Advocacy Days
The 407th Virginia General Assembly session will meet January 14–March 15, 2026.
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.
Students may apply to the CCE's Student Engagement Fund for support in covering registration costs related to an advocacy opportunity.
- This list is updated as we learn about more advocacy opportunities. If there is one you'd like to add, please contact shollist@richmond.edu
2026 Advocacy Opportunities
Justice Forward Virginia; Justice Reform Lobby Day
Thursday, January 15, Register by January 8
"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 21, 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.”
Virginia Citizens Defense League; Lobby Day
Monday, January 19, 8am
“VCDL is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental human right of all Virginians to keep and bear arms.”
Virginia Democracy Day; Rally for Democracy
Tuesday, January 20, 8am-5pm
“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 Conservation Lobby Day
Wednesday, February 4, 8am-3pm
“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.
Virginia Conservation Network; Water Lobby Day & Conservation Lobby Day
Thursday, January 22, 7:45am - 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
Thursday, January 29, 7:30am-2:30pm, Limited spots, register early!
Once again we're planning for an amazing Families Forward Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly on January 29th! 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!
Virginia NORML; 2024 Virginia Cannabis Conference
January 23-26
“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
February 4-6 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.”
Voices for Virginia’s Children: “Our Voices, Our Future: Intergenerational Advocacy Day”
Monday, January 19, 7:30am-2:30pm, Limited spots, register early!
“Join us for our first-ever Voices Wide Intergenerational Advoacy Day on Januayr 19th! 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.”
Virginia Pro-Life Day
Thursday, January 15th
“Virginia Pro-Life Day 2026 is on January 15 in Richmond! Meet with your legislators to advocate for pro-life causes followed by Mass with Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout or visits to the chamber galleries!"
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy; Student Day of Action
Thursday, February 12, 7:30am-3pm
“VICPP is excited to invite you to a Student Day of Action on Thursday, February 12. Students and young professionals will have the opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss important bills related to environmental and social justice. You'll have an opportunity to advocae on important policies affecting thousands of Virginias. 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.”