Dear John,

Apologies for the incorrect salutation in the previous email. We're sending this out with a correction. 

We know that the fight for equality begins in the communities we call home, and we are proud to be in this work. Here are a few ways we advocated for LGBTQ+ people across our Commonwealth in 2023.

Your generosity helped us defeat 12 anti-transgender bills, supported the development and expansion of our team, deepened our public education and advocacy programs, provided travel to leadership trainings and strategy sessions, created healing and wellness initiatives, and more. All of this has allowed us to build our internal and external capacity to strategically and thoughtfully face our biggest challenges. In the year ahead, we're looking forward to growing our organizing team so we can power build with community no matter where they call home. Make a gift to build capacity in 2024

From our legislative briefings, lobby days, and advocacy trainings to relationship-building between state and national partners, we've fostered real connections and built strategies for lasting change. This year we held community events in Portsmouth, St. Paul, Bristol, and Richmond and are looking forward to more in 2024. Make a gift to strengthen community connections in 2024

This year, Equality Virginia staff attended Equality Federation's annual Leadership Conference to connect and strategize around communications, fundraising, legislative advocacy, and more with our out-of-state and national partners. Attending this annual conference allows us to focus on building relationships, increase our leadership skills, and share more about the work we're doing in Virginia.

We're also hosting staff retreats several times a year to invest in staff connection and wellness, and to reasses our strategy for the work ahead. Through building support and community with our state partners, and investing in our staff's professional development, we're creating more stability and longevity for the LGBTQ+ movement here in Virginia. Make a gift to support our leadership development

Lastly, our team provided tailored one-on-one support to community members and our partners. Your contribution ensures LGBTQ+ youth advocates receive the mentorship they need in areas like legislative advocacy, organizing, and messaging and strategizing.

Equality Virginia is more than an organization; it's a movement fueled by people like you. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a powerful step towards a Virginia where every individual can live and thrive authentically and free from discrimination. Together, we are unstoppable.

In Solidarity,

Narissa Rahaman
Executive Director
Equality Virginia

Please consider making a donation today to support our work. As a bonus, your contribution will liberate you from fundraising emails for the rest of the year!