Dear ,

May 1st is International Workers’ Day, a time when many countries around the world celebrate the hard work and contributions of workers. This holiday also serves as a reminder of the importance of the fight for worker justice and the need for fair employment practices and policies. This celebration began in the late 19th century, when workers demanded the institution of an eight-hour workday.   

The Virginia Interfaith Center continues to fight for worker justice for all Virginians. We recognize that a key component of a thriving workforce is affordable, quality child care. The median annual cost for child care services in Virginia in 2024 ranged from $14,560 for preschool to $18,759 for infants. If a family depends on only the wages of one full-time parent earning the minimum wage in Virginia ($12.41 per hour), that parent would need to spend 56% to 72% of their annual income on child care - per child.  

VICPP is part of the Virginia Promise Partnership coalition, and we share the bold goal of ensuring every Virginia family can obtain quality, affordable child care by 2030.  

Join us today in our fight for affordable, quality child care. Here are some concrete ways you can take action: 

• If your congregation or place of worship has a child care center or is affiliated with a child care vendor, encourage them to become a Child Care Subsidy Provider. Join VICPP for a Zoom call on May 12th at 11:00 am to learn more!  *** Click here to register for Zoom call ***
  
  
• Honor early child care educators in your congregation or place of worship. Download a PDF of VICPP’s Interfaith Litany for Child Care Workers in your community.  *** Click to download Litany ***
  

• If you are an individual or family that depends on quality and affordable child care, please engage in advocacy and civic engagement events. Child care issues will be on the ballot during this election year.  
  Download info. from the Virginia Promise Partnership on how to get involved. *** Click for VA Promise Civic Engagement info. ***

In Solidarity, 

Keisha Cook, Executive Director  
Ramón Zepeda Ramos, Economic Justice Organizer 

Thank you to Glorya Jordan, RN, for partnering with VICPP to engage the community around Medicaid access at First Mount Zion Baptist Church’s annual health fair. We’re grateful to the church for the invitation and for creating space to connect with residents about vital health resources.

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic, racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.