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MAIN FEATURES

DELIGHTS ON SAT. NIGHT

DESSERTS

Extras

  • Campaigns and Candidate Trainings

 

Agenda

Breakouts

Speakers

Agenda

(Updated  6/27/2019)

 

Download our Program at a Glance

Day 1 – Friday June, 28 – Go Local

6:00 pm
Foyer & Atrium
Pre-Registration & Advocacy Fair Open
6:00pm 
Meeting Rooms
Meetups
  • Effectively WIN the Messaging War on Reproductive Freedom [Stevens A]
  • Loudoun Ladies [Fowler]
7:00 –
Meeting Rooms
Meetups
  • Passing LGBTQ Affirming Policy in Our Schools [Amphitheater]
  • The Power of Sisterhood [Statler A] 
  • Wall of Resistance – Be the Change [Statler B]
7:00 – 7:45 pm
Atrium Stage
Town Hall

Local Candidates Talking Local Issues

  • Congressman Gerry Connolly
  • Candidate Introduction
    • Commonwealth’s Attorney
    • Board of Supervisors
    • School Board
  • Anne Holton (GMU President)
8:00 – 9:00 pm
Int. Ballroom A
Go Local Rally 

Star Spangled Banner: TinaV (singer)

Welcome: Mark Keam (Delegate, HD35) and Janet Howell (VA State Senator, D32)

Sponsor Welcome: Nancy Rice (Win VA)

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Barb Jones
  • Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia)
  • Phyllis Randall (Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors)
  • Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (Dem. Caucus Leader, HD41)
  • Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (CD7)
  • Gene Rossi (Atty. Carlton Fields)
  • Tina Williams (FCFT Union)
  • Delegate Vivian Watts ( HD39)
9:00 – 10:00 pm
Int. Ballroom A
Entertainment 

Day 2 – Saturday June, 29 – Virginia is My District

7:00 am
Resistance Run with Julia Waters [Meet in Atrium]
Yoga to Resist and Relax with Shakta Khalsa [San Francisco Room]
8:00 am
Foyer & Atrium
Registration & Advocacy Fair Opens

350 Loudoun| American Promise| Appalachians Against Pipelines| Arlington County Democratic Committee| Bard’s Alley| Citizens Climate Lobby| Clean Virginia| Concentric Private Wealth| Democrats To Go| Fairfax County Democratic Committee| Feminist Majority| Herndon-Reston Indivisible| House Democratic Caucus| iDesign, Button Queen| LAURA PAC| Left Wing Bling| Loudoun County Democratic Committee| Mom’s Rising| Moms Demand Action| Motivote| NAACP Loudoun| NARAL Pro-choice Virginia & Whole Women’s Health| NETWORK Lobby| Network NoVA SWAG Table| Next Gen | NOW, National| OneVirginia2021| Planned Parenthood| Postcards4VA| Prince William County Democratic Committee| Rowan Tree| Spread the Vote| Stafford and Fauquier Democratic Committees| Swing Left| The Impact Center| Together Virginia PAC| Turning Point Suffragist Memorial| VA Blue Wave 2019 Fundraiser| VA Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy| VaOurWay & Powered by Facts| VAPLAN| VAratifyERA Campaign| Virginia Democracy Forward (VADF)| Virginia Equal Rights Coalition| Virginia Grassroots Coalition| Virginia’s List| Win Virginia| WofA|

9:00 – 10:45 am
Int. Ballroom
Virginia is My District
  • Stair Calhoun (Network NoVA)
  • Katherine White (Network NoVA)
  • Vangie Williams (Candidate for Congress, CD1)
  • Senator Mark Warner
  • Kim Drew Wright (Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond)
Parade of Power/Meet the Candidates
  • Environment – Ali Symons (VA Justice Democrats)
  • Health Care – Kimberly Anne Tucker (Indivisible)
  • Racial & Social Justice – Diann Smith (Peninsula Indivisible)
  • Women’s Reproductive Health – Tarina Keene (NARAL VA)
  • Public Safety – Samyuktha Mahadevan (Students Demand Action)
  • Education – Tina Williams (FCFT Union)
  • Equality– Erica Clayton (Postcards & Politics) and Shyamali Hauth (Virginia Equal Rights Coalition)
  • Family Friendly Economy/Urban & Rural –Briana Sewell (VA Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy
  • Immigration –Liana Montecinos (United for Social Justice)
  • Voting Rights –  Lyzz Schwegler (Sister District)
  • Emily Ocasio (8th Grade Poet)

