Redistricting Commission

Last month, Virginia voters approved Amendment 1, creating a redistricting commission for the first time ever. The Virginia Redistricting Commission will be a 16-member Commission tasked with establishing districts for the United States House of Representatives and for the Virginia General Assembly. The Commission consists of eight legislative members and eight citizen members.

Earlier this week, the application to become a citizen member of the Commission was made publicly available. If you’re interested in becoming a member of the new redistricting commission, click here for more information and to apply. 

You can also stay up to date on redistricting by visiting our new webpage. 

Get Out the Vote: Georgia Runoff Elections

Georgia is holding runoff elections for both U.S. Senate seats on January 5, 2021. You can help get out the vote from home by volunteering or donating to our network affiliate ProGeorgia. Visit www.govotega.org to find out the most efficient way to sign up to volunteer.

For a full list of Georgia BIPOC-led voter outreach organizations (created by They See Blue Georgia), click here. 

Film Screening: Coded Bias

We want to invite you to watch the film, Coded Bias. This film sheds light on the threats artificial intelligence poses to civil rights and democracy. It highlights the harm towards communities of color. Consumer Reports is hosting a 2-week virtual screening so you can watch the film anytime between Nov 30-December 14. Please sign up using this link and feel free to share the link with as many people as you like. It is a thought-provoking and important film.

Virginia House of Delegates Going Virtual for 2021 GA Session

Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn announced Virginia’s House of Delegates will meet online for the 2021 General Assembly session that convenes in January. The decision to go virtual was made as a public health safety precaution to avoid the coronavirus pandemic as it has been worsening across the state. [Read more]

Virginia Progressive Leadership Project

We are currently accepting applications for Cohort 7 of the Virginia Progressive Leadership Project. VAPLP is a great way to invest in your leadership development and growth. Nominate a leader or apply today!

Job Opportunities

Redistricting Coordinator, Virginia Civic Engagement Table

The Virginia Civic Engagement Table is searching for a full-time Redistricting Coordinator (RC). This is a term-limited position that will expire on July 30, 2021. The RC will be responsible for the coordination of the Virginia Counts Coalition, which previously focused on the 2020 Census, to lead community engagement, education, and mobilization efforts with coalition members. Learn more about the position here.

Community Organizer, Legal Aid Justice Center

Legal Aid Justice Center seeks a Community Organizer to engage the greater Petersburg community via outreach, active listening, and information-gathering regarding housing, education, and criminal justice issues of importance to areas directly impacted by social, economic, and racial injustice. Learn more about the position here.

Immigration Policy Associate (Two-Year Fellowship), AAJC

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) is hiring an Immigration Policy Associate who will be primarily responsible for assisting the Director of Immigration Advocacy in developing and implementing Advancing Justice | AAJC’s immigration policy priorities and advocacy strategies, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations and civil and human rights. Learn more about the position here.

Hampton Roads Organizer, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia 

The Community Organizer will be responsible for helping PPAV achieve its legislative and grassroots organizing goals. Key areas of focus will include working with the field team at the state office and in affiliates to implement the statewide advocacy field plan; including facilitating lobby days or days of action, coordinating regional phone banks and door-to-door canvassing efforts, doing community outreach, and recruiting and supervising volunteers and interns. Learn more about the position here. 

Political Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia (PPAV)

The Political Director will be responsible for the building and managing of political relationships at the state and regional level and will oversee the strategic engagement of those relationships in order to contribute to PPAV’s efforts and overall success. This position will work closely with several functional areas, including communications and organizing operations, to lead PPAV’s political outreach efforts and advance their mission and policy goals. Learn more about the position here.

Upcoming Events

Youth Crew Up: State of the Sierra Student Coalition, Youth Organizing & THIS Moment!

December 5 – Join Sierra Club to celebrate the Sierra Student Coalition’s highlights of 2020 and share how you can get involved with the community – from their training programs like Sprog and Climate Justice League to our campaigns around the Movement for Black Lives and the Green New Deal. The day will be ended by kicking off the launch of the Sierra Student Coalition’s 30th anniversary. Learn more about the event here.

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia: Power of Choice Gala and Awards Ceremony 

December 9 – Join NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia’s board and staff at this year’s virtual 10th Annual Power of Choice Gala and Awards Ceremony to celebrate  the victories of 2020 with them and get energized for 2021. Get tickets here.

HEAL for Immigrant Women and Families Act 

December 15 – Access to reproductive healthcare should not depend on your documentation status. Join the Latina Institute Virginia on December 15th at 6 pm as they discuss why everyone deserves access to dignified and affordable healthcare. Register here.