Program

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 Registration – Advocacy Fair Opens
9:00 – 9:10 Welcome
9:10 – 10:00

When We VOTE We Win – Lessons from 2017

  • Katherine White (Network NoVA)
  • Stair Calhoun (Network NoVA )
  • Phyllis Randall (Loudoun County Board)
  • Julie Jakopic (Virginia’s List )
  • Avengers: Dawn Adams, Hala Ayala, Karrie Delaney, Jennifer Carroll Foy, Wendy Gooditis, Elizabeth Guzman, Danica Roem, Kathy Tran, and Cheryl Turpin
  • Lee Carter, Chris Hurst, David Reid, and Schuyler VanValkenburg
  • Atima Omara (Emerge Virginia)
10:00 – 10:45

When We UNITE We Win – Virginia is My District

  • Renise Leresche (Network NoVA)
  • Eileen Filler-Corn (Delegate HD 41)
  • Mark Herring (Attorney General of Virginia)
  • Marina Jenkins (National Democratic Redistricting Committee)
  • Margaret Gupta (WIN VA)
  • Rebecca Colaw (2017 Candidate HD 64)
  • Kimberly Ann Tucker (2017 Candidate HD 81)
  • Tilly Blanding (SEIU)
  • Glendy Hernandez-Morales (Dream Project Scholar)
  • Sam Rasoul (Delegate HD 11)
10:45 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:45

When We RUN We Win – Women’s Empowerment

  • 10 Degrees Colder (Music)
  • Mary Bell (EMILY’s List)
  • Pooja Tanjore (Rise to Run)
  • Katie Cristol (Arlington County Board)
  • Susan Otim-Neal (Syncerity Speaks)

PANEL:

  • Lisa Guide (Women Effect Action Fund)
  • Neera Tanden (Center for American Progress Action Fund)
  • Simone Ward (SLW Strategies)
11:45 – 12:30

Meet the Congressional Candidates: Blue Wave 2018

  • Luisa Boyarski (Virginia Grassroots Coalition)
  • Congressional Candidates: Districts 1-11
  • Lauren Reyes (Kaine 2018 & Virginia Victory Coordinated Campaign)
12:30 – 1:45

Working Lunch: Congressional Row

Go district-to-district. Meet the candidates. Sign up to get involved.
1:45 – 2:45 Breakout Sessions 1
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Breakout Sessions 2
4:00 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:00

When We WIN – Envisioning our Future

  • SongRise DC (Music)
  • Dorri Scott (Poet)
  • Barb Jones (Network NoVA)
  • Allyson Carpenter (Former DC ANC Commissioner)
  • Marj Signer (VA NOW)
  • Marilyn Karp (Indivisible Nova West)
  • Jill Caiazzo (Arlington County Democratic Committee)
  • Shelly Simonds (2017 Candidate HD 94)
  • Katherine White (Network NoVA)

Snapshot of Breakouts

SESSIONS #1 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

1A.    Winning with New Power  [ROCKBRIDGE]
Special Double Session

1B.    Social Media 101 [LATON]

1C.    Growing Money from Grassroots Up [CHESAPEAKE]

1D.    Stepping Up to Run [POTOMAC]

1E.    Up Your Grassroots Game [CIRRUS A]

1F.    Winning for Equality (Or Your Issue!) at the Local Level [CIRRUS B]

1G.    Anatomy of a Campaign [CIRRUS C]

1H.    Spread the Vote [CIRRUS D]

1I.     ERA: Adding Gender Equality to the Constitution [LURAY B]

1J.     Connecting the Dots Between Voting and Policy [LURAY C]

1K.    Today’s Youth Will Tear Down the Walls [LURAY D]

1L.    Winning Strategies for 2018 and Beyond [LURAY E]

SESSIONS #2 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

2A.    Winning with New Power(con’t) [ROCKBRIDGE]

2M.   Social Media Strategy [LATON]

2N.    Taking Care of Your Bad Ass Self [POTOMAC]

2O.    Crowdfunding: How to Raise the Money You Need to Make Change  [CHESAPEAKE]

2P.    Winning a Family Friendly Economy [CIRRUS A]

2Q.    Stepping Up to Leadership [CIRRUS B]

2R.    Postcard Parties [PRIVATE DINING ROOM]

2S.    Persuasive Progressive Messaging [CIRRUS D]

2T.    Making Women’s Issues Winning Issues [LURAY B]

2U.    Making VA Everyone’s District [LURAY C]

