Labor Day weekend is upon us. Join the Friday Power Lunch this week and learn about workers’ rights and people on strike.
We are starting to get revved up about early voting, I hope you are too. I will send out a dedicated email about everything you can do to support early voting early next week, yet no time like a long weekend to talk to your friends and candidates about what actions to take. Enjoy. We have a couple of We Voted Happy Hours in place, see below.
Finally, I write this Briefing to help connect us and would love a reply with what you find worthwhile, how you use the Briefing and if there are ways you suggest that i improve it. Thx and please take the calls to action; I will keep the newest ones at the top.
ALL IN,
Stair
Hot Labor Summer
Feel the Union Heat
September 1, 2023, 12 NOON ET
Chelsea Blanc, President, Metropolitan DC Chapter of Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) will start us off with a bit about the history of about women leading in the labor movement.
The Writer’s Strike has made some heat this summer.. On May 2, 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over the need to update compensation to writers to keep pace with the rise and dominance of streaming services and new and growing uses of A.I. In July, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the strike bringing the total number of striking workers to 171,000.
A team from the Washington Mid-Atlantic Local of SAG-AFTRA will explain the issues behind this strike, the status of negotiations, and how it is impacting the local members in our area: Kathryn Klvana, President of the Washington Mid-Atlantic Local of SAG-AFTRA, Towanda Underdue, local representative on the National Board, and strike captains Elliott Bales and Gabriel Kornbluh.
Our Power Pack spotlight be be on our candidates Senator Monty Mason, SD 24, and Jessica Anderson, HD 71, will provide updates on how we can help flip this important region blue.
Early voting starts on September 22; we will share how groups across the state are planning Vote Early Happy Hours and much more.
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@gma
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/Inv
CTA 2 – Share these social media posts to encourage others to contact the Senate: Retweet and Facebook post.
Postcards4VA has a new resource for postcard writers, a directory of postcard writing groups in Virginia. The purpose of the directory is to help existing and potential postcard writers find nearby writers. We know that writing with friends is more fun and productive. In this inaugural edition, there are over 20 groups listed. View the directory – GET YOUR GROUP LISTED
School Board Candidates Need Our Support! The Virginia Grassroots Coalition 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. 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.
Medicare for All. Democratic Socialists of America, NoVA and Grassroots Alexandria are working to get a resolution passed by the Alexandria City Council.Our Revolution Virginia and Tenants and Workers United are also part of this local coalition. The goal of this effort is to contribute to a national effort demonstrating support for M4All. They are now close to success in Alexandria, which would be the first place in Virginia to pass a resolution, and are now looking at Arlington. Please contact Jonathan and Scott if you are willing to help with this effort in Arlington. They are specifically looking for expertise on the Arlington legislative process. Jonathan Krall, jonathan@jonathankrall.
Campaign Finance Reform. Money Out Virginia is anticipating 5 campaign finance bills and have identified champions for all of them. In addition, they hope that candidates and voters check out the good governance scorecard which, when filled out by candidates, signals their commitment to transparency and accountability to citizens.
Save Urban Parks: Fishburn Park, Roanoke, VA
Should the proposed rezoning application go through, Roanoke City is basically giving aways an acre of Fishburn Park and an historic house that is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars rezoned commercially for only $10! This sweetheart deal is for a privileged white couple, so they can use the equity to launch their private business on this property where they could have a bar/restaurant in a pastoral, residential area that isn’t near other commercial businesses. Read more about the racism behind the Fishburn Park deal: valuable urban public parkland and an historic house from being destroyed for a commercial development! Now more than ever, we need to protect our public parks and green spaces to prevent urban heat islands and to help with flood resilience. Wherever you live please use this one click action to send an email to the Roanoke City Council to save Fishburn Park.
Gender Equality in the Constitution: sign the petition put together by Grove fellowship students at Hunter College in New York City to demonstrate for the ERA. Read the Ms. Magazine article that explains in more detail why signing the Petition is important.
Let’s Flip Chesterfield Blue
Did you know we can Flip Chesterfield County and gain a Senate seat this year? We flipped Loudoun and Prince William in 2019 as well as both the House and the Senate; now is the time for Chesterfield!
The top of Chesterfield’s Power Pack is Natan McKenzie running for Senate District 12.
