Dear ,

I have been reluctant to wade into the gun violence issues – for a couple reasons. I try to keep us focused on our current priorities, so we don’t get spread too thin and we can be effective, and I’ve been concerned about the partisan divides on gun debates. 

But, enough is enough.  

The continued violence is, of course, caused largely by evil and sinfulness, but it is guns that kill people. We must continue to fight against the racism, hatred, and evil that drive the shooters of mass killings, but we also must make it harder for shooters to get such deadly guns, and harder for accidents involving guns to occur. With that in mind, I’m including two resources in my letter today.

We have all felt the weight of recent mass shootings, and many faith leaders have released statements condemning the violence and working toward a more safe and just future. If you are looking for a prayer resource to share with your congregation, below are a few that the VICPP team found meaningful. Click the buttons below to read them. 

This week, we premiered the first video in our PSA (public service announcement) series for our JAB Initiative project. The videos are focused on the principles of ethics in health care as part of our initiative to build vaccine equity during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

The JAB Initiative is a project of VICPP that was made possible by a grant from Community Catalyst as part of its national Vaccine Equity and Access Program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation. 

In this first video, the Honorable Andrea Olivia Bailey, Prince William County Supervisor and Deaconess at First Mount Zion Baptist Church, speaks about the principle of beneficence, and the connection between the medical community's history of harm towards people of color and trust in our delivery of health care.

For more information, visit VICPP's JAB Initiative Resources webpage at:
virginiainterfaithcenter.org/health-equity/jab-initiative

Click the button below or the graphic above to watch the video!

Our 2021 annual report highlights the major legislative and programmatic work of last year with accompanying photos, financials, and includes a shout out to all of the generous and devoted supporters and advocates who make this important work possible. There is also a special tribute to the late Reverend Canon John Fletcher Lowe, Jr., who lived a life of service for the greater good, and continued that legacy even in his passing.   

Click the button below to view our 2021 annual report on our website. If you'd like to receive a printed copy, or for any comments or questions, please email VICPP Director of Communications, Ayesha Gilani Taylor, at: AyeshaGT@virginiainterfaithcenter.org

What and when are VICPP's Living Wage Canvass Days? How can one host a canvass event? What is statewide certification and how does one get it? How can one partner up with local organizations?

In case you missed our recent info session, you can find answers to the above questions and more by watching a video on our YouTube channel. Click the graphic above or CLICK HERE TO WATCH.

Then click the button below or CLICK HERE TO REGISTER to be a part of our Living Wage Canvass Days!

A living wage is the wage needed for an individual or family to thrive and is inclusive of necessary costs like transportation, food, and health care. You can read more about living wages on our website: livingwagevirginia.org

On June 25 and July 30, Virginia Living Wage chapters will be hosting Canvass Days encouraging local businesses to join the Living Wage program. Join one of our four teams in Richmond, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg-Rockingham, or Northern Virginia, or convene a new team to participate in the work Statewide. (Click the underlined city names in blue font in the previous sentence to read more about the Living Wage certification programs in those particular areas.)  

All materials will be provided. We especially encourage folks to join with a group or bring a friend. Click the button below to register for the June 25 Canvass Day (which takes place from 10 am to 1 pm) and more information will be provided to you closer to the event day! 

There is a shortage of affordable housing all over the commonwealth of Virginia, and many congregations are working to change that. Join us for a webinar on July 14 to hear from congregations and nonprofits on how they have built affordable housing, as well as other ways to collaborate and support people in need. Want more details? Click the button below to register! 

Mark your calendars now to join us again for our free virtual film series in July as we dig deeper into the priority issues on our 2023 policy platform. Four provocative films followed by a discussion with special guests. Every Monday in July starting at 6 pm. We are in the process now of confirming the lineup, but the topics are slated to include white supremacist violence (July 4), implicit bias in maternal health care (July 11), worker fights for paid sick days (July 18) and cash bail reform (July 25). Registration opens soon. Stay tuned!