2V.    Spotlight on Gun Safety: Turning the Power of Your Vote into Policy Change [LURAY D]

2W.   Gerrymandering Sucks. Here’s How We Fix It [LURAY E]

Breakouts Session #1

1A. Winning with New Power [ROCKBRIDGE]

Using examples from cutting-edge neuroscience research, social media practices, and groundbreaking literature we’ll focus on how to build trust and bridge the political divide to make fundamental changes with real reform. During this session we’ll discuss the concept of new power values and its ability to surge through entire communities, giving rise to successful campaigns, movements, and business models. In contrast we’ll bring in examples of old power values  and the differences inherent between these two notions of power and the impacts of using one, the other, or blending the two together to form impactful and engaging developments in our own communities.

This 2-hr double session is intended to stress the importance of listening, empathy, and collaboration. Sign up is required. Click here to sign up.

  • Delegate Sam Rasoul

 

1B. Social Media 101: Digital Storytelling [LATON]

In 2018 if you’re not thinking about your personal brand, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. We live in a world where approximately 3.1 billion active social media users are looking at their family pictures on Facebook, reading news articles on Twitter and taking photos of their food on Instagram. It’s time for you to take advantage of these platforms to share your story and leverage your following to organize on the ground to help Democrats win big in 2018 and beyond.  

  • Yash Mori, Photographer; Filmmaker; Organizer; and Storyteller

1C. Growing Money from the Grassroots [CHESAPEAKE]

Every dollar we raise frees up our candidates to talk to voters and not dial for dollars. In this hands-on session you’ll learn dozens of creative ways to make raising money fun and successful.

  • Debra Fried Levin, Nope Neighbors
  • Larry Buc, 31st St Swing Left
  • Mary Pence, 31st St Swing Left
  • Jessica Mott,  WofA
  • Donte Tanner, Candidate HD 40

1D. Stepping Up to Run [POTOMAC]

Women are running for office in record numbers in 2018. Learn what it takes to run whether on the local, state, or federal level.

  • Julie Jakopic, Virginia’s List
  • Atima Omara, ​Emerge Virginia
  • Tarryl Clark, ​Deputy Majority Leader, Minnesota State Senate

1E. Up Your Grassroots Game - Tips and Tactics for Better Engagement, Effectiveness, and Endurance [CIRRUS A]

From the team that wrote the Virginia Grassroots Coalition’s Lessons Learned from 2017 document, join the conversation as we dig deep into what worked and what didn’t in 2017 and how we can use that winning formula in 2018.

  • Sharon Shutler, WofA
  • Michelle Moore, 31st St. Swing Left & Bridging the Political Divide
  • Lisa Herrick 31st Swing Left
  • Amanda Hine, WofA

1F. Winning for Equality (Or Your Issue!) At the Local Level [CIRRUS B]

Join staff from the Human Rights Campaign to learn how their National Field team uses comprehensive state and municipal reports to guide advocacy and election work on the platform of equality. The State Equality Index (SEI) and Municipal Equality Index (MEI) rate and rank states (including VA!) and municipalities based on their laws, policies, and services that affect LGBTQ people. Find out where your city or town ranks, and why. Learn how examining municipal laws, policies and services on YOUR issues can guide and shape your grassroots and electoral organizing efforts on the local and statewide level.

  • Narissa Rahaman, Human Rights Campaign
  • Ryan Rowe, Human Rights Campaign

 

 

1G. Anatomy of a Campaign [CIRRUS C]

Have you ever wondered how campaigns really work? Running a political campaign is one of the most challenging and exhausting activities in the political arena. For activist it can be one of the most confusing and exciting opportunities in helping a candidate get elected. This session will walk you through the anatomy of a campaign, how it works, who are the essential players, their roles and responsibilities, highlight the differences between state and federal races, and discuss  how the grassroots can effectively work with a campaign to be an asset and build partnerships.

  • Amy Dorra, Conor Lamb for Congress
  • Katherine Sorenson, Elaine Luria for Congress
  • Mykie Reidy, Partners For Progress SWPA

1H. Spread the Vote [CIRRUS D]

Spread the Vote is a 501(c)3 organization.  We believe voting is the sacred right of every American, and every American should be able to exercise it.  In Virginia, over 200,000 registered voters do not have the ID they need to vote. Our mission is simple — to help every single American, no matter their background or party affiliation, obtain the identification they need to participate in our democracy.  Join us to learn how you can make an impact in your corner of Virginia.

