Early, Often & Ongoing: Investing in Democracy

December 10, 2021

The December 3, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a conversation on investing in Democracy early, often and ongoing.  Senator Jennifer McClellan spoke about policy issues, the current political landscape post-election, and what we can doing right now to prepare for the legislative session and the next election. Tram Nguyen (Co-Executive Director, New Virginia Majority) told us about their long-term work to build the power of marginalized communities across the state and how we can work together to expand this critical ongoing effort. Khenia Haro-Perez (Executive Director) and Delegate Jay Jones (Founder) of Meet our Moment (MOM) discussed their new organization that recruits and trains minority Democratic candidates to run for state and local office in Virginia.

Living, Learning & Creating Change in Real Time

December 3, 2021

The December 3, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a conversation on Living , Learning & Creating Change in Real Time.  Galina Varchena (NARAL Virginia) gave us a special Supreme Court update. Josh Stanfield (Political Strategist) discussed the federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of running this year’s House elections under a decade-old, Republican-gerrymandered map and what that means for 2022 elections. Denver Supinger (National Committee Representative), Maureen Coffey (President), and Camila Alfonzo Meza (Latino Caucus) of the Virginia Young Democrats spoke about their plans to shake things up and how we can help. Kay Ferguson (ARTivism Virginia) shared what is going on with the Violation Vigil Project, where 17 groups have come together to bring awareness to the 350+ violations by the Mountain Valley Pipeline through visual and aural representations. Shannon Downey (Badass Cross Stitch) told us about her nationwide craftivism tour during the pandemic and the activists she met making good art and trouble while on the road.

Post-Election Blues & Reds

November 5, 2021

The November 5, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was the show immediately after the 2021 Virginia election. Finale Norton (former candidate in HD100) and Delegate Elizabeth Guzman discussed what they saw in the 2021 election and their thoughts moving forward. Dr. Stephen Farnsworth (Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at University of Mary Washington) helped us unpack this election. Dr. Jaime Settle (Associate Professor of Government at the College of William & Mary) spoke about her research on the impact of social media on political behavior and her book Frenemies: How Facebook Polarizes America. Matt Rogers (Politidope)—one of the people responsible for recruiting many of the candidates this cycle—talked about recruitment, retention, and what needs to happen to finally have a candidate on the ballot in all 100 districts. Gene Rossi (former Federal Prosecutor and our Power Pundit) gave us his take on this week’s hot topics.

FINAL COUNTDOWN: Fired Up and Ready to WIN!

October 29, 2021

The October 29, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was the final show before Election Day 2021. To get the party started, we remembered what it felt like to win BIG in 2017 and to TAKE BACK POWER in 2019. Then Delegate Sam Rasoul brought his truth, love, and grit perspective to these final days of campaigning. Senator Tim Kaine shared touching memories of his father-in-law Linwood Holton, 61st Governor of Virginia and desegregation champion who passed away the previous day at 98. Senator Kaine shared how Holton was an example of doing the right thing, even when it is not popular at the time. Congressman Gerry Connolly also shared memories of Governor Holton and his legacy. There is no better source of inspiration than hearing from the heart and soul of Democracy, our grassroots activists. Freeda Cathcart, Rose Fabia, and Bob Fasick shared why they are fired up and ready to win! Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn got us into high gear as she spoke about what Democrats have delivered this election. The issue of paid family leave is front and center this election. Kristina Hagen from the Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy will share stories from our candidates on how this has impacted their lives. We closed the show with Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall getting us fired up and ready to win!

THE BEAT GOES ON IN THE BELLWETHER STATE

October 15, 2021

The October 15, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a discussion about how Virginia is the bellwhether state this election. David J. Toscano (who served 14 years in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 57th District) discussed his two new books: Fighting Political Gridlock: How States Shape Our Nation and Our Lives and Bellwether: Comments on Virginia’s Political Transformation, 2006-2020. Postcards4VA announced their 2021 total postcards mailed. Reid McCollum (Co-Founder of Postcards to Swing States) shared the findings of their 2020 postcard studies (Spoiler alert, postcards work better than we thought!). Des Newman (CEO) and Misha Davis (COO) of Siren Vibes Records (a new record label out of Richmond) spoke about their work bringing artists from Virginia, DC and Maryland to the big stage. Manisha Singh (Political Director of Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia and Member of the Virginia Congressional District 11 Democratic Committee) told us about their upcoming Diwali festival and their GOTV efforts. Our candidate spotlight this week was on Candi King (HD2).

