2017 Economic Justice Forum

Saturday, December 16th 2017, from 10am-3pm, in Richmond, the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, Virginia Latina Advocacy Network, and others are holding an day-long event to discuss economic justice issues, including student loan debt, affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, access to healthcare, and wage theft. 

Venue to be determined. Free. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Providing Sanctuary: a Forum

Sunday, April 30th 2017, at 12:30pm, in the community room of the Richmond Friends Meeting (4500 Kensington Avenue, Richmond VA), Richmond's Quaker congregation is holding a focum which will focus on: a history of the sanctuary movement, specifically sanctuary provided by congregations and individuals; information about ICE detentions in the Richmond area in recent years and under the current administration; the Circles of Protection Sanctuary Network (VICPP); support and care for the vulnerable undocumented immigrants who have been detained or deported and their families; Power-of-Attorney clinics; and the legal aspects of providing sanctuary as a congregation or an individual.

Panelists will include Dr. Linda Rabben, author of books including "Give Refuge to the Stranger: the Past, Present and Future of Sanctuary"; Jennifer L. West, an immigration lawyer; and Lana Heath de Martinez, the Welcoming All Coordinator with the Virginia Interfaith Center. 

Park on Commonwealth Avenue. Light refreshments provided. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sally Gudas at seatide1@gmail.com or (804) 399-8342.

"Standing Together: One Community, One Nation" with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Sunday, February 5th 2017, from 3:30-5pm, at the Islamic Center of Virginia (1241 Buford Road, Richmond VA), the Islamic Center of Virginia, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy are holding a solidarity and unity program. From the event description: 

"The program will include speakers, testimonies, and calls to action. Note that this is not a political or partisan event, but will focus on our common values and commitment to standing together." The position of solidarity with communities under attack by Trump's administration, like immigrants and Muslims, is itself political, so take this as you will, I'm just relaying it. 

Free, open to the public. Free parking is available on site but carpooling is encouraged. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Richmond Crusade for Voters Candidates Forum: 71st House District and 3rd District School Board

Wednesday, February 1st 2017, at 6:30pm, at Club 533 (700 North 3rd Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Crusade for Voters is hosting a candidate's forum, featuring candidate for the 71st district and the 3rd district School Board. 

The candidates for the 71st House District are running in an election to fill the vacant House of Delegates seat of Jennifer McClellan, who resigned in order to take on Donald McEachin's former seat in the state senate. Those candidates are Jeffrey Bourne (D), Regie Ford (I), and John Barclay (L). 

The candidates for the 3rd district's School Board representative are Dr. Milondra Coleman, Dr. Joann Henry, and Kevin Starlings. 

A meet-and-greet will follow the forum.