Category: Guest Speaker Roundup

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Slide Decks & Support: Relational Organizing

At RVDW’s September 2025 monthly membership meeting, we were introduced to two opportunities to turbocharge our personal “Get Out The Vote” efforts and grow our ability to influence and engage voters. The presentation slide decks from the meeting are provided below.

Rally

Presented by Sarah Goodman, Red Wine & Blue
With Red Wine & Blue’s Rally Tool, you can GOTV from the comfort of your couch! Still need assistance after viewing the slide deck? Contact Sarah at sarahgoodman@redwine.blue.

CLICK TO VIEW SLIDES

Neighbor to Neighbor

Presented by Richard Gooding, Roanoke Social Circle
Neighbor to Neighbor is implemented in collaboration with local Democratic Committees. As a participant in the program, you will receive a list of your likeminded neighbors, training and resources on how to engage them, ongoing calls and resources to support your efforts. RSC plans to continue the Neighbor to Neighbor program through the 2026 mid-term elections. Visit Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program to register. Contact Richard “Doc” Gooding at Doc@drrzg.com if you have any questions.

CLICK TO VIEW SLIDES

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Why Campaigns Canvass

Attendees of RVDW’s August 2025 monthly membership meeting gained valuable understanding of the importance of canvassing, also known as “knocking doors.” Door-to-door canvassing allows campaigns to listen to voter concerns, answer questions, gather voter information, and encourage participation in upcoming elections. It is effective at building trust, increasing voter turnout, and persuading undecided voters by creating direct, human connections. Door-to-door canvassing remains one of the most impactful tools for mobilizing communities and winning elections.

RVDW appreciates our presenter, Emily Kate Stick of Donna Littlepage for Virginia Delegate campaign, for providing her presentation slides to share here:

CLICK TO VIEW SLIDES

About Our Presenter:

Emily Kate Stick is excited to work with the Donna Littlepage for Virginia Delegate campaign, focusing on the local races and candidates she loves most. Raised in Grayson County (Va) among farmers and teachers, she grew up on the lifelong values of community and stewardship.

EK brings statewide and national campaign experience to the table, most notably on Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign and as senior staff on both US Congressional and Senate races. She has seen firsthand how large campaign models leave votes on the table in rural America and is grateful for the opportunity to invest in local solutions and a community led approach to winning elections!

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Takeaways & Resources: May 2025 Meeting Recap

At RVDW’s May 23rd meeting, guest speaker Donna Littlepage offered her observations of the US House of Representatives’ comprehensive FY2026 federal budget bill. The bill passed on May 22, barely 24 hours before the meeting, in an overnight session with only 215 Republicans voting for it. All 214 House Democrats voting against it.

Littlepage, who recently retired from a long career in healthcare finance, brought the gravity of the impending impact on SWVA into stark focus.

5 TAKEAWAYS

The bill as written could easily prompt the termination of Medicaid Expansion in Virginia impacting 630,000 Virginians by losing their health insurance coverage.

Locally (HOD Districts 38, 39, 40 & 41), 21.8% of the population utilize Medicaid. Of those, over 24,000 via Medicaid Expansion.

Virginia is projected to likely dis-enroll 32% of the current Medicaid recipients if this bill is enacted as written.

This bill adds work requirements for Medicaid recipients between 19 and 64 who do not have a child under 7 years of age.

This bill adds more bureaucratic steps to gaining and retaining Medicaid coverage likely preventing some eligible recipients from receiving coverage.

BONUS ITEM: End result is likely delayed healthcare leading to poorer health outcomes and the closure of some rural hospitals in Virginia.

The bill moves on to the Senate where it is certain to change. Littlepage recommends following the process closely. The following sources for her presentation could prove helpful as resources in that effort.

RESOURCES

Budget reconciliation bill faces a rocky road as Medicaid and ACA cuts draw provider concerns

House Passes Budget Bill, with Huge Medicaid Cuts and Potential Medicare Fallout

House passes budget reconciliation bill that would dramatically affect healthcare coverage

Rural Hospitals at Risk of Closing

House GOP lawmakers are proposing nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps. Here’s who could be impacted.

5 takeaways from Donna Littlepage presentation on May 23 2025.

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It Starts With States

Nicole Zambrano, Sister District Project, Guest Presenter April 2025 Membership Meeting

Presentation Cover Page linked to pdf of full presentation by Sister District Project Guest Speaker.
Click on image above to download PDF of presentation.

WHAT IS SISTER DISTRICT PROJECT?

Sister District Project, founded after the 2016 election, works to turn states from red to blue by winning state legislative elections. They work directly with campaigns to get out the vote and support the candidates who most need assistance. Sister District pairs volunteers from blue areas of the country with specific and strategic down-ballot races in other areas.

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DEI: What it IS and What it IS NOT

Tanisha Nash, Guest Presenter

Click on image above to download PDF of presentation.

DEI: WHAT IT IS

DEI stands for DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION

Diversity: Acknowledging and embracing differences in race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunities, and resources for all, while addressing any imbalances.
Inclusion: Actively fostering an environment where diverse individuals feel a sense of belonging and contribution.

DEI is an organizational framework that seeks to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on how they identify.

