January 2, 2021 | Category: Civic Circle, Uncategorized
General Assembly Starts Next Week
The General Assembly starts next week, January 13th. Here are ways to stay tuned and watch live session videos as follow:
To track bills: lis.virginia.gov and to find your legislator: whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov
DACA has been restored! First-time applicants can now apply!
All DACA-eligible undocumented immigrants are now able to apply for DACA. All current DACA recipients are also encouraged to renew their DACA if they have not already done so. The HANA Center is currently providing all services remotely. For more information:
- Call HANA Center at 773-583-5501
- Text HANA’s Immigration & Legal Services Team at 773-917-7856
- Email HANA’s Immigration & Legal Services Team at immigration@hanacenter.org
News
Redistricting
“On Wednesday, a panel of retired judges picked the eight Virginia citizens who will serve on the state’s new redistricting commission, finalizing the group that will handle the important task of redrawing the state’s political maps when new U.S. Census data arrives.” [Virginia Mercury] Read more.
Criminal Justice
“Members of the Virginia Crime Commission voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to endorse legislation stripping all mandatory minimum sentences from state code.” [Virginia Mercury] Read more.
Health
“Gov. Ralph Northam presented last month a single line that his administration says would guarantee that transgender enrollees in Virginia’s expanded Medicaid program have access to gender-affirming care. If the General Assembly agrees to the language, Virginia would become at least the 19th state to explicitly affirm that transgender care is covered by its Medicaid program, according to statistics gathered last year by UCLA School of Law.” [NBC12] Read more.
Virginia Progressive Leadership Project (VAPLP)
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
Development Manager, VCET
We are searching for a full-time Development Manager (DM). This is a newly reimagined position created to build a more intentional fundraising effort at VCET. Under the direction of the Executive Director (ED), the DM will support and execute all fundraising efforts at VCET. The position is based in Richmond, Virginia with flexibility for candidates in other parts of the state, and will be operating remotely until further notice. Please share this widely with folks who are interested and eligible for this position.
Legislative Policy Assistant, New Virginia Majority
New Virginia Majority is seeking 10-12 Legislative Policy Assistants to join their policy team for the 2021 General Assembly Session. Due to COVID-19, the legislative session will be held virtually, with up to six concurrent committee meetings in the House and Senate. Legislative Policy Assistants will play a vital role in advancing NVM’s ten-year vision in this new, virtual environment. Learn more about the position and apply here.
Upcoming Events
All You Need to Know About the General Assembly
January 12 – Progress Virginia is holding a webinar on General Assembly basics to give you the nitty-gritty on everything from who’s in charge to how bills are passed in both chambers of the legislature to what to expect from a virtual session. Register here.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Virtual Day of Action
January 15 – While we won’t be able to gather in person in Richmond during the General Assembly, like in past years, our legislators still need to hear from us about why reproductive rights and freedom are so important to us all. Join Planned Parenthood Advocates of VA the morning of January 15 for a virtual Day of Action kickoff event, and then take action throughout the day on your own time. They’ll provide talking points, contact information for legislators, and shareable graphics. Register here.
5th Annual Brown Virginia Dr. King Day of Action
January 18 – The Dr. King Day of Advocacy is a “Day on the Hill” that gives citizens of Virginia the opportunity to advocate for policies on the state level that impact the communities and citizens of color in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although we cannot gather in person, keeping with the spirit of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, it is our goal to use our virtual platforms to safely bring together civil rights and community organizations for virtual meetings with key legislators and state agency officials to advocate for key legislative and policy priorities impacting communities and citizens of color in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Register here.
Day for All People 2021
January 18-22 – Join people of faith and goodwill from across Virginia to make your voice heard on economic, racial, social, and environmental justice issues. Learn the issues from dynamic speakers and workshops, meet with legislators, and engage with advocates in your region. Register here.
Policy Solutions for Climate Resilience
January 21 – The Creation Justice Ministries is holding a virtual workshop to talk to the Bide transition team and members of the 117th Congress. In this workshop, you’ll learn about legislative and executive opportunities for strengthening community climate resilience and advocacy opportunities for your congregation. Register here.