2026 Day of Action at the VA General Assembly
Calling all advocates from Virginia’s sexual and domestic violence agencies! Join us on February 5th for our annual DAY OF ACTION in Richmond!
Sexual and domestic violence agencies (SDVAs) have been reliably funded by federal dollars for decades, making it possible for the state to benefit from services without paying for them….but this is not the case anymore. Virginia’s share of federal VOCA funding has plummeted to an all-time low of $11.2M, only supplemented by $8M in state funding. This has led to widespread cuts to services. We are asking policy leaders for an additional $8.55 million in state funding that, when combined with current state and federal funds, will restore Virginia to a total of $27.75M/year for sexual and domestic violence services. Come make some noise with us!
Learn more about our $8.55 million funding ask here.
This event is focused on meeting with your state legislators (Senators and Delegates) to advocate for shared funding and legislative priorities. While we encourage in-person attendance, we understand that winter travel in Virginia can be challenging. Therefore, this event is open to in-person and virtual attendees throughout Virginia. If you would like support setting up in-person or virtual meetings with your state legislators, please indicate this during registration.
Additionally, a free legislative briefing webinar (75 mins) will be held for all registrants on February 3rd at 2pm. The Zoom link and calendar invite for this briefing will be provided upon completion of registration.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 2pm – 3:15pm
Day of Action Legislative Briefing Webinar
Zoom webinar
This is an opportunity to connect with the Action Alliance policy team before your Day of Action meetings with legislators! During this time, we will provide tips on meeting with your legislators, a briefing on shared funding and legislative priorities, review day-of logistics, and answer any questions from advocates. Registration is free and the Zoom link is provided upon registering for the Day of Action.
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7am-2pm
Day of Action at the General Assembly!
General Assembly Building
201 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
*Action Alliance staff will be available to help you prep for or debrief meetings, or just to connect and relax at Commonwealth Strategy Group offices located at 118 N 8th St, Richmond, VA 23219 (1 1/2 blocks from the General Assembly Building)
Looking for a hotel? Here are some great options nearby! (In order from closest to furthest)
500 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
7 min (0.3 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
501 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
7 min (0.3 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
100 South 12th St, Richmond, VA 23219
11 min (0.4 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
1320 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
13 min (0.5 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
100 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
13 min (0.6 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Holiday Inn Express: Richmond – Downtown
201 East Cary Street Richmond, VA 23219
15 min (0.7 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
301 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
19 min (0.9 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
How do I schedule visits with my legislators?
You can find contact for your state Delegate and Senator by using the Who’s My Legislator webpage (https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/) We recommend you start calling/emailing to schedule your visits as soon as you are able! Those who have scheduled meetings with legislators and their staff will have the opportunity to hold a 10-30-minute meeting to share your views on relevant issues. Because the meetings are brief, it can be helpful to practice what you want to say and how to say it both concisely and powerfully.
Will I go to legislative meetings by myself?
Staff from each program/group should attend meetings together. Action Alliance staff may also be available to attend meetings with you. Please notify us if you would like to be accompanied by an Action Alliance staff member.
Where are meetings held?
Meetings with legislators are scheduled to be held in their offices. Senate and House offices are in the General Assembly Building at 923 E. Broad St. Senate offices are generally larger and able to accommodate larger groups, whereas House offices are often smaller. Please keep in mind that space may be limited. You may have a special room to meet in, however, some meetings may be in a reception area or even standing in a hallway. When you arrive to your meeting, let the receptionist know who you are and that you are here for a scheduled meeting with the Delegate or Senator.
Will I have to go through security?
Everyone entering the General Assembly Building and the Capitol must go through a metal detector, similar to security checkpoints at airports. Security lines can be longer in the morning and we suggest that you place all metal objects, including keys, pens, and cellular phones, in your purse or bag for easy screening. You will not be allowed to bring in the following items: aerosol containers, pointed objects (i.e., knitting needles), mace or pepper spray, knives, and non-aerosol spray. You should allow a minimum of 5 minutes to get through security before the start time of your meetings.
Is the Capitol wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Capitol and General Assembly Building are both ADA compliant.