VA Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy

10:45 – 11:00 am
Foyer & Atrium
Break
11:00 – 12:15 pm
Meeting Rooms
Breakouts #1
12:15 – 12:30 pm
Foyer & Atrium
Break
12:30 – 2:15 pm
International Ballroom
Power Lunch 
  • Julie Jakopic (Chair, Virginia’s List)
  • Jessica Berg (Teacher, Rock Ridge High School)
  • Women’s Summit Virginia Women’s History Project
  • Senator Jennifer McClellan (SD9)
Shaking the Table Panel
  • Krysta Jones (VoteLeadImpact), Moderator
  • Jeannie Henderson Arnett (Executive Director, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority)
  • Sindy Benavides (LULAC)
  • Priscilla Martinez
  • Ladelle McWhorter (Chair, Virginia Organizing)
  • Pastor Michelle Thomas (President NAACP Loudoun)

Jess Morales Rocketto (Supermajority)

2:15 – 2:45 pm
Foyer & Atrium
Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm
Meeting Rooms
Breakouts #2
4:00 – 4:15 pm
Foyer & Atrium
Break
4:15 – 5:30 pm
Meeting Rooms
Breakouts #3
4:15 pm
Foyer & Atrium
Advocacy Fair Closes
5:30- 7:30 pm
Dinner – On your own

Day 2 – Saturday Night June, 29 – POWER Jam

7:00  – 10:00pm
Foyer & Atrium
BADASS Boutique & Bookstore

Bard’s Alley| Beautycounter| Concentric Private Wealth| Cultivate Ink| Dance of Light Healing| Dash of Sass Consulting| Diya Designs – Stone Jewelry| doTerra Oils & Hand Massage| Essential Bodywear| EVER – Skincare and Makeup| Fab & Fit| Fairy Hair| Feminist Majority| First Alliance Consulting LLC – Teeshirts| Hala Maria LLC – Henna| I’m Very Necessary| iDesign, Button Queen| Kamaria, LLC| Left Wing Bling| Mobile Massage| Network NoVA SWAG Table| Quotabelle| Readings By Ana Yvette| Rowan Tree| Ruby Ribbon| Sabatues – Unique Jewelry & Accessories| Shining Circle Inc.| Shirley Marie Johnson| Together Virginia PAC| Unique Gifts| Vote Like a Girl /Teeshirts|

7:00 – 9:00 pm
Beverly
Suffragist Tea Room 
SPONSORED by Lady D’s Traveling Tea Party
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Atrium
Atrium Stage 

An evening of powerful women giving powerful performances.

Confirmed Performers:

  • Hyla Matthews (Comedian)
  • TinaV (Singer)
  • Lorie Hood (Storyteller)
  • Tammarrah Addison (Spoken Word Artist)
  • Orla Conway (singer)
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Lower Level Amphitheater
Download flyer
Documentary Shorts Screening

A collection of short documentaries to stir the activist to empathy and then to action.

