Welcome to the General Assembly 2007 issue of VOP’s news magazine. You may remember that in the last issue, we started by breaking things down a little, to help you understand how you can make a difference. Well, this is the time of year when you can really make a difference — statewide.

We have designed the news magazine you are holding in your hands to be a tool you can use, no matter which way you want to Make a Difference. We hope you will put it on a bulletin board or your refrigerator, or keep it near your phone. Here’s what is in this issue of virginia-organizing:

• The Issuesb>: VOP’s best case on our four main issues for 2007, and on the issues that allied groups are working on, and what we think can be done in 2007
• The Playing Fieldb>: How decisions are going to be made at the General Assembly and who will make them.
• And, in the centerfold, your personal General Assembly scorecard, where you can enter bill numbers, vote results, and also make notes of what you do to Make a Difference.

You will be able to use this issue more effectively if you can get e-mail alerts from VOP — and if you go to VOP’s website and register with us. But if you use the phone and postal mail, we have the information you need.

Finally — remember this is a two-way street. VOP will be more effective if we hear from you. Let us — or the group working on your issue — know about your contacts with your Delegate or Senator, especially if it’s very positive or very negative. We all want to get better at doing this, and we are learning together. That’s why the last item is a chance for you to give us some feedback, when the General Assembly is finally done.

On the General Assembly’s website, the first of its “chief responsibilities” listed is “to represent citizens in the formulation of public policy.” Do you think they are doing that successfully? If not, let’s get to work. We own the General Assembly, and we are the ones who will have to get it into the shape it is supposed to be in!