Advocacy Days
The 406th Virginia General Assembly session will meet January 8–February 22, 2025.
Advocates, community leaders, and passionate citizens will be making their case virtually with legislators this year. You can help support a cause or policy by joining one of these organizations on their advocacy days. We will start updating the list of 2025 advocacy opportunities this November.
Students may apply to the CCE's Student Engagement Fund for support in covering registration costs related to an advocacy opportunity.
2025 Advocacy Opportunities
New Virginia Majority; General Assembly Updates & Opportunities for Action
January 8 - February 22
“Sign up to be emailed updates on New Virginia Majority’s legislative priorities and ways to get involved during the 2024 General Assembly session! We will be sending out periodic updates on legislation that we are following and ways to take immediate action over the course of the legislative session.”
New Virginia Majority Volunteer Meeting - January 23rd, 6-7pm
Justice Forward Virginia; Justice Reform Lobby Day
Friday, January 17
"We’re excited to advocate alongside our partners the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) to protect and expand the progress we’ve already made to reform Virginia’s criminal legal system by advocating to prohibit youth shackling, ensuring access to record sealing, protecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health disorders, advancing urgent pretrial reforms and more. You can find a full listing of our legislative priorities HERE.”
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy; Day for All People
Wednesday, January 15 - 7:30am - 3:00pm
“Day for All People is our annual Advocacy Day where we bring together people of faith and goodwill from across Virginia. Join us in- person for inspirational presentations, informative workshops, and effective advocacy on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. All are invited to join with other motivated Virginians to make your voices heard on economic, racial, and social justice issues. You will learn about our priority policy issues from dynamic speakers and workshops, meet with your state legislators, and engage with advocates in your region.”
The Virginia Center for Public Safety; Virginia Vigil & Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence
Monday, January 20, 2pm to 5pm
“Our annual event to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as to promote his message of non-violence and share it with our state's legislators as they consider ways to enhance the public's safety and protect us from gun violence.”
Virginia Citizens Defense League; Lobby Day
Monday, January 20
“VCDL is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental human right of all Virginians to keep and bear arms.”
The Arc Virginia; 2024 DD Rally and Advocacy Days
January 21st, 23rd, 28th, and 30th
“Each year, advocates from our membership, local chapters, and partners gather in Richmond to advocate for what matters most to them. We uniquely represent all types of developmental disabilities—an umbrella that includes Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities, and many others. Our work ensures that the voices of individuals across the entire developmental disability spectrum are heard and supported.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Join us, and your voice becomes stronger...Together, We are Better!”
Virginia Democracy Day; Rally for Democracy
Tuesday, January 21
“Virginia’s government needs an update. Join us on January 21st 2025 in Richmond, Virginia to support legislation that make our government more responsive to and reflective of everyday Virginians.”
Sierra Club Virginia Lobby Days
Various dates
“The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is a grassroots, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to building a commonwealth where all people may enjoy our natural treasures, access clean air and water, and thrive in a healthy community.” Check out their calendar of events which includes lobby days throughout the General Assembly.
Birth in Color Advocacy Day
Wednesday, January 22
“Stand with us at the General Assembly, where our community's voice demands to be heard. Join Birth in Color for our annual Advocacy Day as we speak truth to power and push for policies that directly impact maternal health and our families' well-being in Virginia.”
Virginia Conservation Network; Water Lobby Day & Conservation Lobby Day
January 22nd, 7:45am to 2:00pm
“The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN)'s annual Conservation Lobby Day is your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your district for environmental action that matters most to you.
Join us as we kick off this year's annual Conservation Lobby Day at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, Jan. 22nd. Attend lobby meetings with your legislators and fellow advocates throughout the morning. Then, we will wrap up at St. Paul's to recap a day well spent and plan our next steps.”
Families Forward; Advocacy Days
January 23rd
Once again we're planning for an amazing Families Forward Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly on January 23rd! This year we will meet at the General Assembly Building and spend the day participating in advocacy meetings with legislators and staff, attending committee hearings, and taking a look at the proceeding of the oldest continuous legislative body in the country!