Show Times: 7:00pm and 8:30pm

  • Caroline: When plans fall through, a six-year-old is faced with a big responsibility on a hot Texas day – Written and directed by Logan George & Celine Held.
  • Resistance: Resistance is a protest song for the modern era, but its sentiment is focused more on uplifting optimism than aggression and conflict – Produced by Johnathan Mahan and Donnie Stemp.
  • Legalize Equality: Excerpted from the award-winning documentary, Equal Means Equal, with new footage and commentary, makes the case for ERA in a concise and compelling manner – Produced by filmmaker, activist and actress Kamala Lopez.
  • IF: A short film about breaking the cycle of homelessness – Produced and Directed by Noah Berlow.
  • In White: A short film about living a life expected of you versus a life you choose -Written and directed by Dania Bdeir.
  • Human Trafficking: A short PSA about the reality of human trafficking from Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA-HTI) – Produced by NOVA-HTI
  • RESISTERHOOD: This powerful documentary captures the stories of everyday Americans who became grassroots activists working tirelessly to defend our democracy and stop the erosion of our civil rights. Produced and directed by Cheryl Jacobs Crim.
  • Free to Laugh: Free to Laugh is about the power of comedy after prison. Female ex-cons hone their comedy chops through workshops and performing – Producer Elease Lui and Director Laura Everly.
8:15 – 10:00 pm
Int. Ballroom A
Download flyer
Telling Our Story Stage
Sponsored by BardsAlley
  • 8:15pm – 9:00pm – “Telling Our Stories: Women in History” 
    • Moderator: Joan Michelson, host of Green Connections Radio podcast, Forbes contributor, women’s advocate and great-great niece of suffrage reporter and activist Miriam Michelson
    • Mary Hartnett, My Own Words: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
    • Lori Harrison-Kahan, ed., The Superwoman and Other Writings by Miriam Michelson
    • Patricia Miller, Bringing Down the Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age, and the “Powerless” Woman Who Took on Washington
    • Samantha Seiple, Louisa On the Front Lines: Louisa May Alcott in the Civil War

Without the intervention of key historical figures, women’s rights wouldn’t be what they are today. During this panel, Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson—the great-great niece of suffragist Miriam Michelson—will speak with authors Lori Harrison-Kahan, Patricia Miller, Mary Hartnett, and Samantha Seiple, who have written books about various women in history who championed progressive causes, including Miriam Michelson, Madeline Pollard, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Louisa May Alcott. The books—including The Superwoman and Other Writings by Miriam Michelson, Bringing Down the Colonel, My Own Words, and Louisa on the Front Lines—will be available for purchase during the meet & greet and book signing with the presenters after the session as well as in the BADASS Boutique and Bookstore set up by Bards Alley, an independent bookstore in Vienna, Virginia.

  • 9:00pm – 9:45pm – “Women Warriors” Panel of Authors

Women warriors are united by a common cause: to stand up for what’s right. During this panel, former Obama White House staff member Taylor Lustig and decorated Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tee Marie Hanible will discuss the myriad ways women can be warriors in their own lives, as explored in their books, Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope and Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House and The Warrior Code: 11 Principles to Unleash the Badass Inside of You. The books will be available for purchase during the meet & greet and book signing with the presenters after the session as well as in the BADASS Boutique and Bookstore set up by Bards Alley, an independent bookstore in Vienna, Virginia.

  • 9:45pm – 10:00pm  – Author Meet & Greet

Day 3 – Sunday June, 30 – Go Big

7:00 am
Foyer
Registration Opens
8:00 – 10:00 AM
Int. Ballroom
BADASS Breakfast 

Welcome – Katherine White (Network NoVA)

Perseverando

  • Congressman Don Beyer
  • Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton
  • Congresswoman Luria

Badass Grandma Panel

  • Catherine Read – moderator
  • Ellen  Chaffee (Badass Grandma, North Dakota)
  • Marilyn Karp (Badass Grandma, Virginia)
  • Stair Calhoun (Badass Grandma, Virginia)
  • Dina Butcher (Badass Grandma, North Dakota)

Taking Back Power Everywhere

  • Ellie Smeal (President, Feminist Majority)
  • Dr. Alotta Taylor (National Council of Negro Women)
  • Neera Tanden (President, Center for American Progress)
  • Sister Simone Campbell (Network Lobby – Nuns on the Bus)
  • Katie Fahey (Founder, Voters Not Politicians)
  • Susan Burke (Attorney) (5 min)
  • Toni Van Pelt (President, NOW)
  • Leah Greenberg (Co-Founder, Indivisible)
  • Vangie Williams (Candidate for Congress, CD1)
  • Jill Caiazzo (Chair, Arlington Democratic Party)

Workshops, Panels & MeetUps

DESIGN YOUR DAY

3 Breakout Sessions

1st course: 11:00am – 12:15pm | 2nd course: 2:45pm – 4: 00pm | 3rd course: 4:15pm – 5:30 pm