DEI: WHAT IT IS NOT


DEI is not about meeting quotas or tokenism. It’s not about excluding one group to uplift another. Instead, it is about systemic change — creating fair opportunities for everyone and addressing biases that often go unnoticed.

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Meet the Dem Candidates for Roanoke City Council

UPDATE: On June 2, Jamaal Jackson announced via press release that he is no longer a candidate for City Council.

Following the invitation by Roanoke Valley Democratic Women, all four 2024 Democratic candidates for Roanoke City Council have accepted and will be at RVDW’s May monthly membership meeting.

On Friday, May 24, 2024, at Montano’s Restaurant (3733 Franklin Rd SW), meet and hear the Democratic Primary candidates for Roanoke City Council address their priorities and credentials and share their campaign materials. The program begins at 12:00 noon followed by our business meeting. Please arrive at 11:15 if you are ordering lunch. No lunch orders will be taken after 11:45am.

RVDW is pleased to provide the following information requested of and provided by each candidate. Early voting for the June 18 Democratic Primary began May 3 and continues through Saturday, June 15.

Learn more about the candidates at their websites, linked below (listed alphabetically by last name).

Terry McGuire
Website: www.terryforroanoke.com 
Email: terryforroanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: TerryForRoanoke
Instagram: @terrymcguireforroanoke

Phazhon Nash
Website: www.votenash.org
Email: info@votenash.org
Facebook: Phazhon Nash for Roanoke City Council 
Instagram: @nash_for_city_council

Ben Woods
Website: www.benjaminwoods.org
Email: bwoods@benjaminwoods.org
Facebook: Benjamin Woods
Twitter: @I_benjaminwoods
Instagram: @ben_jaminwoods

UPDATE: On June 2, Jackson announced via press release he is no longer a candidate for City Council.
Jamaal Jackson
Website: www.jacksonforroanoke.com
Email: JacksonForRoanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: JacksonForRoanoke
Instagram: @jacksonforroanoke

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Meet Ken Mitchell, Democrat for VA 6th District US Congress

“The current narrative of chaos and uncertainty that is dominating our politics is a threat to our democracy. Americans face daily, real-life challenges and need leaders who listen to their problems and can work together respectfully to solve them instead of playing partisan schoolyard games.” – Ken Mitchell

Ken Mitchell for Congress logo

Ken Mitchell is running to represent the citizens of Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in the November 2024 election. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the U.S Army in 1998 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 following 24 years of active duty. He is the fourth generation of his family to serve the country as a member of the armed services. He spent the last six years of his military career at the White House, supporting former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. During this posting, he held a variety of leadership roles at the highest levels of trust and national security. This experience allowed him to observe democracy at work first-hand and develop deep insight into the political process.

Ken Mitchell for VA CD 6

Ken Mitchell
For US Congress VA 6th District
Website: www.KenMitchellforVirginia.com
Facebook: kenmitchellforva
Instagram: @kenmitchellforva

Following his retirement from the military, Ken spent six years in the corporate telecommunications industry, building infrastructure throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He received multiple awards for his executive leadership and management skills while overseeing a wide variety of operations.

In 2004, Ken relocated to Charlottesville and started a business remodeling historic properties. In this role, he was exposed to the labyrinth of rules and regulations small businesses must navigate. From here, Ken became a Vice President of Buildings and Grounds for all facilities at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, including the Visitors Center, Tufton Mansion, Jefferson library, and the 2500 acres granted to Jefferson’s father. In this role, he led the modernization of Monticello’s infrastructure and the protection of this World Heritage site.

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Meet Joe Cobb, Candidate for Mayor of Roanoke

Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb believes that our greatest calling as human beings is to love one another by honoring and celebrating what makes us unique and by discovering what we can create together. This calling both inspires and informs his devotion to public service in the Roanoke city, region and around the world.

Joe Cobb for Mayor logo

Joe is the Vice Mayor and a member of the Roanoke City Council (elected 2018 and re-elected in 2022) He served as Vice Mayor from 2018 – 2020. He also works as Chaplain at Hermitage Roanoke, a senior living community in Northwest Roanoke.

Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor of Roanoke


Joe Cobb
For Roanoke City Mayor
Website: https://joecobbforroanoke.com/
Email: joecobbforroanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: joecobbforroanoke
Instagram: @joecobbforroanoke

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Meet Karen Baker, Democrat for VA 9th District US Congress

Southwest Virginia deserves strong voices and real representation in the US House of Representatives. In November 2024, 9th District voters have the opportunity to elect Karen Baker!

Karen Baker for Congress

The breadth and depth of her professional and personal experiences have prepared her to meet the needs of her district. As a hardworking, determined, proven public servant, Karen is exactly right for our region and our nation.


Karen G. H. Baker
For US Congress VA 9th District
Website: www.BakerforVa9th.com
Email: info@bakerforva9th.com
Facebook: bakerforva9th
Twitter: @bakerforva9th
Instagram: @bakerforva9th

Karen Baker was born in Chicago and grew up in Michigan. She graduated from William Smith College, with a degree in comparative religion, and moved to Washington, D.C., where she was a staffer at Americans for Democratic Action. She then went to law school at Catholic University. She began work at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a trial lawyer, trying large-scale sex, race, and age discrimination cases, and eventually rose to become the Assistant General Counsel for Systemic Litigation.

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