Dear John, The 2023 General Assembly session begins on January 11th, and several lawmakers have already introduced bills attempting to ban trans healthcare and trans athletes from playing sports. We at Equality Virginia know that advocating at the legislature can be a burdensome and inaccessible process. Our goal in 2023 is to increase access to advocacy for our community members across the state, and to work towards ensuring that as many voices can be heard as possible. That's why this year EV will be expanding its one-time Day of Action into a Lobby Day series, with a chance to lobby your legislators nearly every Monday until the GA session ends on February 25th! Lobby Days will be hosted on January 16th, January 23rd, January 30th, February 6th, and February 20th! We want to see you there! Fill out our registration form and we'll use the information below to plan our lobby prep sessions, structure the focus for each lobby day, and try to schedule meetings with relevant legislators. Please also use the form to share any access needs you may have that would help make your participation more feasible. |
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Below is the approximate schedule for each Lobby Day. This schedule is subject to change. |
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8:00-9:00AM - Breakfast reception and legislative briefing. Light breakfast, coffee, and refreshments provided.
9:30AM-12:00PM - Visits with legislators (Pocahontas Building: 900 E. Main St, Richmond, VA 23219). Space will also be available to connect with Equality Virginia staff, take breaks, debrief visits, and recharge.
12:00 PM - Sit in House/Senate Gallery to watch a floor session!
1:00 PM - Lobby Day Concludes / Join a Committee meeting (TBD/optional). Watch the bill process, provide in-person testimony, connect with advocates, and/or enjoy lunch nearby! |
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Please reach out to EV's Safe Schools Coordinator, Kyleigh Hynes, at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your advocacy! And I can't wait to see you at one of our Lobby Days! |
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With thanks and gratitude, Narissa S. Rahaman (she/her), Executive Director P.S.- If you can't attend but would like to support EV's Lobby Day by ensuring transportation and lodging costs aren't a barrier for others to participate, you can chip in here: |
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