Download the List of Workshops & Panels

Organized By Topic Area

Big Dish

Discussions on Big Issues

The Big Yarn

Effective Messaging

Working with People

Grassroots Organizing

DoorStepping

Power Canvassing

What's the Buzz

Digital & Social Media

Taking Care of Your Badass Self

Personal Growth & Branding

Making Moolah

Fundraising for Impact

Taste Empowerment

Leadership

Making Change

Everyday Advocacy

Snapshot of Sessions by Breakout Time

Download the List of Workshops & Panels

Breakouts #1

11:00-12:15pm
  • Digital Organizing: Amplifying Your Message [Statler A]
  • Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The Power of Peer-to-Peer Email Fundraising [Statler B]
  • Intersectional Justice: Bringing Economic, Environmental, & Social Justice through the Green New Deal [Int. Ballroom B]
  • Inviting in Stakeholders: Moms Demand Action Case Study [Stevens A&B]
  • Lobbying Like a Pro: Secrets to Strategy, Organizing, and Communication that will Transform Your Ideas into Law [Istanbul]
  • Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy [Continental Ballroom B]
  • Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties [HHonors]
  • Strategic Advocacy for Everyday People [Las Vegas]
  • Take Your Canvassing Up a Notch [San Francisco]
  • Taking Back Power [Continental Ballroom B]
  • Virginians for Fair Redistricting: “Taking Back Our Voice” [Amphitheater]
  • Working on the Hill [Fowler]

Breakouts #2

2:45-4:15pm
  • A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop2 [ Int. Ballroom B]
  • Be Fearless [Fowler]
  • Canvassing: Best Way to Reach Voters [Istanbul]
  • Don’t Let This Be You: How to Avoid Career-Ending Ethical Mistakes [Palmer House Room]
  • ERA Call to Action [Continental Ballroom B]
  • Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond [Continental Ballroom C]
  • Leading in Your Community [Statler A]
  • Leading with New Power – Double Session, ends at 5:30pm  [Int. Ballroom A]
  • Liberating Our Youth [Las Vegas]
  • Listening: The Activist’s Superpower [Stevens A]
  • Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties [HHonors]
  • Pro-Choice Proud! Session 1 [Int. Ballroom C]
  • Raising Serious Money for Progressive Candidates – Double Session, ends at 5:30pm [Mobley]
  • Social Advocacy and Organizing [Amphitheater] 
  • Using Your Grassroots Power: How to Lobby Your Elected Representatives [Stevens B]
  • We’re Here. What’s Next? Moving from Representation to Storytelling in the Political Space [Statler B]
  • What’s Your Story? Using Your Story to Increase Your Impact [San Francisco]

Breakouts #3

4:15-5:30pm
  • Digital Organizing 101 [Statler A]
  • Front Porch Politics: Grassroots Fundraising 101 [Palmer House]
  • High Stakes Performance: How Women of Power Must Navigate, Negotiate and Speak Differently to be Heard [Int. Ballroom B]
  • Leadership Development: Becoming the Activist You Want to Be [Stevens A]
  • Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties [HHonors]
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: What It Is and Why We Need It [Amphitheater]
  • Pro-Choice Proud! Session 2 [Int. Ballroom C]
  • Sparking Real Change through Conscious Leadership [Stevens B]
  • States – the Path to Progressive and Inclusive Democracy [Fowler]
  • Sustaining the Resistance Movement – Developing Priorities and Strategies [Continental Ballroom C]
  • The Shocking Truth of Income Inequality [Continental Ballroom B]
  • Where Technology and Politics Intersect [Statler B]
  • Women’s Safety Workshop [Istanbul]
  • Your Money, Your Power [San Francisco]
  • Your Rhythms of Thriving- Self-Care for Activists [Las Vegas]

Workshops, Panels & MeetUps 

(alpha order – last updated 6/21/2019)

Download the list of Workshops & Panels

A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop

This workshop provides a raw and honest forum to discuss the unspoken issues of race that impact our everyday lives. The panelists offer diverse perspectives on politics, academia, policy, media, and grassroots efforts. They will share their personal observations and experiences with race, and highlight where we are now, how we got here, and most importantly, how to move forward while providing tactical solutions. The panel will challenge you to self-reflect and collaborate with others to dismantle institutionalized racism starting within your own communities. Please join us in this timely conversation.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Int. Ballroom B