This new Senate district covers western and southern Chesterfield County as well as the city of Colonial Heights. SD-12 overlaps all or part of House Districts: 72 – Bilal Raychouni, 73 – Herb Walke, 76 – Debra Gardner, 77- Michael Jones, and touches every magisterial district in Chesterfield County, making this an important race to get involved in!
Local candidates to support in Chesterfield include Antonia Saunders, Dot Heffron*, Dominique Chatters, Traci Franssen, and Lauranett Lee for School Board; Lindsey Dougherty, Jessica Schneider, James Holland, and Mark Miller for Board of Supervisors; Erin Barr for Commonwealth’s Attorney, Amanda Pohl for Clerk of Court, Jenefer Hughes* for Commissioner of Revenue, Laura Lee Thompson* for Soil & Water Director. (*=incumbent)
Many of these candidates have pulled together to form a collective called BlueUnited PAC and are collaborating with a shared field director to effectively outreach to voters across the county, spreading the message that when we work together, and we vote, we win!
Be part of the crew who flips Chesterfield blue!
BOOK AND BASKET FUNDRAISER FEATURING JENNIFER MCCLELLAN
September 8th from 6pm-8pm – Midlothian, VA
Come hear about the importance of having public school advocates on our School Board! Funds will support Chesterfield School Board Candidates.
Network NOVA’s Day of Canvassing with Natan McKenzie
September 9, 9am, 1pm, 5pm – 8112 Hillcreek Dr Midlothian, VA 23112
Join Natan and other Power Pack members as we start a day of canvassing to flip Chesterfield blue!
Sunday brunch with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan!
Sept 10th at 12 Noon – Midlothian
Please register to join fellow supporters of Natan McKenzie for State Senate District 12 for a gathering in Midlothian. There will be food, fun, and laughs! No need to bring anything besides a friend and a neighbor. 14521 Leafield Dr.
September Fundraiser with Senator Ghazala Hashmi
Sunday Sept. 10th, 3-5pm
Senator Ghazala Hashmi lead the example for Chesterfield County in 2019 and her reelection in November  is a must. Join Chesterfield’s favorite champion in the VA Senate for a lovely afternoon fudraiser in support of Jessica Schneider, Candidate for Board of Supervisor-Clover Hill District.  We will also take some time to honor the late Rep. Donald McEachin and hear about how he inspired Jessica to run for public office.
Fabulous Fundraiser for Lily Franklin
Sunday, September 10, 4:00pm-6:00pm
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 with special guests Senator Dave Marsden. Delegate Vivian Watts, Delegate Marcus Simon and Adele McClure.
Lily Franklin is ready to be a legislator. She has spent the last 7 years fighting for the citizens of Southwest Virginia. She began as a staffer with Delegate Sam Rasoul and learned how to be a savvy outsider that can wrestle legislative victories to get work done. Lily developed a bill writing program that put local constituents in charge of the legislative process. She assisted in writing legislation that resulted in a grant program for local food and farming infrastructure being passed and championed legislation to establish maximum contaminant levels for the cancer-causing & deadly “forever” chemicals in drinking water.
Lily is ready. Lily Franklin wants to make the 41st District a place for folks to thrive in all stages of life. That includes students, working families, parents, and seniors. Read about her vision and meet her on the 10th!
- Virginia Grassroots Coalition Website Resources:
- Early Voting: The Center for Common Ground just launched a statewide Virginia Early Voting location map (vavoter.net/stateearlyvote). This is a comprehensive map of all Early Voting locations in Virginia. As new satellite locations as added, they will appear on the map.
- Writing2Win Strategic Communications Support for Campaigns: Contact Writing2Win if a PowerPack or candidate you are supporting needs help with their messaging and strategic communications. Kristin Battista-Frazee, kbfrazee@
gmail.com , Julie Galdo, jgaldo@cox.net - Carpool Tool for Canvassing: Carpool tool guide: https://swingleft.org/
guide/carpool-tool Questions? Email mdeisen@swingleft.org - Letter Writing for Campaigns with Vote Forward and Swing Left: Create an account: votefwd.org/swingleft, Host a letter writing party: https://swingleft.org/
p/letter-party Partner with Vote Forward: https://votefwd.org/partners , Learn more about the impact of letter writing: https://votefwd.org/impact2020 - Virginia Candidates, Campaign Managers, Field and Finance Directors: Rideshare2Vote will be working in Virginia primaries and general election. Read about their work here. Sarah@Rideshare2vote.com, www.rideshare2vote.com
- Ask all candidates running in your district to commit to Good Governance: VA Good Governance Scorecard is now active and we’re had more than 35 candidates fill it in, including 2 Republicans. We encourage members to check it out by 1) clicking on the link; https://
vagoodgovscorecard.org /, 2) check if their candidates have filled in the scorecard, if not 3) click on contact and ask them via twitter/email to fill it in (sample text in twitter/email). We also hope that grassroots groups share the Scorecard with their members. Questions: nancyruthmorgan@gmail.com
Thursday, August 31st, 5:00pm
Virtual Phonebank for Schuyler VanValkenburg
Join Team VanValkenburg for our virtual phone bank! We will get together virtually to talk about the calls we are making, and get started.
Thursday, August 31st, 5:00pm
Legislative Working Group Meeting
If you are interested in helping get legislation passed, please join the Legislative Working Group. Email Luisa to join: luisaboyarski@gmail.com. Here is the timeline:Legislative Priorities by October 2nd for sign-on letters to legislators.Priority Bills by January 3rd for sign-on letters to legislators and to share at press conferences.Press Conference January 10-12th in Richmond.
Tuesday, September 5th, 7:00pm
Limiting Campaign Donations: Challenges in passing state-level legislation
Let’s explore why it is so difficult to pass state-level laws on campaign finance reform. 45 states have caps on money coming into their elections but not Virginia, nor Oregon. Let’s discuss with national experts the challenges involved in passing and enacting common sense legislation limiting campaign donations. Organized by BigMoneyOutVA, we hope that this dialogue will enhance citizens’ understanding of the importance of enacting campaign finance reform in Virginia and lead to legislation limiting contributions, which adopts national best practices, passing the Virginia General Assembly which starts on January 10th, 2023.
Wednesday, Sept 6, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Weekly Rachel Runs for Us Virtual Event – Phone Bank, Meet and Greet Planning, Letter Writing and More Join us as we phone bank (and more) virtually “together” via Zoom.
Thursday, September 14, 7:00 – 8:15pm EDT
NOPE Meeting with Abigail Spanberger
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will explain Dems’ strategy for taking back control of the Virginia Assembly in 2023 and flipping the US House of Representatives in 2024. We’ll also hear from a state legislative candidate. Sign up now and invite a friend to join you!
Thursday, August 31st, 4:30pm – 8:30pmCoffee & 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
Every Saturday, 9:00-11:00am
WofA and Friends Postcards and Prizes!
Location: Kaldi’s Social House – 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
Saturday, September 2, 9:00am to 1:00pm
31st St. Canvass for Josh Thomas in Manassas
Josh Thomas (VA-HD21) served his country on active duty in the Marines for 5 years and then became an attorney and offered his services pro bono to veterans, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, and those seeking asylum from Afghanistan. The core issues he supports include keeping Prince William County affordable, I-66 expansion, healthcare (with an emphasis on reproductive rights and multilingual healthcare professionals), clean energy, and affordable housing.
Saturday, September 2nd, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Canvass for Joshua Cole and Joel Griffin
Location: 620 Kenmore Ave., Fredericksburg. Special Guest: Dan Helmer
Mobilize Sign Up: https://mobilize.us/s/gMa
Saturday, September 2nd at 10:00am or 1:00pm
Door Knocking for Jessica Anderson in VA HD-71
It’s door knocking season! Choose a convenient date and time to begin from the Historic Triangle Democrats’ Campaign HQ in Williamsburg as we start off our campaign door knocking for Jessica Anderson, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegate 71st District!
Monday, September 4th, 12:00pm
Weekly Canvassing and Field Discussion
Want to learn more about canvassing and fieldwork? You’re invited to drop into a weekly afternoon Zoom session with 31st Street Swing Left leaders to share experiences and ask questions. Join Zoom Lunchtime Chat
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! Russet Perry is an attorney running for Senate District 31. As a former prosecutor and CIA officer, she is a career public servant who is ready to advocate for our community in Richmond. This seat is one of the most important races of 2023, and Russet’s Republican opponent, who just moved to the district last year, is the son of a billionaire.
