Dear ,

Living in a football household taught me something powerful about preparation. Every Friday night, as I watched my son take the field, I marveled at the hours of preparation behind those moments of success.  He spent hours each week studying game films, mastering plays, and crafting winning strategies against each opponent. 

This same strategic mindset transformed my approach to parenting. When planning outings with my daughter when she was a toddler, I learned that a little preparation goes a long way. Extra snacks? Check. Backup clothes? Check. Entertainment arsenal of coloring books and activities? Double check. Those extra steps weren't just helpful. Those extra steps weren't just helpful, they were game-changers that turned potential chaos into smooth sailing.

As Virginia kicks off early voting this Friday, September 19th, it's time to bring that championship-level preparation to your civic participation! Just like any successful game plan, voting requires strategy, timing, and preparation. 

With Governor Youngkin's recent Executive Order 53 initiating voter roll updates so close to early voting, there's a chance some eligible voters might face unexpected hurdles. But here's the good news: with the right preparation, you'll be ready for anything! 

Your Three-Step Victory Plan 

Step 1: Confirm You're in the Game - Verify your voter registration status right now 

• Click the link below to check your registration
• Do this today! Don't wait until you're at the polls 

Step 2: Choose Your Playing Field - Locate your early voting site 

• Find the most convenient location for your schedule 
• Note the address and operating hours  

Step 3: Pick Your Winning Date - Mark your calendar for early voting 

• Early voting period: September 19th through November 1st 
• Choose a date that works best for you 
• Pro tip: Weekend dates often have shorter lines! 

Just like those Friday night football games, success comes to those who prepare. Take these three steps today, and you'll walk into your polling location with confidence, knowing you're fully prepared to make your voice heard. Ready to execute your voting game plan? The field is open, and early voting starts Friday! 

Yours in Solidarity, 
Keisha 

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director 

Join us at Jennie Dean Elementary School, 9601 Prince William St Manassas, VA 20110. This is a valuable opportunity to hear from candidates running for House Districts 19 through 25 and learn about their platforms. Whether you're passionate about local issues or simply want to stay informed, your voice and presence matter. 

Join us at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Rd. in Henrico, for a candidate forum featuring House of Delegates candidates. Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center, will moderate the event. Everyone is welcome to join us for this important conversation.

Join neighbors and changemakers for a day of civic action in Petersburg to learn skill-building, community power, and effective organizing. This teach-in equips you with tools to take action and empower local voters to GET OUT THE VOTE. Complimentary breakfast and lunch served but you must register. Interpretation available in English and Spanish. 

Inspired by our summer workshops for congregations considering developing affordable housing, VICPP will host an online workshop on October 2. It is open to all individuals and faith communities that want to support affordable housing and focused on partnership and advocacy at both the local and state level. Hear from experts in the field and get equipped for action! 

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, the new executive director of VICPP, continues her tour to the Goochland/Manakin-Sabot area near Richmond. Hear about VICPP’s work on justice issues like maternal health, prison education, housing, and workers’ rights—and meet the first African American to lead the organization

VICPP is partnering with Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond, and Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha to invite dharma practitioners from across the Commonwealth (Buddhists, Hindus, and others) for a day of connection, reflection, and public presence. 

We will gather at Richmond Hill, share in a lunch (vegetarian, vegan, diary-free, and gluten-free options available), then take a silent, meditative walk down to the lawn near the Virginia General Assembly building. The route is about a mile each way. This is not a protest, but a peaceful expression of our shared values. 

Our hope is to document the event and inspire future conversations and action around the role of interfaith organizing and statewide advocacy. The purpose is to demonstrate that our dharma communities are present, connected, and committed to building a more just and compassionate Virginia 

Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked with our staff during our Summer of Service. We are extremely grateful for all of your help! 

• Fran Brokaw 
• Kay Frances Dolan 
• Nicole Deyo 
• Jim Vigan 
• Adrian Luxmoore 
• Louise Werner 
• Sheryl Luebke 

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