It’s time to make 100 VISITS to PREVENT AIDS
Good Morning!
On Monday this week (9/29/08), many of you participated in two special events — One, Power Talking – Panned and hosted by VORA
The other, VORA's Annual Meeting.
There, we launched a major campaign that will produce results in our work to promote stronger prevention and treatment programs in Virginia!
– 100 Visits to Prevent AIDS – http://www.voraonline.org/100-visits-to-prevent-aids
Power Talking was an Advocacy Training for people advocating for stronger health and other human services policies in our state. Senator Charles Colgan started off the morning, followed by Jim Regimbal – an economist who explained how our state's budget got to a $2 billion hole, and where the Governor and General Assembly might find a way to fill that shortfall.
After that, we heard presentations from the key staff members to the General Assembly's "Money" committees – Susan Massart and Joe Flores.
After a panel of very special advocates (including Eleanor Harrison, VORA's Own Board Member), Gena Boyle, Policy Analyst in the Governor's Office, gave us information on where the Governor's budget cuts might be found.
Well — All that said — we heard one thing from everyone –
"If you wait until January to meet with your Delegate and Senator, that's too late. You need to be visiting with them RIGHT NOW!"
VORA has been preparing for just those events!!
We ALL need to be visiting with our own Delegate and Senator — now — before the fall holiday seasons start –
People who want stronger HIV Prevention and Treatment services from every part of Virginia MUST be making these visits.
Want help in making your visits?
** Visit this page — www. VORAonline.org — and click on "You Can Prevent HIV Here 100 Visits"
** Examine the map — Is there a "blue bubble" over your home town?
** Do you know who your Delegate and Senator are? Click on "Elected Official"
** Find the address & phone number for their Home District Office (in YOUR home district)
** Remember to say "I'm a constituent" when you call for your appointment — You go to the top of the list!
** Wondering what to talk about? ANYTHING that you want to help YOUR Delegate and Senator understand that people living with HIV also live in their district and that HIV Treatment & Care services are important to you!
** Do you want some information to take with you? Scroll down to "Visit Resources"
** Want to talk with me or Martina for some encouraging words? Call us! 804-565-1604 or Write to INFO@VORAonline.org (we both get those emails).
Please — Make your visits – and then tell us about them! We'll post your "blue bubbles" on the map right away!
Thanks
Sue
Susan R. Rowland, MPA
Virginia Organizations Responding to AIDS
PO Box 4780
Woodbridge, VA 22194-4780
703-626-7392
703-494-1489 (fax: Woodbridge)
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