Senator Barbara Favola & Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger
Sen. Favola’s home in Arlington
Please join Senator Barbara Favola alongside special guest Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger
Tuesday, September 5th, 7:00pm
Limiting Campaign Donations: Challenges in passing state-level legislationÂ
Let’s explore why it is so difficult to pass state-level laws on campaign finance reform. 45 states have caps on money coming into their elections but not Virginia, nor Oregon. Let’s discuss with national experts the challenges involved in passing and enacting common sense legislation limiting campaign donations. Organized by BigMoneyOutVA, we hope that this dialogue will enhance citizens’ understanding of the importance of enacting campaign finance reform in Virginia and lead to legislation limiting contributions, which adopts national best practices, passing the Virginia General Assembly which starts on January 10th, 2023.
Thursday, September 7, 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! Russet Perry is an attorney running for Senate District 31. As a former prosecutor and CIA officer, she is a career public servant who is ready to advocate for our community in Richmond. This seat is one of the most important races of 2023, and Russet’s Republican opponent, who just moved to the district last year, is the son of a billionaire.
Friday, September 8, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Book and Basket Fundraiser featuring Jennifer McClellan to Support Chesterfield School Board Candidates
Chesterfield
Come hear about the importance of having public school advocates on the Chesterfield County School Board School Board!
Saturday, September 9th, 9am
Network NOVA’s Day of Canvassing with Natan Mckenzie, Herb Walke and Traci Franssen
8112 Hillcreek Dr Midlothian, VA 23112
Join Network NOVA for coffee and canvass to help flip Chesterfield blue.
Saturday, September 9, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Rally and Canvass with Senator Tim Kaine to support Power Pack SD 16
Private Home in Henrico
Join the Canvass for Schuyler VanValkenburg, Susanna Gibson, Rodney Willett, Rachel Levy, and Destiny Bolling and reach out to our neighbors to let them know about the importance of this election. Training and materials provide
Saturday, September 9, 4:00 – 6:00pm
2nd Annual Defend Democracy BBQ
Nottoway Park Picnic Area, 9601 Courthouse Rd, Vienna
Join the Fairfax Democrats for an end of Summer BBQ and celebrate our democracy! Food, drinks, conversations, and more for the whole family
Saturday, September 9, 7:30PM – 9:30 PM
Mason District Summertime Spin for a November Win!!
Falls Church home of Holly Hazard & Rick Clayton
Please join the Mason Dems for light refreshments by the Lake. Bring your tapping or dancing shoes to enjoy the music of the ’70s and support our Mason election efforts this fall.
Sunday, September 10, 4:00pm-6:00pm
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 with special guests Delegate Marcus Simon and Adele McClure.
Lily Franklin is ready to be a legislator. She has spent the last 7 years fighting for the citizens of Southwest Virginia. She began as a staffer with Delegate Sam Rasoul and learned how to be a savvy outsider that can wrestle legislative victories to get work done. Lily developed a bill writing program that put local constituents in charge of the legislative process. She assisted in writing legislation that resulted in a grant program for local food and farming infrastructure being passed and championed legislation to establish maximum contaminant levels for the cancer-causing & deadly “forever” chemicals in drinking water.
Lily is ready. Lily Franklin wants to make the 41st District a place for folks to thrive in all stages of life. That includes students, working families, parents, and seniors. Read about her vision and meet her on the 10th!
September 18, 7:00-9:00pm
Vino for Victory
Alexandria
Join Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for a fundraiser benefiting the Alexandria Democrats. Every ticket purchased helps strengthen their volunteer force, develop and implement new programs, and prepare for this year’s pivotal November elections. Hope to see you there for an evening of wine, friends, and politics!
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22, FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING
Join your community and form a happy hour to get out the Early Vote or join one in your county.
Saturday, September 23, 9:45am – 3:00pm
WofA Day of Action – Canvass for Josh Cole with Swing Left
Join WofA and Friends on our Day of Action as we canvass for Joshua Cole and help area university students get to Fredericksburg to canvass for our amazing HD 65 Candidate Joshua Cole!
Save the Date: Grassroots Weekends of Action:
- Sept 30-Oct 1: Virginia Beach
- Oct 1 – VanValkenburg-Gibson-Willet in Richmond (with MOMS)
- Oct 14/15 – overnight to VA Beach Monte Mason-Feggans & Hernandez (with MOMS)
- Oct 28-29 Virginia Beach