Learn more here. → Only concern is that registration is for January 13th, so interested participants may need to contact organization to be there.
Virginia NORML; 2024 Virginia Cannabis Conference
January 24-27
“By day, attendees will hear from national experts, state legislators, and local industry leaders. At night, mix and mingle with attendees at exclusive after-hours events…Together, we are building a viable and strategic roadmap to fair, just, and evidence-based cannabis regulation in Virginia.”
MENTOR Capitol Hill Day
Wednesday, January 24 in Washington, D.C.
“Advocates participating in Capitol Hill Day travel to DC a day early to attend an in-person training and meeting and networking with peers from across the country. This year, advocates will hear from young people, elected leaders and a panel of Congressional staff about the impact they can have.”
ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation; Virginia Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day
January 24
“Please join us for this year's Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day at the General Assembly on January 23, 2025.
When it comes to advocating for Virginia's youngest childhood cancer patients and survivors, every voice matters – and we invite you to lend YOUR voice once again on January 23 for #VaChildhoodCancer Advocacy Day”
Voices for Virginia’s Children: “Our Voices, Our Future: Intergenerational Advocacy Day”
January 27th, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Join us for our first-ever Voices Wide Intergenerational Advoacy Day on Januayr 27th! This day of action will unite advocates of all ages to champion critical issues impacting Virginia’s children and families, including early care and education, mental health, health equity, child welfare,and economic security.”
Autism Society of Central Virginia; Autism Advocacy Day
January 27th
“The Autism Society Virginia affiliates are pleased to host our annual Autism Advocacy event at the Virginia General Assembly, in partnership with several fellow organizations and community members across the Commonwealth! We invite you to join us for a morning at the Virginia General Assembly and State Capitol on Monday, January 27, 2025.This is an important day for members of Virginia’s Autism community to have in-person visits with your legislators, network with community members, and be recognized on the chamber floors to highlight our advocacy efforts. Register as soon as possible so we can begin scheduling your legislative appointments. We cannot schedule appointments without your registration information.”
Equality Virginia; 2024 Lobby Days
January 15 (in-person), January 29th (virtual), February 11th (in-person)
"At our Lobby Days, you can expect to receive an in-depth look at the legislative process in Virginia, information about the proposed bills affecting queer and trans Virginians during the legislative session, and training on key talking points to help guide your conversation with your legislators. You will also get to meet and connect with other advocates from all over Virginia, and be a part of collective movement building that will continue to be important even after the General Assembly session ends.”
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance; Day of Action
January 29th and 30th
“Each winter, advocates, survivors, and activists from around the state gather in Richmond, VA to speak up for survivor rights and policies that support healthy and thriving relationships and communities…We encourage you to join us in person or advocate by email, phone, and social media as we inform legislators about the issues that matter most to survivors and advocates statewide!”
Virginia Pro-Life Day
January 29th
“Join us for our fourth annual Virginia Pro-life Day on January 29, 2025! Come and meet your legislators in Richmond to advocate for life!”
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy; Student Day of Action
Friday, January 31
“VICPP is excited to invite you to a Student Day of Action on Friday, January 31, 2025, students and young professionals will have the opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss important bills related to environmental and social justice. On Thursday, January 30th from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, there will be a networking dinner and an advocacy 101 training to prepare to meet with your legislators. Then, on Friday from 7:00 am - 2:30 pm, we will meet for our legislative visits, lunch, and workshops. You will have an opportunity to advocate on important policies affecting thousands of Virginians. Afterwards, we'll gather to debrief, share, and analyze what we heard from our current elected officials. After lunch, we'll hold workshops on key issues facing the commonwealth in the coming year.”
Virginia Housing Alliance; Housing Advocacy Day
February 5th, 7:30am
“We are excited to invite you to Housing Advocacy Day on February 5th, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219. This impactful event brings VHA members together to connect with state legislators and advocate for expanding affordable housing and ending homelessness across the Commonwealth.”