Be Fearless

This workshop is designed for women who have a strong desire to connect to their magic, stand strong in their power, and use their strengths to solve issues in our communities as only a true SHErocan. Ladies, if you are ready to strap on your capes, frame your narratives, embrace your vulnerabilities, and lead – join us and Be Fearless! Oh, and bring your smart device with you.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Fowler

 

Canvassing: Best Way to Reach Voters

Virginia candidates know how to contact voters through canvassing door-to-door, but they can’t reach everybody and need volunteers to help. Canvassers are the most important people in a campaign – except the candidate – because they bring that essential face-to-face contact with a voter. Learn about canvassing goals, approaching voters, what to convey, what happens at the door, and tips for success.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Istanbul

Digital Organizing 101

Time to RESIST! and learn how to build a digital organization plan that is integrated into your political or advocacy plan. You will gain technical skills and become familiar with the building blocks needed to build your digital plan. Participants will learn the dos & don’ts of digital organizing and learn how to use digital tools (email, web, social media, mobile, etc.) and tactics for greater impact. You will build your own digital plan based on a real case study.

Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Statler A

 

Digital Organizing: Amplifying Your Message

Social media can seem daunting to the uninitiated, but it’s a vital organizing and activist tool. Learn the basics of Facebook, Twitter, email, and text messaging in this beginner’s session. Come learn how to present yourself authentically on social media while also learning best practices on how to build, engage, and activate your community both online and offline.

Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Statler A

Don’t Let This Be You: How to Avoid Career-Ending Ethical Mistakes

As women advance, shatter ceilings, and achieve positions of power and influence, the opportunities for ethical and public relations mishaps increase, and the fallout often inflicts harsher consequences on women than men. Women must competently navigate through ethical challenges and effectively manage them. Attendees will learn some techniques in managing public scandals whether they are the focus of the scandal or a member of the team.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Palmer House Room

ERA Call to Action

  • Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives, NY District 12
  • Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, Virginia House of Delegates, D2
  • Carol Jenkins, ERA Coalition
  • Ellie Smeal, Feminist Majority
  • Valerie Kaiser, Dulles Chamber of Commerce
  • Shyamali Hauth, Virginia ERA Advocates

When great minds get together, amazing things can happen. In this panel ERA champions and visionaries will discuss the intersection of elections, activism, and the ERA. Hear how our actions this year in Virginia and around the nation will impact millions of women and girls now and in the future.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Continental Ballroom B

Front Porch Politics: Grassroots Fundraising 101

Participants will learn best practices for fundraising through dynamic audience engagement with a powerful theme. An integral message is key to fundraising and successful campaigns use the same message with their donors as they use with their voters. This workshop provides multiple opportunities for on-your-feet fundraising skill development.

Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Palmer House

Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The Power of Peer-to-Peer Email Fundraising

You have certainly made a donation to a friend or relative who has asked you to support their run against cancer, their walk to end homeless, etc. Why? Because you were probably asked by someone you knew through an unimposing email. Learn about how you can take the power of peer-to-peer email fundraising to elect progressive candidates. There’s no cost, it involves very little time when compared to fundraising events, and nobody ever says “no.”

Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Statler B

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond (LWCC)

We will share the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond (LWCC) experience from an inside-out perspective to help grow or shore-up other grassroots groups. Using one of our most successful educational methods, a “Speed Dating” workshop, we will address such topics as: Building and Structuring Your Grassroots Organization, The Most Effective Way for Grassroots Groups to Help Campaigns, Community Service and Advocacy on a Grassroots Level, and Organizing Grassroots Volunteers from Parades to Polling Places.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Continental Ballroom C

High Stakes Performance: How Women of Power Must Navigate, Negotiate and Speak Differently to be Heard

Are you a Woman of Power? If asked that question would you answer differently based on context? I developed The High Stakes Performance℠(HSP) method, which teaches individuals to function under acute stress, and guess what? 99% of my clients are men. However, my research on women shows that 98% are HSPs. In this workshop you will learn why most women hide their power and how to use it to outsmart our current political circumstances.

Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Int. Ballroom B

Intersectional Justice: Bringing Economic, Environmental, & Social Justice through the Green New Deal

We cannot simply defend the same neoliberal ideas which created our current economic and social disparities. Green New Deal Virginia is an opportunity to tackle the twin crises of inequity and climate change at the speed and scale that justice and science demand. This session will focus on leading boldly and how we can bring justice everywhere ensuring that people know what our party stands for leading into November 2019.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Int. Ballroom B

Inviting in Stakeholders: Moms Demand Action Case Study

  • NOTE: Speaker names removed due to online harassment

Join Moms Demand Action leaders from around Virginia for an expert discussion on creating change and developing a roadmap to increase the effectiveness of promoting gun safety legislation. This workshop will include a review of gun safety legislation blocked in Virginia in 2019, our goals for creating change, and how to engage stakeholders in meaningful ways within your organization by using gun violence survivors, affected communities, and student groups as case studies. We will also break into small groups to brainstorm on how to increase the diversity and effectiveness of your efforts.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Stevens A&B

Leadership Development: Becoming the Activist You Want to Be

Movements are made of leaders like you! We all have things we are great at that can contribute to a political movement, but we also have things that keep us from reaching our full potential. This session will challenge you to grow into the change agent/leader that you most want to be this year.

Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Stevens A

Leading in Your Community

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.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Statler A

Leading with New Power – Double Session

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. In contrast, we’ll bring in examples of old power values and the differences between these two notions of power and blending the two together to form impactful developments in our own communities.
Double Session 2:45-5:30pm | Int. Ballroom A

Liberating Our Youth

While most common oppressions, such as racism, sexism and classism, are widely acknowledged and fought, one oppression remains nearly untouched. This is the oppression of young people—all young people. Children and teenagers are viewed as inferior to adults and denied basic liberties under the law. This workshop will be a roundtable discussion about the oppression youth face and the steps we can take to end it.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Las Vegas

 

Listening: The Activists’s Superpower

Activists are so passionate about their cause or candidate that they are always bursting at the seams to share what they know and press a piece of “lit” into someone’s hand. But as we all know, passion is not enough. More people with more passion and funds are not enough. During this interactive workshop, you will have a full-body listening experience strengthening your listening muscles in ways that support every area of your life.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Stevens A

Lobbying Like a Pro: Secrets to Strategy, Organizing and Communication that will Transform Your Ideas into Law

This workshop features legislators, lobbyists and General Assembly staff giving you tips and tricks for effective lobbying. Professional lobbyists spend years learning how to best influence legislation. That’s why corporations and other special interests have such power in Richmond.This workshop will explain the process of drafting legislation, what influences legislators (and what doesn’t) and how you can work the system for the best results.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Istanbul

 

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy

The cultural stigma around menstruation has impeded the implementation of good public policy, allowing the fundamental needs of the impoverished to be ignored. We need to address why menstrual supplies are not provided as freely as other products our society deems “essential.” Communities should continue to focus on practical solutions; however, we also need smart public policy mandates to regulate government, corporations, businesses, schools, prisons, and jails. Join us to learn about the evolution of the Menstrual Equity Movement and how a partnership between grassroots advocates, educators and students, and state legislators successfully created sustainable, long term, institutional change in Virginia.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Continental Ballroom B

 

Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties

For grassroots resistance groups in Virginia’s red and purple counties building an enduring organization is a challenge. This workshop offers the opportunity to learn about ways to recruit new members, promote activities, and work effectively with local democrats. Topics discussed will include telling a story about a successful event, activity, and campaign; effective newsletters; and techniques for recruiting new members. Participants will join in a roundtable discussion to share thoughts, ideas, and strategies of what is working in red and purple districts. Together we can take back power.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | HHonors
Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | HHonors
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | HHonors

 

Pro-Choice Proud! Session 1

  • Jane Materna, Network NOVA and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation Board Member
  • Galina Varchena, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
  • Virginia League of Planned Parenthood

Reproductive rights are under attack in Virginia and across this nation. Together we will take a deeper dive into why anti-choice politicians have launched a disinformation campaign on reproductive rights, and explore how we can reclaim the narrative using facts and values-driven messaging and what’s at stake for Virginians in the upcoming General Assembly session. 
Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Int. Ballroom C

