Put Victims First VA – Day of Action
Calling all advocates from Virginia’s sexual and domestic violence agencies, victim assistance/witness programs, and child advocacy centers! Join us for a DAY OF ACTION in Richmond! We need your voice now more than ever!
Local agencies providing life-saving services for victims of crime are facing a financial crisis like we’ve never seen. In the past 5 years alone, Virginia’s funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) has been cut by a whopping 47.5% and discretionary TANF funding is projected to disappear by FY25. As a result of these ongoing and devastating cuts, the community safety-net for victims is rapidly eroding. But we can turn this around. It’s time for Virginia to PUT VICTIMS FIRST.
PUT VICTIMS FIRST VA campaign is a multi-year strategy to create an all-encompassing and integrative statewide fund that ensures ALL victims of crime can access the services they need.
Join the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, Virginia Victim Assistance Network, and Child Advocacy Centers of Virginia on February 1st as we rally for a sustainable, robust, and effective response for victims in our communities!
Registration price: free, includes breakfast, policy briefing/training, and Gathering in Capitol
Location: Marriott Downtown, 500 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23219 (Need a room? Click here!)
Schedule of Events:
8:00AM Breakfast reception. Continental breakfast, coffee/juice, and refreshments provided.
8: 45AM Legislative training – PUT VICTIMS FIRST VA
10:00AM Scheduled visits with legislators in General Assembly Building (923 E. Broad St)
11:30AM Gather in Capitol to be recognized by Senate and House
Take an easy action! Whether you can or can’t join us for Day of Action, you can let your reps know that we need them to act BIG and act NOW for victims services by participating in this quick and easy action alert: https://actionalliance.salsalabs.org/putvictimsfirstva/index.html
Day of Action FAQs
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.