8:30 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

9:30 a.m.

Opening Keynote

10:15 a.m.

Breakout Session 1

How to Advocate: Virginia Legislative Session 101
Engaging in Virginia’s legislative process can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. Come learn about the basics of the process, ways to advocate, and how you can make a difference.

Virginia’s Role in Creating Great Schools for Every Student
Thanks to the hard work of students, teachers, and parents, many of Virginia’s students are doing well despite the tremendous challenges of the past few years. But the state isn’t doing its part to make sure every student in every zip code has access to a great education. We’ll discuss the importance of Virginia’s public schools and the need for full, equitable resources.

Focusing on the Black Immigrant Experience
Black immigrants living in Virginia are vital to enriching and sustaining communities. We’ll take a closer look at the significant differences and shared experiences among people at the intersection of race and immigration status as well as policies that can break down the barriers to opportunity for our neighbors.

11:15 a.m.

Fireside Chat: Economic Policy Solutions to Meet this Moment
The economy is doing well only when people and our communities are doing well. With federal programs aimed at lifting up families expiring, this fireside chat will bring national, state, and local experts to share how progressive policy options can meet the moment we are facing.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

12:30 p.m.

Breakout Session 2

Advancing Tax Justice in 2023 and Beyond: How Virginia Can Fund a Future Where All of Us Can Thrive
When we invest in the foundations of our communities, we all thrive. Like states across our country, Virginia is approaching a time when federal aid will run out and we will face the “fiscal cliff.” Experts will discuss what we are seeing in other states and what policies Virginia can advance to generate new, sustainable state revenues in order to invest in all of us — no exceptions.

Labor: Transforming Lives at the Local Level
Conversations about the economy should center on the well-being of those who drive it — working people – and the ways in which Virginia should dismantle barriers that particularly impact workers of color and women. We’ll explore how the landscape has changed since the 2020 statewide repeal of the ban on collective bargaining, hear from those working at the local level, and look to where this fight is headed in the future.

A Healthy Start and Future: Improving Maternal & Infant Health Outcomes Through Practice and Policy
Black families in Virginia experience maternal and infant mortality at much higher rates than other groups. In recent years, Virginia lawmakers chose to invest in maternal and infant health through public policy. We will hear from a group of advocates and practitioners who are actively working to put these policies in action and change these outcomes. The panel will discuss how policy changes have impacted their work and what else Virginia lawmakers can do.

This session is made possible through a sponsorship from The Robins Foundation.

1:30 p.m.

Streets to Spreadsheets: An Overview of #CollectiveWork, TCI’s Racial Justice Coalition
Come meet a few of the founding members of this exciting new coalition, learn about their work in communities across Virginia, and hear what’s next for this work heading into 2023.

2:30 p.m.

Breakout Session 3

Networking Happy Hour
Continue the conversation with fellow advocates and close the day in a fun way!

Skill-Building Sessions
Interested in sharpening a specific skill ahead of session or a fresh way to address a challenge? Sign up for time with a thought partner as part of our skill-building session. Sessions will cover communications strategy, HR and operations, and advocacy tactics. A link to sign up for a specific topic will be sent separately after registration.