Dear ,

The General Assembly begins a little more than a month from now, and our Day for All People advocacy day is soon thereafter – on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. 

Our Day for All People is truly as the title describes. It is a Day – For – All – People. Everyone is invited and we advocate on behalf of all people in the Commonwealth, especially those who have low incomes, are incarcerated, discriminated against, or marginalized in some way. When I first joined VICPP, I thought it was a weird event title. I’ve come to appreciate it - an advocacy day to invite all and speak for all.

For the last two years, our event has been virtual. I’m proud of how we pivoted and used electronic platforms to keep pushing ahead. But we will be back in person this year and I’m super excited about seeing people. We appreciate that some people may still not be comfortable being in person and so the two plenaries will be offered virtually.

If you’ve never been to a Day for All People advocacy day, let me describe what happens: 

• You get up at the crack of dawn to get to Richmond (if you are from outside Richmond) or you arrive the night before and stay with friends. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Hot donuts from a donut truck and coffee will be a newly added feature – a thank you for getting up so early! VICPP has chartered buses from NOVA and Tidewater. After you register, you can register additionally for a spot on one of the buses. The buses are free on a first-come, first-serve basis, although you’ll be asked to contribute towards a tip for the driver. Thanks to Centenary United Methodist Church (411 E. Grace St., Richmond) for hosting us again. 
  
  
• 8:30 a.m. – Opening plenary, reviewing policy priorities 
  
  
• 9:30 a.m. – Walk to the General Assembly office building (or ride there in one of the buses) 
  
  
• 10 a.m. – Meet with your Senator (or Legislative Aide) 
  
  
• 10:30 or 10:45 a.m. – Meet with your Delegate (or Legislative Aide) 
  
  
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Walk (or take bus) back to Centenary, write thank you notes, grab boxed lunches (all halal meats and veggie options), regional meetings 
  
  
• 12:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. – Workshops – each person can attend two 
  
  
• 2:30 p.m. – Closing plenary 
  
  
• 3:15 p.m. – Head home, via buses, cars, or other 

It is a long day for those from out of town (and my staff), but it is a rewarding experience, and it really matters. The presence of so many advocates talking with legislators helps move our policy priorities.

The early-bird registration, which offers a $10 discount ($30 instead of $40), is available until the end of December, but why not register today? Click here to register now. Anyone who wants to join us and can’t afford the registration fee is invited to come for free – money should not be a barrier. It really helps my professional staff team if you can register sooner rather than later because we can print documents and schedule legislative appointments ahead of time. 

Please register today. We look forward to seeing you.

Thank you. 

 
Sincerely,

Kim Bobo
Executive Director

Subcontracted Dulles (IAD) and National (DCA) airport workers are living in one of the most expensive areas in the nation while making less than the Washington, D.C. minimum wage. Many have lost their lives due to COVID-19 and/or the lack of access to health care.

VICPP's report, 'Subcontracted, Not Second Class' (click HERE to read it) further highlights the need for workers to have affordable employer-provided health care, paid sick leave, and livable wages.

The Metro Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) has the ability to set a standard that would allow workers to protect themselves, their families, and airline passengers. VICPP has sent this report and recommendations to MWAA but has yet to receive a response.

It is time for action. Join members of SEIU 32BJ, elected officials, and people of faith on December 8 for a rally to support subcontracted workers' demands.

Where: US Capitol Grounds, First St. SE, Washington D.C. 20004 (exact meeting location to come)
When: Thursday, December 8 @ 3:30 p.m.

Click the button below to register!

Bon Secours Richmond Hospital system is hosting the final of four listening sessions in response to the scathing articles in the New York Times (click here to read) and Richmond Times Dispatch (see recent articles at the bottom of this newsletter) about its use of the 430B drug programs, designed to give health clinics and hospitals serving low-income communities the opportunities to purchase prescription drugs at a discount, enabling them to reinvest those “profits” in serving low-income people. The Richmond Coalition for Health Equity is calling for 100 percent of the profits to be reinvested in serving low-income people in the region and for full transparency around usage of the funds.

The last listening session is scheduled for 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 13 at the Sarah Garland Jones Center at 2600 Nine Mile Road in Richmond. Please register by sending an email to Page_Estes@bshsi.org or by clicking the button below.

In addition to the Dec. 8 event taking place in support of airport workers, VICPP will be hosting a forum to highlight the stories of airport workers in collaboration with Cornerstones. Whether you are familiar with the issue or curious about learning more, we welcome all people of faith and goodwill to join us in supporting our neighbors' right to live and work in dignity. 

When: December 15, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
Where: United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20191 
 
Click the button below to register! 

We are bringing back our Social Media Team this year. We are asking for volunteers who will agree to post daily (Monday through Friday) during the General Assembly using a draft posting we will send you. This is very effective so rally up everyone you can and sign up! A massive thank you to those of you who have already signed up! If you can help with the Social Media Team, email Director of Communications, Ayesha Taylor, at: AyeshaGT@virginiainterfaithcenter.org
You can also click the button below to do so.

The 2022-2023 Holiday Advocacy Calendar is ready for sharing! Our team has put together an interfaith calendar marking the festivities of the next few months, along with a series of actions you can take to make sure justice plays a role in your celebrations. Please share widely, in your congregation’s newsletter or bulletin boards, and with friends. Check it out and enjoy the festivities! Simply click the button below and be sure to share the link!

VICPP's Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to review the organization's accomplishments, its finances, its staff and board members, and its future directions. All members are invited to participate. The meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom, so people from all over the Commonwealth can participate.

Students of Virginia -- Join us to learn the legislative process in Virginia and how to advocate with your elected representatives! Come into Richmond Thursday evening (Feb. 2) for dinner with legislators, an overview of how to lobby, and a social time. Friday morning (Feb. 3), we will start the day with an opportunity to meet with your representatives in the General Assembly. Afterwards, we will have lunch and workshops on how to bring advocacy to campus, and standing up for justice in various spheres. Keep an eye out for workshop registrations coming soon! 

* Bonus: We're working with some universities for professors to offer class credit when you attend this event! Check with your professor to find out if you qualify*

Questions? Email VICPP New Leadership Development Organizer Dr. Terri Erwin at: Terri@virginiainterfaithcenter.org

Click the button below for event info and to register!

For a more comprehensive list of upcoming events, please click the button below to check out the VICPP Events webpage.  

Opinion
The health care affordability burden
Column: Hospitals’ exploitation of safety programs must stop

Richmond Times-Dispatch, Dec. 3, 2022

By Peter Pitts

Bon Secours transferred millions out of Richmond Community Hospital, records show

Richmond Times-Dispatch, Dec. 2, 2022

By Luca Powell