  • Chris DeRosa, Spread the Vote
  • Robin Patton, Spread the Vote

1I. Equal Rights Amendment: Adding Gender Equality to the Constitution [LURAY B]

Just last month, Illinois ratified the ERA—leaving only one state needed to add gender equality to the U.S. Constitution. Virginia should be next to ratify! Learn why constitutional equality is still needed, about the ratification strategy in Virginia and in the US Congress, how advocates and coalition groups will collaborate on this effort, and how you can get involved!

  • Chelsea Higgs Wise, Wise Innovation
  • Eileen Davis,Women-Matter
  • Kate Bird, Charlottesville NOW
  • Andrea Miller, People Demanding Action

1J. Connecting the Dots Between Voting and Policy [LURAY C]

Join the conversation on how to keep candidates accountable for their campaign pledges once they get into office.

  • Catherine Read, Think. Act.
  • Vicki Shabo, National Partnership for Women and Families
  • Tim Cywinski, Virginia21

 

 

1K. Today’s Youth Will Tear Down the Walls [LURAY D]

Join the conversation with new voters, young voters, and millennials as they become a major force of change in America.

  • Jennifer Boysko HD #86 – Moderator
  • Pooja Tanjore, Rise to Run
  • Carter Black, Nextgen Virginia
  • Ainsley Rucker, Winchester Young Dems
  • Allyson Carpenter, Former DC ANC Commissioner

1L. Winning Strategies for 2018 and Beyond [LURAY E]

What we are doing strategically in Virginia to win and energize our base, the voters etc? How do Democrats plan to be a winning team? We are changing the game on the ground, recruiting new players, building a bench, calling fouls and balls, sending the right signals, and looking for the home-runs! This session will discuss how we will work together to win in 2018 and beyond.

  • Michele Edwards, Win Virginia
  • Delegate John Bell, HD 87
  • Lauren Reyes, Kaine 2018 & Virginia Victory Coordinated Campaign
  • Riccardo Coleman, Jobs First

Breakouts Session #2

2A. Winning with New Power (con't) [ROCKBRIDGE]

Using examples from cutting-edge neuroscience research, social media practices, and groundbreaking literature we’ll focus on how to build trust and bridge the political divide to make fundamental changes with real reform. During this session we’ll discuss the concept of new power values and its ability to surge through entire communities, giving rise to successful campaigns, movements, and business models. In contrast we’ll bring in examples of old power values  and the differences inherent between these two notions of power and the impacts of using one, the other, or blending the two together to form impactful and engaging developments in our own communities.

This 2-hr double session is intended to stress the importance of listening, empathy, and collaboration. Sign up is required. Click here to sign up.

  • Delegate Sam Rasoul

 

2M. Social Media Strategy [LATON]

Learn how to use social media to get the right messages out to the right people.

  • Alan Rosenblatt, Lake Research Partners & SVP Digital Strategy at turner4D

2N. Taking Care of Your Badass Self [POTOMAC]

Join in a lively and inspiring discussion on the benefits of self-care. You will learn how to integrate mindfulness practices, breathing, yoga, and an attitude of playfulness into your daily life to build resilience and vitality for your work as an activist. When we are taking care of ourselves, we have so much more energy to bring to our work and our relationships, and often we forget how important it is. We also forget that it can be easy, fun, and that we can do little things throughout our day that make a BIG difference.

  • Marni Sclaroff, Yoga Teacher, Spiritual Guide & Storyteller
  • Activist Rebecca Borton, Dranesville precinct captain, 11th Congressional District Committee

2O. Crowdfunding: How to Raise the Money You Need to Make Change [CHESAPEAKE]

At Crowdpac we’re working to improve democracy by helping candidates, organizations, and activists raise money. We empower our users to get more involved in the political process, whether that means raising money for an organization, a candidate you support, or maybe even thinking about running for office yourself. If you’re running for office, thinking about it, supporting your favorite candidate(s), want to raise money for an organization, and/or fundraise for a passion project or cause, then our training is for you! Come learn everything you need to know to fund the coming Blue Wave. What are you waiting for?

  • Robert Compeau, Crowdpac
  • Irene Shin, Crowdpac

2P. Winning a Family Friendly Economy [CIRRUS A]

This session will provide an overview of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy’s experiment in Virginia in 2017 to persuade and mobilize women voters based on a family-friendly economic agenda. This workshop will use the CFFE’s program as a case study to showcase how we can harness the power of women in elections to win important policies.