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS: It’s All About Community

October 8, 2021

The October 8, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a discussion about people who are standing up and speaking out for their community. Three time New York Times best-selling author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon spoke about her new book The Daughters of Kobani, an extraordinary story of the women who took on the Islamic State and won. Chef Noori (who fled Afghanistan with his family in 2015 and is now the owner of The Mantu, a modern Afghan fine dining restaurant in Richmond) told us about how is making meals for newly arriving Afghan refugees. Guest host Jolicia Ward led a conversation on the fight for the Brown Grove community in Hanover County, VA) with Diane Drake (Brown Grove Historian) and Renada Harris (Brown Grove Member & Activist). Our candidate spotlight featured Linwood Blizzard (HD99).

THRIVING OVER ADVERSITY: How to Beat Burnout & Build Resilience

September 24, 2021

The September 24, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a discussion on burnout. Paul Gorski (Founder, Equity Literacy Institute) who spoke talk about his research on activist burnout. Mindfulness coach Corinne Coppola discussed building personal resilience to deal with burnout and lead us in some hands-on activities. Our early voting spotlight was on Prince William County candidates Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (HD 31) and Briana Sewell (HD51). Elizabeth also spoke on early voting efforts in the Hispanic/Latinx community. Kristina Hagen of the VA Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy had a conversation with Briana Sewell (HD51) on family friendly economy issues and how they are on the ballot this election.

Full Frontal Attack on Reproductive Rights & Freedom

September 17, 2021

The September 17, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was a discussion on how women’s fundamental rights are on the chopping block. Tarina Keene (Executive Director, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia) will help us understand Texas bill SB8, what the Supreme Court’s ruling tells us about the fate of Roe V Wade, and what this means and what we need to do in Virginia. RaeAnn Pickett (Director of Communications) and Han Jones (Political Director) from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia will give a report on what’s going on with women’s access to reproductive health care. Ayé Johnson (Community & Volunteer Engagement Accomplice, Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project) and Tannis Fuller (Executive Director, Blue Ridge Abortion Fund) will tell us about the important work their groups are doing to help women have access to the care they need. Lissa Savaglia (Chair, Loudoun County Democratic Committee, aka- LCDC) will talk about the early voting efforts in Loudoun. Barb Jones (President, Loudoun County NOW) will tell us about the “Rally in Solidarity” in Sterling on Sept. 19th.

SECRET SAUCE OF THE WOMEN’S SUMMIT: People, Issues & Candidates

August 20, 2021

The August 20, 2021 Friday Power Lunch looked at the ingredients of our secret sauce for success by highlighting the Summer of Summits tour stops in Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, and Virginia Beach. We celebrated the people who attended, shared what we learned about messaging from the workshops, AND, of course, focused on our candidates. We started the show with a special report on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan with Ellie Smeal (President, Feminist Majority). Then we switched gears introduced one of our favorite new tactics we learned in our workshops, the coordinated Twitter storm. Next we had a fast-paced roundup of issues on the ballot this November. The roundup participants included: – Matt Royer – VA Justice Democrats , Andrea Miller – Center for Common Ground, Lee Williams – Green New Deal VA, Kristina Hagen – Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy Virginia, Connie Cordovilla – NOW VA, Melissa Hartman – RASR (Resolutions Addressing Systemic Racism), Jamie Lockhart – Planned Parenthood Action of VA, and Diana Williams – Clean Virginia.  Our candidate spotlight was on Delegate Dan Helmer (HD40), a veteran of the Afghan war, who shared his thoughts and insights on the current heartbreaking situation in Afghanistan.