 

Pro-Choice Proud! Session 2

Do you feel comfortable talking about abortion? During this workshop you will learn best practices on how to effectively communicate and be persuasive on the issues of reproductive healthcare, including abortion. You will learn how to use values driven messaging when having these often, uncomfortable conversations and how to best “win people over.” However one may feel about abortion, you will learn how to remove any judgement or shame from the conversation in order to bring the conversation back to the principles and values of love, freedom, and mutual respect. 
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Int. Ballroom C

Raising Serious Money for Progressive Candidates – Double Session

This session will cover how a group of volunteers raised over a million dollars for progressive candidates. If you are serious about raising serious money, this workshop is for you.
Double Session 2:45-5:30pm | Mobley

 

Social Advocacy and Organizing

Social media is a powerful tool for advocacy and for organizing activists but only with the right strategy and tactics. This workshop digs into those strategies and tactics.

Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Amphitheater 

Sparking Real Change through Conscious Leadership

Developing mindful and conscious leaders can spark real change in business, communities, and society and increase the effectiveness of business processes, political campaigns, and promotion of humanitarian issues. The workshop will cover: 1) Current trends, opportunities, and benefits of mindfulness practices and their roles in corporate leadership, advocacy work, and politics; 2) Specific mindfulness practices that benefit corporate and civic leaders; and 3) Case studies on how developing more conscious/mindful leaders can lead to more effective leadership.
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Stevens B

 

States – the Path to Progressive and Inclusive Democracy

State house candidates are under-funded and under-supported and yet in supporting these candidates grassroot efforts can have the greatest impact. This workshop focuses on how to help Virginia state candidates with policy research. No matter what is happening in the Presidential race, State House and Senate races can have decisive impacts on key issues: Roe v Wade; relevance of the Electoral College; Medicare expansion; value of education; stopping the ravages of global warming; and preservation of crucial areas of our democracy.
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Fowler

 

Strategic Advocacy for Everyday People

Drafting legislation, lobbying, directing media attention, and testifying in committees are a few ways everyday people can have a strong impact on the General Assembly Session. This interactive training provides an education in Virginia’s law-making process through the eyes of an advocate and equips attendants with tools to influence state leaders of all levels. In addition to practical simulations, this workshop provides an “advocacy manual” for attendants to reference for future action.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Las Vegas

 

Sustaining the Resistance Movement – Developing Priorities and Strategies

Recently conducted research on the Virginia Grassroots Movement will be used to frame discussions among grassroots group leaders about priority actions and strategies for sustaining the movement. Topics to be discussed include: 1) group leadership and structure, 2) skill-building, 3) cross-group collaboration, and 4) strategic communications. Make new connections with other grassroots leaders and help develop a long-term action plan!
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Continental Ballroom C

 

Take Your Canvassing Up a Notch

31st St. Swing Left has developed techniques for greater “front porch” engagement with potential voters. Learn appropriate conversational techniques based on the individual’s stance on the candidate. Participants will role play differing stances and techniques in simulated canvassing encounters. We’ll assume that participants are familiar with the purpose and mechanics of canvassing so that we can get right to interaction.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Palmer House Room

 

Taking Back Power

What’s the plan to win back the majority in the 2019 campaign in Virginia? For Democrats to take the whole “enchilada” we must have a strategic plan that’s effectively implemented to mobilize and engage voters to increase turnout at the polls. Businesses fail because they lack proper planning, strong leadership or adequate funding, and so do political campaigns. Are we ready to win it? Join the discussion on strategy and tactics with lead groups working to take back power everywhere.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm | Continental Ballroom C

 

The Shocking Truth of Income Inequality

This workshop will explore the change of income for people in our nation over the last 37 years and how the 2017 tax law has made it worse. This is headline making information that ALL of us interested in politics must know…so we can change it!
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Continental Ballroom B

