2025 Day of Action at the VA General Assembly
Calling all advocates from Virginia’s sexual and domestic violence agencies! Join us on January 29 and January 30 for our annual DAY OF ACTION in Richmond!
We need your voice now more than ever!
Local agencies providing life-saving services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and trafficking are facing a financial crisis like we’ve never seen. Drastic and ongoing cuts to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program have resulted in a $22.5 million dollar reduction in awards to Virginia in just the last 5 years (federal fiscal years 2020-2024). The portion of these funds that go to Virginia’s 70+ sexual and domestic violence agencies, to ensure frontline, 24/7 crisis response to victims in communities, has been cut by a whopping 54%, or $13.5 million dollars, in the last 5 years alone (state fiscal years 2020-2025).
As a result of these ongoing and devastating cuts, the community safety-net for victims is rapidly eroding. But we can turn this around. Virginia must continue to PUT VICTIMS FIRST.
In 2025, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is asking policy leaders for $8.25 million in state funding that, when combined with current state funds and projected VOCA funds, will restore Virginia to a total of $27.75M/year for sexual and domestic violence services.
Register here to rally for sustainable, robust, and effective responses for victims in our communities!
Schedule of Events
Wednesday January 29th
211 E. Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Parking lot on-site with overflow street parking
2pm Registration
2:30pm Welcome
2:45pm Legislative Advocacy Primer
3:30pm Break
3:45pm Briefing on 2025 Legislative Priorities and talking points
4:30pm Legislative meeting practice runs
5pm Happy hour reception w/hors d’oeuvres, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and special guests
6pm Check into hotels, get dinner in town (see recommendation list!), and get a good night’s sleep!
Thursday January 30th
General Assembly Building
201 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
7am – Noon Legislative visits (made in advance with your legislator)
*Action Alliance staff available throughout the day on 1st floor of General Assembly Building in Cafeteria
Want Action Alliance staff to attend your visits with you? Let us know during checkout/registration.
Registration price: free, includes legislative primer for advocates, briefing on policy and budget priorities, and an advocacy happy hour with special guests
Looking for a hotel? Here are some great options nearby! (In order of price from lowest to highest)
100 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
13 min (0.6 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $136 per night
Holiday Inn Express: Richmond – Downtown
201 East Cary Street Richmond, VA 23219
15 min (0.7 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $138 per night
301 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
19 min (0.9 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $149 per night
100 South 12th St, Richmond, VA 23219
11 min (0.4 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $162 per night
1320 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
13 min (0.5 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $248 per night
500 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
7 min (0.3 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $282 per night
501 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
7 min (0.3 mile) walk to General Assembly Building
Rates at $302 per night
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.