JUSTICE IS NEVER BORING | POLITICS IS NOT ALWAYS FAIR

August 13, 2021 

The Friday Power Lunch host Katherine White was live in Virginia Beach getting ready for the third and final stop of Network NOVA’s Women’s Summit Rally Tour. Katherine conducted her zoom in the Hilton Hotel’s bridal office for some peace, quiet and background fun. The show’s guests included: Edith Bullard, Director of Communications, ACLU of Virginia, discussed what still needs to happen with voting rights legislation in Virginia and what is going on nationally. The Rural Ground Game team (Lynlee Thorne, Campaigns Director; Ian Mcnally, Executive Director; and Susan Stancill, Committees Director) shared their vision and work rebuilding the Democratic brand in rural Virginia by strengthening the bench of activists, committee members, and future candidates. Lasandra Thompson (HD3) was our candidate spotlight and is working with the Rural Ground Game. Polly Branch (Community Artist) spoke to us about her work combining art and activism.

RURAL WOMEN SPEAK: Living, Working & Organizing in Appalachia

July 30, 2021

The July 30 Friday Power Lunch featured women from Appalachia who spoke about what it’s like living, working, and organizing in rural, red districts in Virginia. The show’s guests included: Meredith Dean (Founder of Appalachian Women of Action) started us off by talking about the history of women activism in Appalachia. Denise Hale Blakeney (Board Member, Appalachian Women of Action) and Diane Weiss (Chair, Giles County Democrats) spoke about how rural life requires its own type of organizing. Edna Gulley (Appalachian Women Rising and Clinchco organizer) discussed rural black communities in red districts. Bridgette Craighead (Candidate HD9 and Black Lives Matter organizer) and Starla Kiser (Former candidate for Delegate in HD 4) talked about what it is like to run in a deep red district and how every time a candidate runs, important strides are made.

THE LIGHTNING ROD OF CULTURE WARS: From School Boards to State Legislatures

July 23, 2021

The July 23, 2021 Friday Power Lunch focused on how the personal is political and examined the lightning rod of today’s culture wars. The show’s guests guests included:  Karl Frisch (Providence District, Fairfax County School Board) and Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Member-at-Large, Fairfax School Board) gave an update on how School board meetings have become the focus point of political debate and the target of protests that threaten the safety of members and citizens.  Ana Owens and Galina Varchena from NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and Jesse Torrey (Managing Director of Whole Woman’s Health Alliance) discussed the criminalization of healthcare. Kristina Hagen (Virginia Campaign Director, Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy) spoke on how issues from paid family and medical level to child care are finally getting the state and national attention they deserve. We spotlighted two candidates: Rachel Levy (HD55) and Kecia Evans (HD88)

FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE: Independence Day Special

July 2, 2021

The theme of the July 2, 2021 Friday Power Lunch was “Face Everything and Rise.” It was our Independence Day special program. Our Guests Included: Author Kate Moore who discussed her new book “The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear.” This is the story of Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother, whose husband committed her to the Illinois State Hospital in 1860 because he felt threatened by her intellect and independence. Elizabeth discovered many sane women like herself in the same situation and refused to be silenced. Her courageous act challenged the medical science of the day and was an early example of how women’s rights are human rights. This is not Kate’s first book about badass women rising up and changing the world. Kate is also the author of “The Radium Girls,” the story of young factory workers who lead a groundbreaking battle for workers’ right. Del. Sam Rasoul (HD11 and The Impact Center) shared what he learned listening to the voices of Virginians throughout the state during his Truth, Love, & Grit tour. Aysha Ahmed (Deputy National Organizing Director of Emgage) told us about Emgage’s work to educate, engage and empower Muslim American communities through educational events, voter initiatives, and leadership development for the purpose of creating a community of equitable, knowledgeable, and motivated citizens. Charlotte McConnell (Equality Advocate) discussed the recent disruptions at local School Board meetings in Loudoun and across the state by parent groups opposing transgender rights and teaching about racial equity. Candidate Spotlight – Jeffrey “Doc” Feld (HD81) & Scott Flax (HD82)

