Day of All People of Faith at the Virginia General Assembly
(formerly Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian Day)

Cost: $15.00 includes lunch

Join us for the Day of All People of Faith on February 1, 2006 at the Virginia General Assembly.  This is a scheduled Advocacy Day for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a time to LEARN, PRAY and ACT.

Registration begins at 8:00 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church across from the Capitol in Richmond. The day-long event affirms the work of the faith community to fulfill its mission to unite people of faith to build a more just and sustainable Commonwealth. We have many opportunities for the novice and experienced advocate alike including three tracks matching your level of comfort:

MORNING ACTIVITIES WITH THREE OPTIONS
1) Introducing Advocacy - experiencing state government for the first time including a tour of the Capitol, contact with helpful guides, and a behind the scenes look at the General Assembly. This track is best for interested citizens with little or no experience in legislative advocacy. Beginners will first participate in a guided tour of the General Assembly Building and observe a committee meeting. Then, in a VA Civics crash course, participants will learn about the GA structure and “how a bill becomes a law.” The group will conclude the morning with a tour of the Capitol area facilities. committees.

2) Legislative Immersion - education about the legislative process and how to participate as a person of faith. This track is for those who have a grasp of VA Civics, but don’t feel quite ready to advocate issues with their legislators. The Intermediates will accompany the Beginners on the guided tour of the GA and observe a committee meeting. Then, participants at this level will break way to meet with former legislators and seasoned lobbyists to learn about what takes place “behind the scenes” to bring together legislators, administration and lobbyists.

3) Influencing the Agenda - faithful citizens engaged in advocacy together.  The “Advocacy” track is for those who feel ready to meet with their legislators or aides to discuss current issues. The Advocates will have an issue briefing before heading to the GA Building to meet in groups with legislators or aides. [The Interfaith Center staff is available to make legislative appointments or you may make appointments on your own.  Please let the office know if you need us to do this.]

ATERNOON EVENTS FOR ALL:
At noon, the groups will observe the opening of the session (House of Delegates or Senate), then return to St. Paul's for lunch.  Afternoon activities for will consist of debriefing the morning activities and a training session on interacting with legislative committees.  We will be joined by representatives of organizations with whom we frequently interact!

Register online by scrolling up to the reservation section [upper right corner of this page].  Answer "yes" and click the RSVP button.  Participants may register by phone or email below.

Payment will be accepted online by credit card, by check via mail, and by check at the door.   Make checks payable to Virginia Interfaith Center, P.O. Box 12516, Richmond, VA 23241.

For more information, please contact Margaret:
Phone: 804-643-2474
E-mail: Margaret@virginiainterfaithcenter.org