  • Roxanne Stachowski, Women Effect Action Fund
  • Simone Ward, SLW Strategies
  • Andy Reynolds, Civix Strategies

2Q. Stepping Up to Leadership [CIRRUS B]

Women are stepping up to lead organizations, campaigns, and communities. Learn how to step up to your own leadership potential. When women lead, things change.

  • Julie Jakopic, Virginia’s List
  • Elyssa Feder, Rising Organizers
  • Joyce Connery, Nuclear Policy Expert
  • Mali Phonpadith, SOAR Community Network and Lao Heritage Foundation

 

2R. Postcard Parties [PRIVATE DINING ROOM]

One of the most popular group activities in 2017 was postcard writing. Not only did the postcards inspire voters to go to the polls, these get-togethers coalesced volunteers young and old. Indeed, every writer is a voter. Learn about the value and impact of postcards and postcard writing. This workshop will cover such topics as party ideas, card making tips, and messaging suggestions. Come share your ideas as we prepare to write postcards for the 2018 Midterms.

  • Lisa Howard, Postcards4VA
  • Dianne Holland, Postcards4VA
  • Krystal Henson, Postcards4VA
  • Robbin Warner, Postcards4VA
  • Kim Wyman, Fredericksburg Area Pantsuiters

2S. Persuasive Progressive Messaging [CIRRUS D]

Are you walking on eggs in social situations, aware that any political topic could set off World War III? TAKE CHARGE of your social discourse with Persuasive Progressive Messaging. In just one hour, you’ll (1) stop unwittingly aiding Republican messaging, (2) develop your personal persuasive message, and (3)  become confident that you can connect with persuadable voters so that their own progressive values carry them to the polls in November!

  • Alane Dashner, Swing Left

2T. Making Women’s Issues Winning Issues [LURAY C]

With women running for office in record numbers, women’s issues finally have the opportunity to come to the forefront. Join the conversation on how we can get our candidates to make women’s issues winning campaign issues.

  • Senator Barbara Favola, D 31
  • Tarina Keene, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
  • Tara Gibson,VA Planned Parenthood
  • Delegate Charniele L. Herring, HD 46
  • Margie Del Castillo, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health

2U. Making Virginia Everyone’s District [LURAY C]

This panel will discuss how to increase voter participation and civic engagement in Virginia for marginalized, low propensity, new, and issue voters. How do we build a more inclusive and diverse voting coalition? How do we address racial and cultural injustice and discrimination when trying to build relationships? What is intersectionality for activism and why is it important? Attendees will learn the different challenges in reaching out and connecting to voters in different zip codes (rural vs. urban), ethnic groups, faith groups, vulnerable groups (disabilities), cultures, race and age groups (young vs. old). We will also address different techniques and tactics to reach more voters, increase voter participation and civic engagement, and how to connect and learn from these different communities to build relationships and improve democracy.

  • Catherine Read,  Read. Think. Act.
  • Angela Lynn, 2017 Delegate Candidate
  • Rose Chu, 8th District Democratic Committee & Treasurer of the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia
  • Rachna Heizer, Professor at Texas Tech University & Board member, ARC of Northern Virginia
  • Fazia Deen
  • Kofi Annan, NAACP

 

 

 

2V. Spotlight on Gun Safety: Turning the Power of Your Vote into Policy Change [LURAY D]

Using the issue of gun safety as its focus, join the conversation as we drill down on how we can make our vote for gun safety candidates be the force for meaningful policy change on this issue.

  • Amy McPike,  Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Loudoun County Chapter
  • Andrew Goddard, The Virginia Center for Public Safety
  • Dakota Jablon, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence
  • State Senator Jennifer T. Wexton, D 33 & Congressional Candidate D10
  • Maxwell Nardi, Student

2W. Gerrymandering Sucks. Here's How We Fix It [LURAY E]

How districts are mapped threatens our nation’s democracy. We saw that first hand in November 2017 with crazy voting irregularities in Newport News and Fredericksburg. Shelly Simonds, who came up short in a film canister draw from a bowl, will be here to share her first-hand experiences from that Newport News recount. But knowing gerrymandering sucks isn’t enough – we’ve got to fix it. Kathay Feng, Executive Director of Common Cause California, will join us to share the battle for redistricting reform she faced in California and the success their citizens commission had with an independent commission. Brian Cannon of OneVirginia2021 will moderate.

  • Brian Cannon, OneVirginia2021
  • Shelly Simonds, Candidate HD 94
  • Kathay Feng, Common Cause California