Voices’ Blog

Preparing to Speak Up During the 2019 GA Session – #Voices4Kids

Posted:  -  By: Chlo'e Edwards

Prepare to Speak Up During the 2019 General Assembly Session – #Voices4Kids

Although January feels a long way away, the 2019 Virginia General Assembly Session will be here before we know it. The legislative session begins January 9th in Richmond. Voices is currently preparing our legislative agenda, talking points, and advocacy opportunities. We hope that you will join us to advocate for improvements in child welfare and children’s mental health, access to early childhood education and policy innovations that are trauma-informed. View our Campaign for a Trauma-Informed Virginia Unified Agenda here.

To prepare for the legislative session you can:

    1. View our 30 minute “Advocacy 101” webinar—This webinar covers the legislative process in Virginia, tips for meeting with your legislator and help telling your story.
    2. Review our Legislative Advocacy Guide—The go-to resource for the legislative and budget process in Virginia
    3.  View our tools for advocates here.
    4. Attend an Advocacy Training hosted by one of our partners!
    • Richmond: December 11th 1:00- 4:00 PM with Families Forward and Greater Richmond SCAN at Henrico Child Advocacy Center. Register here.

2019 Budget Hearings

Legislators need to hear from you that their investments in kids are working to ensure Virginia is on a path toward prosperity. If you can testify in support our Unified Policy Agenda, Voices staff will be at each budget-hearing location and can help you with day-of details and your talking points. The purpose of the hearings is to receive comments on the governor’s proposed 2019-20 biennial state budget. Anyone wishing to speak may register at each hearing site no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the hearing.

See the official hearings notice here. Register to participate in the budget hearings here. 

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