WHEN WE VOTE WE WIN – Organizing for the 2021

June 25, 2021

The Friday Power Lunch on June 25, 2021 was all about the November election. We have our work cut out for us to #KeepVABlue. We need to reach out to voters to make sure they realize all that our Democratic trifecta has done so we have a strong turnout at the polls. When We Vote We Win! Heidi Drauschak (Executive Director, Win Virginia) spoke about WinVirginia’s plans for this cycle in terms of their candidate recruitment program, training program, and performance based funding program for candidates. Luisa Boyarski (Virginia Grassroots Coalition) told us about the work of the Virginia Grassroots Coalition. She was then joined by four coalition group members to discuss their organization’s key issues, concerns, and actions. – Kathleen Murray, WofA – Chris Le Menestrel, VA Democracy Forward – Heidi Zollo & Joanna Collings, Herndon Reston Indivisible – Jacqui Lieberman, NOPE Neighbors We love spotlighting our candidates. On the show we spoke with with four candidates. Katie Sponsler (HD66) and Nadarius Clark (HD97) just won their primaries. Blakely Lockhart (HD56) is one of the youngest candidates running this cycle. And Finale Norton (HD 100) has us thinking that maybe this is the time we finally flip HD 100. We closed the show with a conversation with Melissa Hartman who will tell us about RASR (Resolutions Addressing Systemic & Structural Racism), an organization working to effect actionable change in the laws, policies, systems, and practices that established and cultivated systemic and structural racism. RASR’s goal is to identify those systems and structures to eliminate the disparate outcomes in health, education, financial stability, housing, and access to justice.

WHAT’S GOING ON: Parties, Politics & Post Primary Breakdown

June 11, 2021

The June 11, 2021 Friday Power Lunch focused on “What’s Going On” as we talked about parties, politics and the primary. The show lineup in order of appearance: Julie Jakopic (Chair, Virginia’s List) kicked off the show with a look at who made herstory on the local and state level and the challenges ahead for women candidates. David Poole (Executive Director, VPAP) unpacked the election map and help us understand what the numbers mean. Denver Riggleman (Former Republican Congressman – CD 5) talked about the January 6 insurrection and the current state of the Republican Party. Jamie Perrapato (Executive Director, Turn PA Blue) gave us an update on what’s going on in Pennsylvania. Bridgette Craighead (cosmetologist and activist) running in HD9 will told us about her campaign. Melanie Cornelisse (Activist for Gun Safety/Public Health) running in HD78 spoke about her campaign.

PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC SERVICE & LABOR RIGHTS: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is on the Ballot

June 4, 2021

With the June 2021 Virginia primary only days away and the show occurring on National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the start of Wear Orange weekend to honor survivors of gun violence, this Friday Power Lunch focused how “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” will be on the ballot this election. Senator Jennifer McClellan (Candidate for Governor) spoke about voting, the power of the black vote, and the push to suppress the vote. Jonathan Jay (Gun Violence Researcher) talked about the root causes of why gun violence keeps increasing in the United States and what we can do about it. Tara Hassen Taylor (Virginia Chapter of Moms Demand Action) gave an update on what Moms Demand Action is doing this election to advocate for gun safety candidates. Virginia Diamond (President, Northern Virginia Labor Federation, AFL-CIO) spoke about the importance of unions and the fight to repeal Right to Work. Ben Moses (Candidate HD 59, veteran and critical care physician) spoke about his campaign Jennifer Carroll Foy (Candidate for Governor) discussed what is on the line this election for women’s rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights, and labor rights. Caitlin Coakley (Candidate HD 65, writer, reporter and activist) spoke about her campaign.

