet hotdog vendor that will, no doubt, have a topping to tickle your fancy. And don’t worry vegans and vegetarians, we have you covered! There will be limited seating outside for dining.