Virginia Conversations
- State Fair
- Nov 1, 2023
- 2 min read
This discussion highlighted some important aspects of The States Project, how the State Fair Giving Circle feeds into their work and also how rewarding being part of our Giving Circle can be.
The States Project concentrates on state legislatures, where decisions and laws that affect people’s everyday lives are made. As was discussed, focusing on state legislatures:
leads to a free and fair preside ntial election. As noted by Daniel, the 2020 election result was a target of the unfounded claims of election fraud, which spiralled into conspiratorial territory. This has been supported by right wing representatives and has led to questioning election integrity and acts of voter suppression. A recent article from The New York Times highlights how conservative activist groups are recruiting election workers and poll watchers in Virginia: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/11/us/politics/virginia-election-integrity-activists.html
approaches local concerns by working from the grassroots of politics
allows for better results in winning congress and district elections
helps elect the right lawmakers making decisions concerning people’s rights.
Regarding Virginia, Daniel explained how a hard right governor currently in power is using his presence and position, as a platform for a future presidential bid, instead of having interests of the state and its citizens in mind. As well as putting the legitimacy of the presidential election at risk, it also puts basic rights at risk, such as women’s reproductive health care, notably abortion. Virginia remains a southern state that has not adopted strict abortion laws put in place since the fall of Roe. It was pointed out that if the radical right wins both chambers, it is clear what will be on their agenda and what happens in Virginia on November 7th could be a huge indicator of where the country goes.
Furthermore, Melissa reiterated that the radical right taking both chambers would decide the lawmakers writing bills.
Being part of State Fair, means you are taking action to assist in shaping the political system in the states, towards the bigger picture. Your donation gives you the opportunity to contribute to a single entity that does the work to fuel election campaigns, whilst allowing you to be politically active and involved at the state level, where it all starts. If, like J was describing, you find yourself at a point in your life where you want and are ready to take impactful, political action, supporting The States Project by being part of our Giving Circle is a great start. You can share with and invite your friends and family to get involved too.
As Melissa explained, the payoff can be rewarding and involvement allows you to target particular matters that are of concern to you, which in turn can make an important difference to others. Doable action for a great impact on democracy.
Joining our Giving Circle, donating and contributing to the work The States Project are doing means you will have agency in your government, will no longer need to feel powerless, or just be an observer. Please join us today to be a part of something great:
