Dear Katherine,
The April 19, 2024, Friday Power Lunch featured election innovators who are leading the Democratic Party to victory this November. It was pointed out that Democrats and the grassroots are proud, brave, and energized and we are ready to get to work.
Our opening music video was Happy by Virginia Beach’s own Pharrell Williams.
Watch the entire video podcast episode here. Please subscribe.
You can also listen to an audio version of the program on Apple Podcast or Spotify
- SENATOR L. LOUISE LUCAS (President Pro Tempore, Virginia’s 18th Senate District) spoke about protecting the long-term interests of Virginians against MAGA Republican Governor Youngkin from the state budget to the arena. Democrats embarked on the Virginia Families First tour to share details of their budget priorities to fund public education, Medicaid, and other things important to the commonwealth. She talked about how this was the first time in six years the General Assembly delivered a budget on time with strong bipartisan support. And yet, the Governor presented 230 amendments to the budget. Last year he had four amendments. Lucas shared that the Democrats will stand firm to deliver a budget on families’ priorities and modernize the economy.
- ANDERSON CLAYTON (Chair, North Carolina Democratic Party) represents the new energy coming into the Democratic party through vibrant state party leadership. Anderson shared more about her rural roots and studying journalism and political science at Appalachian State University. While in college she worked with the local Democratic party to successfully sue the state board of elections and Republicans who tried to take away a campus voting site. Ever since Anderson has worked locally to flip seats blue. Now, she is organizing year-round to rebuild the Democratic base in the state party to flip North Carolina blue. Anderson shared that part of the strategy is to talk to everyone and fight everywhere to elect Democrats. She explained how in North Carolina it is turnout and energy and gerrymandering problem. Black people in particular feel disaffected and that their vote doesn’t matter. She explained that her approach is to have Democrats show up and talk about how laws are impacting voters.
- ROBERTA THACKER-OLIVER (Chair of the Rural Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia) previewed the May 3-5 Rural Retreat at Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center. Speakers include Candidate Ken Mitchell and Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America, will deliver the keynote. The retreat will be in a large ballroom with six sessions and many social events so everyone can collaborate and learn from each other. Content will focus on running for office and engaging young people. The Power Lunch will also air live during lunch at the retreat.
- CANDIDATE KEN MITCHELL (Virginia’s 6th Congressional District) talked about his strategy to connect with voters in this large and rural district. Mitchell shared his bio and humble roots. His grandfather was a coal miner and he comes from a military family. Career highlights include his military service, six years in the White House under the Bush and Clinton administrations, and time in corporate America to build broadband services in major metropolitan areas and with a civil engineering firm building water and wastewater infrastructure. The campaign will reach out broadly to Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans.
The Women’s Summit, now in its 8th year, is the premier grassroots event.
This year’s program is designed to be a day of power, a day of unity, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with esteemed activists, visionary leaders, and dedicated elected officials. From the Networking Hall to the Main Stage program, this event will give you the information, actions, and energy you need to save democracy and win BIG in November.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Friday Night National Postcard Palooza
- Saturday ALL STAR Program on the Main Stage
- Networking Hall with info & action signups and organizing & voter registration app training.
- Saturday night BADASS Broadway Bash
Early Bird Rate (until 5/1): $149.00 (169.00)
Women’s Summit 2024: It’s Up to Us
Dear Katherine,
I am excited to announce the 8th Annual Women’s Summit and hope you will take advantage of the Early Bird Rate (until 5/1): $149.00. REGISTER NOW & FORWARD TO FRIENDS!
It’s Up to Us – no one is coming to save us!
Network NOVA is a women led organization intent on leading the way forward to restore our democracy. We do this by supporting and investing in the grassroots movement so we stay energized and civically engaged.
We work everyday to save the world. Keeping authoritarianism on its heels is exhausting. We have the antidote: The BADASS crew at Network NOVA invites you to participate in the 2024 Women’s Summit “IT’S UP TO US” on June 28-29, 2024 at the Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA. Get on your denim, aviators and favorite swag – it’s game time.
Inspiring at its heart, the Women’s Summit brings together activists, advocates, candidates, and leaders from across the country to make electoral and civic impact. It’s Up to Us to save democracy and protect our freedoms.
The Summit agenda includes keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an atmosphere designed to create energy and drive action for the run up to the elections.
Friday National Postcard Palooza
Join postcard writers from across the country for the first NATIONAL POSTCARD PALOOZA. We’ll be strategizing, crafting, and networking all afternoon and into the evening.
Friday Night Meet Up
The Watermark Hotel is a perfect spot for a casual mix, mingle and meet up with other activists, candidates, and elected. Come join us for a rousing welcome to kick off a spectacular Summit.
Saturday Full Day Program
Capital One Hall doors open at 9 AM. The Networking Hall will be a buzz with leading organizations and interactive exhibits to expand your community and get into action on the issues.
Panels convos on reproductive rights, voting rights and protections, to discussions on democracy and freedom.
Networking Hall
Capital One Hall doors open at 9 AM. The Networking Hall will be a buzz with leading organizations and interactive exhibits to expand your community and get into action on the issues. Come ready to build and expand your relational connections and community. Interact with the various organizations and creative exhibits that will up your game in activism.
Badass Broadway Evening Bash
ROAR into your evening with a ferocious line-up of badass speakers, musicians, artists, and activists to get fired up to continue the fight for our freedom through song, dance, and storytelling.
The Badass Broadway Bash is democracy celebrated as more than a word. DEMOCRACY is the song we sing, the rap we speak, the dance we do, the one we love, and the book we read. DEMOCRACY is YOU. REGISTER NOW
See you at the Summit.
Onward,
Stair
Be a BADASS and share this information with a friend who can subscribe here.
Compliments of Network NOVA & the Virginia Grassroots – When We Vote We Win