BADASS Briefing, March 5, 2026
Last full week of Virginia General Assembly - Take Final Actions
Refer to Wednesday’s Blast for the most up to date info on #FightBack #VoteYes
Sunday, March 8, 1-3 pm - Listening to Virginia: Town Hall in Goochland
The Young Dems, the Rural Young Dems, the DemocraticRural Caucus and the Rural GroundGame will host a fabulous town hall:Sunday, March 8, 1-3 pm Listening to Virginia: Town Hall in Goochland. RSVP HERE
Last full week of Virginia General Assembly - Take Final Actions
The Virginia legislature gave its final approval today to the National Popular Vote bill, and sent the bill to Governor Spanberger (SB322). Please ask Governor Spanberger to sign the bill when it reaches her desk by clicking on https://www.governor.virginia.gov/contact/
Governor Spanberger - It’s Time for Data Centers to Pay Their Fair Share. Please ask Governor Spanberger to lend support to 3 bills forcing data centers to pay their fair share (SB339, SB619, HB897). These bills are designed to make electricity more affordable to Virginians, provide more clean energy, and phase out their dirty, polluting back-up diesel generators. Click Here to Take Action
Public Education CTA
Call to Action and tell Senators in the Education and Health Committee to Vote YES to allow for a better period of Student Assessment. HB199 was passed in the House and is now being considered by the Senate Education and Health Committee
Friday, March 6, Noon - Friday Power Lunch - She Persisted. We Persist. Carrying Democracy Forward
March begins with the power and purpose of Women’s History Month, and this week’s Friday Power Lunch brings together women who embody the very spirit of persistence — across generations, across states, and across movements. Register HERE
Margaret Morrison of Silver Spring marched from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, standing shoulder to shoulder with those demanding the right to vote. Nearly sixty years later, she continues to inspire activists across generations and is featured in the documentary “Resisterhood.”
The Two Jesses - Two powerful voices in today’s democracy movement:
Jess Piper is an educator, organizer, and writer from Missouri who has become a fearless voice for democracy in rural America. Jess speaks candidly about organizing in tough political terrain and why showing up locally is one of the most powerful tools citizens have.
Jessica Craven, whose widely read Substack “Chop Wood, Carry Water” has become a daily rallying point for grassroots activists across the country. Jessica reminds readers every morning that democracy isn’t saved in one big moment — it’s protected through consistent action.
Together, these two Jesses represent the modern face of persistence: clear-eyed, courageous, and relentlessly focused on protecting our democratic institutions.
VoteYES - Early voting on redistricting begins this week in Virginia, and the stakes could not be higher. The referendum represents a proactive step to counter the wave of partisan gerrymandering happening across the country and to ensure that voters — not politicians — ultimately shape the future of representation.
This week’s show is a reminder that the thread connecting Selma, Substack, rural organizing, and Virginia voters is the same thread that has always carried democracy forward: Persistence. She persisted. We persist. Register HERE
Sunday, March 8, 6 pm - Virginia Grassroots Coalition Meeting With Congressional Candidates Mo Seifeldein (CD8) and Tim Cywinski (CD1).
Zoom Link HEREWednesday, March 11, 4:30pm - VGC Legislative Working Group Meeting
The People’s Map Tour (March Redistricting Community Series)
March 7, Arlington County -- March 14, Fairfax County -- March 21, Loudoun County -- March 28, Prince William County
RSVP for more info. Anchored by Latino, Black, and AAPI caucus leadership in collaboration with Virginia LULAC, each session features Jackson Miller from the Virginia redistricting team to answer questions and explain the process
Tuesday, March 10 - Information Sessions for the Virginia Progressive Leadership Program (VAPLP)
The Virginia Progressive Leadership Program is accepting applications for Pod 12. This free, four-month cohort builds progressive leaders through skill-building and strategy. Info Session RSVP HERE. Apply by March 13, spots are limited. Apply HERE
Tuesday, March 10, Noon - Meet with Senator Warner’s Staff via Zoom
Senator Warner’s office will send the Zoom link on the morning of the call. Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month. Register HERE
Tuesday, March 10, 6-8 pm – Run for Climate
A free, multi-part virtual training series for those interested in running for office, staffing a campaign, or volunteering in electoral politics. By Lead Locally - Champions for Climate Justice, participation in all sessions is required. Apply HERE
Tuesdays, March 10-31, 8-8:30 pm – Swing Left’s “Ground Truth” Volunteer Orientations
Join the Ground Truth team— help Democrats win by reimagining how we talk with voters. Learn how to make an impact from anywhere, no matter your schedule or preferred type of action. Whether you want to knock doors, call voters, help recruit volunteers, we need all hands on deck. RSVP HERE
Healthcare costs and confusion aren’t accidental. This virtual briefing examines how ACA rollbacks, proposed cuts, and MAHA-driven misinformation are raising premiums, undermining public health, and limiting access to care—while families pay the price. Speakers: Mary Trump • Lauren Underwood • Shaughnessy Naughton • Vin Gupta • Hank Green. RSVP HERE
Save the Date - Saturday, March 14 - ‘Rise To’ Summit
The annual ‘Rise To’ Summit at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, VA, brings together local and state leaders, organizers, activists, students, and community members to tackle the issues that stand in the way of progress and a more equitable future for our community and nation. The summit aims to engage the next generation by raising awareness, showing them how they can get involved, and instilling in them their voice matters. Be a girl’s girl, support other women and they will support you...Your voice matters. Your dreams matter. YOU matter.” ~Giada Bazzano, 2025.
There is no entrance fee. Lunch and snacks are provided. RSVP HERE
We will collect items for our spotlight organization. All money raised goes to ‘The Women and Gender Studies Scholarship’’.
Tuesday, March 17, 5 - 6 pm - Meeting the Moment with Timothy Snyder
JJoin NOPE Neighbors’ 2026 virtual kickoff featuring historian Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny, sharing insights on today’s political moment and defending democracy. We’ll also outline our strategy to flip the House, support grassroots partners organizing voters in battleground states, highlight targeted U.S. House races, and share ways to take action. Co-hosted by Network NOVA. RSVP HERE
Tuesday, March 17, 8 pm - Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist and Build
Monthly AFSC webinar series to bring constituents together. Learn how to protect, resist, and build just peace, migration, and economies. RSVP HERE
Saturday, March 21, 1:30-3:30 pm, WoFA Zine Folding Party
Join We of Action Virginia to fold zines (small informational booklets) and discuss ways we can all stand up for our immigrant neighbors. We are committed to taking peaceful action for our immigrant neighbors. Address upon RSVP. RSVP HERE