Using Your Grassroots Power: How to Lobby Your Elected Representatives

  • Sarah Karush, Citizens’ Climate Lobby
  • Joshua Goodman, Citizens’ Climate Lobby
  • Scott Emery, Zero Carbon Virginia/Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization focused on national climate policy. Our respectful approach is designed to create a broad, lasting foundation for climate action. In this session, we’ll explain CCL’s four levers of political will—lobbying, media relations, grassroots outreach, and chapter development—and take a deeper dive into lobbying. Attendees will participate in a mock lobby meeting.
Breakout #2 2:45-4:15pm | Stevens B

Virginians for Fair Redistricting: “Taking Back Our Voice”

  • Brian Cannon, OneVirginia2021
  • Katie Fahney, Voters Not Politicians/The People
  • Dina Butcher, Badass Grandma
  • Ellen Chaffee, Badass Grandma

Gerrymandering gags local residents from having a real voice in the voting process. This session will address 1) where Virginia’s redistricting process stands, 2) where we go from here in the legislature, 3) the grassroots path forward, and 4) what do the new maps mean. Find out how we can take back our voice through redistricting.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm |Amphitheater

We’re here. What’s next? Moving from Representation to Storytelling in the Political Space

In this session, Dr. James will share interactive case studies detailing the journey of six women executives in the public sector, highlighting their struggles with authenticity and narrative breakthroughs. Session participants will explore their own narratives by identifying the purpose and value in their stories, practicing storytelling techniques designed to foster authentic connections with their constituents, and engaging in discussion about the challenges women in politics encounter when speaking their truth publicly.
Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | Statler B

What’s Your Story? Using Your Story to Increase Your Impact

Whether it is an audience of one or 1,000, your ability to connect can make the difference between success and failure, and action and apathy. An authentic, well-told story that reveals the heart of your cause or your position is the best way to connect with your audience. Your story can increase your influence and move your audience to action. Your success can also be sabotaged by a hidden, limiting story you believe about yourself. Working on one story without addressing the other shortchanges both you and your audience. Learn how to identify and transform both stories and achieve the impact you desire.
Breakouts #2 2:45-4:15pm | San Francisco

Where Technology and Politics Intersect

As technology improves, one industry has been largely left behind: politics. But there are many opportunities for the two to intersect offering ways to interact with our legislators, mobilize for candidates, and inform ourselves on the issues. How do we optimize it and use it for the benefit of citizens? In this workshop we will discuss the history of technology in politics, explore some current platforms, and brainstorm ideas for the future.
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Statler B

 

Women’s Safety Workshop

Almost daily the media report stories of attacks on women and girls. Those who fight back are more likely to get away, yet without some form of training, it’s hard to know what to do. Join us for an invigorating workshop where you will learn how to fight back. The workshop will include safety tips and empowering self-defense techniques. Bring your sense of humor and a sense of adventure!
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Istanbul

Working on the Hill

This interactive session will cover the 3 P’s of working on the Hill—politics, policy, and process—with a savy Capitol Hill staffer. You will learn firsthand about the policy-making process, setting a legislative agenda, and nuts & bolts of working in a fast pace environment 24/7.
Breakouts #1 11-12:15pm |Fowler

 

Your Money, Your Power

Money is power, and I want you—a progressive woman activist—to have more of it. Combat the gender gap in fundraising and political power through strategies to earn more, build wealth, spend effectively, and give efficiently. We will use role play and group discussion to grow the power of the purse and to vote with our dollars—not just in campaign season, but throughout our lives.
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | San Francisco

Your Rhythms of Thriving- Self-Care for Activists

In this session we will discuss all of the ways to take care of your energy so that you can serve the things you believe in with your full vitality. This session will include discussion, simple yoga and breathing practices, and some journaling. All participants will leave with a clear plan of self-care that you can incorporate into your busy and full lives.
Breakouts #3 4:15-5:30pm | Las Vegas

 

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Network NoVA

Our mission is to connect with others in Northern Virginia and beyond for the purpose of promoting the democratic values of equality, justice, and human rights by creating opportunities for political engagement and civic participation to educate, engage, and empower voters, candidates, and elected officials. We strive to strengthen partnerships and build broad coalitions to continue the progress of winning back electoral power for the democratic party. We do not endorse candidates in the primary process unless the candidate is unopposed.

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