VOTER TURNOUT & COMPETITIVE POLITICS | 100 Districts Strong

May. 21, 2021

This Friday Power Lunch was a celebration for having Democratic candidates running in all 100 state House districts. Hear the conversation on what it means that in 2021 Virginia Democrats are competitive everywhere! We started the show with Luisa Boyarski from the Virginia Grassroots Coalition who gave her grassroots update. Then Amanda Litman (Co-Founder of Run for Something, author and podcaster) shared her research on competitive state legislative races in 2020. They found that state races produced a reverse coattails effect, with the excitement generated by down ballot races trickling up to help the top of the ticket. Even when Democrats lost “having a contested state legislative race provided anywhere from a .3 percent to 1.5 percent boost for Biden.” This isn’t new to the Virginia grassroots; we know the key to winning is running everywhere. Jess Brown (Chair of Competitive Commonwealth Fund and Organizing Coordinator, SEIU VA 512) spoke about how and why the strategy of recruiting and funding Democratic candidates in Republican areas of Virginia to plant blue seeds.works in the short and long run. Debra Rodman (former Delegate and the Virginia State Chair of Vote Mama) told us about the important support Vote Mama provides to progressive moms running for office. When mothers run, things get done! Delegate Kelly Fowler discussed the key battleground areas of the Tidewater region of Virginia and what we can do to help these candidates. Community Advocate Yvonne Lewis spoke about the importance of bold organizations with bold histories and their continual fight for social justice. Jennifer Gaynor (VP of Communications, NWPC-VA) informed us about the actions of the newly formed Virginia Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC). NWPC is a a multi-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process. NWPC was founded in 1971 by a who’s who of modern feminism: Gloria Steinem, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Rep. Bella Abzug, Dorothy Height, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Fannie Lou Hammer and others.

DIGITALLY SPEAKING: The Perks & Perils of 2021

May. 14, 2021

This Friday Power Lunch focused on all things digital, from the perils to the perks. Our first guest was Attorney General Mark Herring who gave us an update on cyber security, internet safety, and other key issues of the day. Then researchers CiCi Ling (Boston University) and Utkucan Balci (Binghamton University) explained their research on zoom bombing and what we can do about it. For a little fun and delight, we met Colleen Chulis and her daughter Adelle from Charlottesville who made a video that went viral of Adelle parodying her mother working from home. The show will then moved on to discussing the perks and perils of digital campaign ads. Christine Bachman (Founder of Our States Matter PAC and VP at SB Digital) spoke talk digital ads and gave us her read on what needs to happen so our candidates rule the digital landscape. She was joined by Candidate Debra Gardner (HD 27). We ended the show with a discussion with Juli Briskman (Loudoun Supervisor) will discuss on using digital as an elected official.

Time for Truth

April. 30, 2021

As the Biden administration’s first 100 days came to a close, we celebrated the bold actions of a popular, progressive agenda while dealing with Republicans perpetuating the Big Lie (that Trump won the election) and spewing the little lies of the moment. This week we discussed these big and little lies by calling them out, discussing their consequences, examining how people are speaking their truth, and identifying what we can do about it. We started the show with Amy Siskind (Activists, Feminist, Podcaster and Author of “The List: A Week-by-Week Reckoning of Trump’s First Year”) who has been calling out the Republican bastion of lies since the first days of the Trump administration. Phyllis Randall (Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors) shared how distortions and untruths are not new in local government dialogue. Representative Don Beyer (CD 8) and Megan Beyer (journalist) spoke about how the Big Lie impacts the personal safety of Members of Congress and their families. Carmen Davis (a natural hair stylist in Richmond) spoke about how your hair style can be a form of speaking your truth, and the importance of the passage of the CROWN Act (a law amending the Virginia Human Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination “on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists”) for the Black community. Then Lowell Feld (Founder and Editor of Blue Virginia) discussed the challenges the media faces in trying to present two sides of an issue when one side is fact and the other is a fabrication. We ended the show with Luisa Boyarski’s grassroots report.

Anti-Racism & Equity

April. 16, 2021

This week’s show was on Anti-Racism and Equity: Building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We began this important conversation with Brandy S. Faulkner (Gloria D. Smith Professor of Black Studies, Virginia Tech) who helped us understand how each of us can become agents for change. Barika Porter (Professional Coach and member of Black Women United for Action) spoke about the important role community groups play making change in small and large ways through a personal “hands-on” approach. She also told us about her most recent project holding elected officials accountable on vaccine equity in Fairfax County. Paul Berry (Chair, Virginia Latino Advisory Board) shared how equity needs to be addressed in education from diversity in the classroom, to career and technical education offerings, to teacher compensation and education infrastructure. Monica Belton (Founder, RECET, Resilient Experiences for Children Exposed to Trauma) spoke about how we must include young voices in this conversation. And we ended with Delegate Mark Keam (Founding Member, Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus) addressing the escalation of assaults against Asian Americans and discuss the importance of joining forces against hate.