Category: Guest Speaker Roundup

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April Meeting Recap: 3 CD9 Candidates & A Call to Action

Thank you, Joy Powers, Doug Crockett, and Adam Murphy for joining us at our monthly meeting on Friday, April 24. Will these candidates be on your primary ballot on August 4? We will all know soon as the redistricting referendum is in the hands of our state Supreme Court. Take a moment to review how your district is impacted.

Session Report: Sarah Goodman, Political Affairs Chair
Virginia now has officially established a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Federal law requires employers with 50 or more workers to allow for up to 12 weeks of leave but does not require that workers who use the leave be paid. With Virginia’s new law, beginning in 2028, workers can tap into a partially-state-funded program for up to 80% of their pay. The law also allows for four weeks of “safe leave” for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or harassment to sort through medical, legal or safety issues.

There are several bills that Governor Spanberger amended and sent back to the General Assembly. The General Assembly has rejected those amendments. The bills are now back on the governor’s desk. She can sign them as is or veto them.

CALL TO ACTION

Please contact Governor Spanberger via email or phone to voice your support of her signing the following bills as they are written:

HB 1263, SB 378 Collective Bargaining (More here.) Allows public employees to collectively bargain for things like workplace conditions, benefits or salaries.

HB 483, SB 271 Prescription Drug Affordability (More here.) Helps curb drug prices by making the Medicare‑negotiated prices for prescription drugs available to hundreds of thousands of Virginians who are not enrolled in Medicare. The updated legislation would also create a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel empowered to report to the General Assembly on prescription drug pricing information and make future policy recommendations to lower consumer costs.

Abigail.Spanberger@governor.virginia.gov
1-804-786-2211

SAVE THE DATE
2026 Annual Wine & Cheese
Fundraiser Event
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
More details soon!

Upcoming Ways & Means Committee and Membership Committee meetings will be posted on our calendar. Complete the Standing Committee Interest Form to join these and other subcommittees or email us at info@roanokevalleydemocaticwomen.com!

RVDW Calendar
Standing Committee Interest Form

CD9 Democratic Primary Candidates Attending
(In order of information received.)

Joy Powers

Joy Powers
Email: joy@joyforva.com
Website: www.JoyforVA.com

Joy Powers is a fourth-generation farmer, small business owner, and community leader from Bedford County running for Congress in Virginia’s 9th District. Raised on her family’s cattle farm and in their farm equipment business, she studied Agriculture at Virginia Tech and brings a lived understanding of rural economies and agriculture.

Joy has served in local leadership roles including the Bedford County Agricultural Economic Development Advisory Board and as Superintendent of the Bedford County Fair. She is the founder of Restore the Harvest, a nonprofit focused on agricultural education, sustainability, and advocacy, including efforts to end child marriage and promote ethical community development.

A mother through foster care and adoption, Joy believes government should be practical, accountable, and rooted in real life. Her HOME Plan focuses on Healthcare, Opportunity, Market affordability, and Education. She is running to ensure Southwest Virginia has a voice in Washington that is honest, grounded, and unafraid to stand up for rural communities.

Joy describes herself as “the rural candidate for a rural district.”

Douglas Crocket
Email: dougcrockett@crockettnow.com
Website: www.Crockettnow.com

Douglas Crockett is a Ninth District native. He was born and raised in Wythe County, Virginia. He was a student athlete at Fort Chiswell High School and Emory and Henry College (1979 B.A. in Business & Economics). He went on to seminary in 1982 and then law school at William & Mary in 1995. He retired in 2023 as a United Methodist pastor after 30 years of active service and retired from the practice of law in Virginia in 2025. From 2014 to 2023 he operated his own law practice and served a United Methodist Church as pastor in the same town. He is married to Rita Crockett, who is also a Ninth District native from Vansant, Virginia in Buchanan County. They met at Emory and Henry. They have a son and daughter and three grandchildren. Douglas lives in Wytheville above Turning Heads Salon, owned by his oldest daughter, who is mother of three and grandmother of one. Rita helps care for her ailing parents in Vansant.

“My campaign tagline is: For American Unity, Maturity, and Prosperity. Start Here! I will explain why American and Ninth District Prosperity will not happen without Unity and Prosperity should not happen without our Maturity.”

Adam Murphy
Email: contact@murphy4va.com
Website: www.Murphy4va.com

Adam Murphy is a software developer from Roanoke County. After doing a nationwide search, Adam & his wife chose SWVA for their forever home & where to raise their family. As a first-time candidate, Adam never aspired to be a politician. After witnessing the atrocities in the early months of the second Trump administration & the destruction of our systems caused by DOGE, Adam felt a calling to bring about meaningful change & he announced his congressional candidacy in June of 2025. Adam’s family lost their century farm due to medical debt & years later their home in the housing crisis. He has lived the pain & frustration of a system that is rigged to keep the poor struggling & the rich flourishing. Adam is a strong proponent of Medicare for All; supporting rural healthcare, which includes incentives to bring medical professionals to SWVA; bringing economic opportunities to the region; building a strong labor force; improving infrastructure; protecting our resources; and, strengthening agriculture where farmers can thrive, not just barely get by. Adam Murphy takes inspiration from FDR & Boucher. His campaign is creating a movement of real change for SWVA. Adam has the passion, the energy & a unique skill set to make sure that our district is seen, is heard & to end the neglect of SWVA.

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Rural Groundgame: The Storyteller Project

At the March 2026 monthly membership meeting of RVDW, Lynlee Thorne, Political Director of Rural GroundGame, challenged attendees to embrace a critical truth: We must support rural Virginians to prevent the further decline of the Democratic image in rural Virginia.

But what does “support” actually look like? Lynlee didn’t leave that unanswered: “We must directly and consistently engage with rural Virginians—listen, ask questions, learn, and work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges rural communities face.”

The Storyteller Project is doing exactly that—literally giving voice to communities that have been silenced or ignored, elevating communities too often left out of the narrative—and sidelined by the policies that follow.

The Storyteller Project

Watch now on YouTube

“When people speak from their lived experiences, they break through propaganda, fear, and disinformation. They humanize the issues. “
Rural GroundGame

Storytellers are real people sharing real, personal experiences. And that matters.

“They aren’t just powerful—it’s a radical act of resistance. Personal stories are not just persuasive—they’re revolutionary.”

“When people speak from their lived experiences, they break through propaganda, fear, and disinformation. They humanize the issues.” They remind us of our shared values. And they reach others in ways no polished, top-down message ever could.

Join the Movement

You can help amplify these voices. Share these videos. Grow the library of videos.

Rural GroundGame trains volunteers to serve as “Storykeepers”—capturing authentic stories using nothing more than a smartphone. Those stories are then turned into short videos and shared across platforms—both free and paid—targeted to audiences who rarely hear messages from people like them.

To learn more about Rural Groundgame, The Storyteller Project, and all of their work, contact Lynlee Thorne at hello@ruralgroundgame.org or lynlee@ruralgroundgame.org

Donate to Rural Groundgame

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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.

Continue reading “It Starts With States”
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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.

Continue reading “DEI: What it IS and What it IS NOT”
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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.

Continue reading “Meet Ken Mitchell, Democrat for VA 6th District US Congress”