VOP Newsfeed

3/16/10 [VOP] Community Organizer questions Tea Party tactics, respects Tea Party activists

3/15/10 New Yorker audio slides on Martinsville, site of VOP's newest office

3/12/10 Virginia Organizing Project Presents Giant $921.01 Check to Governor’s Office

3/8/10 Virginia Organizing Project - Bake Sales for the Budget

2/26/10 Rising Cost Of Health Insurance

1/22/10 VOP on NPR's Morning Edition

11/25/09 Charges dropped against Joe Szakos, the Anthem Blue Cross customer arrested for questioning rate increases

Great New Books on Organizing:

This section provides the recent issues of virginia.organizing, the news magazine of the Virginia Organizing Project. A few selected articles from each issue are presented. The virginia.organizing is available in pdf format. Click the Acrobat Reader link at the end of the page to download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader software.

Fall/Winter 2008 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Beating the drum: health care campaign committee organizes for quality, affordable health care."
• "Camping for All works with camps to “Expand Their Rainbow” ."
• "Canvass lights up Danville’s environment."
• "Districts And Chapter News."
• "My notes from the field: VOP’s Civic Engagement Project ."
• "Payday lending: the results from 2008."
• "Payday Lending Fact Sheet."
• "Let’s put the brakes on predatory car title lenders."
• " Prince Edward County detention site opposed at statewide conference on prison alternatives."
• "Real wealth grows on trees."
• "Re-PHRAME: fighting for housing justice in Richmond."
• "Southwest Virginia VOP members meet with state delegates and senators ."
• "Citizen monitoring blends science and activism."
• "The thrill of voting rights."
• "Virginia has eight-fold increase in voter registration at public assistance agencies after reforming procedures."
• "VOP summer canvass covers the Commonwealth."
• "VOP takes common good message across Virginia."

January 2008 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Virginia General Assembly Owner’s Manual (word doc file), or (adobe pdf file)."
• "2008 Legislative Agenda."
• "Data collection — getting the facts clear for 2008."
• "Learning experiences at the General Assembly."
• "Key Legislative Committees."
• "Local governments drive movement to cap payday loans at 36 percent APR."
• "My payday loan adventure."
• "My VOP Experience."
• "Racial profiling committee mobilizes allies for more anti-bias resources."
• "Trail Project Builds Bridges Within the Community."
• "Virginia Forest Watch ready for another year of action."
• "Virginians mobilize to cap predatory “payday” lending."
• "VOP and Lee County Education Association hold school board forum."
• "Wild Virginia an advocate for Virginia’s national forests."

October 2007 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Clarke County African-Americans first in Virginia to stop voting rights bailout."
• "Data collection and traffic stops — on the front page at last ."
• "District and Chapter News ."
• "First college campus chapter organized at the University of Virginia ."
• "VOP continues to push for funding for biased-based policing coordinator ."
• "My experience with canvassing on predatory lending ."
• "Virginians come together against local immigration enforcement plans ."
• "LaMar joins VOP Staff."
• "The battle against predatory lending in Virginia continues ."
• "Plastic health warning ."
• "Meet and greet held in Prince William County ."
• "Smithfield workers rally in Williamsburg ."
• "Removal of Tye River Dam helps ecosystem ."
• "VOP’s Leadership Institute is successful ."
• "Support needed for efforts to end workplace discrimination."

Spring/Summer 2007 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "2007 General Assembly is like a roller coaster ride."
• "More than $1.1 million in ADA improvements scheduled in Charlottesville ."
• "College of William and Mary workers hold rally to demand respect ."
• "District and Chapter News ."
• "Folley and Faithful join VOP staff as apprentice organizers ."
• "Legislative forum on mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse held in Charlottesville ."
• "Minutemen hold discussion on immigration issues in Harrisonburg ."
• "Petersburg families fill the house for education forum."
• "At risk Portsmouth community tested for mercury pollution ."
• "Racial profiling campaign gains credibility ."
• "Virginia does not stop at Roanoke: expanded VOP organizing in Southwest Virginia ."
• "A first step toward verifiable voting: no new paperless voting machines ."
• "VOP mourns the death of the minimum increase by House of Delegates."
• "Want to read about folks who change the world? ."

January 2007 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Don’t recycle this magazine (until March)! ."
• "Who will make decisions on VOP’s key issues? ."
• "Hurting immigrants won’t fix the immigration system ."
• "Virginia League of Conservation Voters stands up for citizen activists and for our environment ."
• "“Marriage” Amendment campaign builds the equality movement in Virginia ."
• "Virginia leaders can do what is right and just ."
• "Get Virginia out of the Payday Lending trap ."
• "Attention all Davids, take heart from RAIL Solution ."
• "Slavery atonement resolution draws support."
• "Tear up that blank check and let the SCC do its job! ."
• "The Verifiable Voting Coalition of Virginia — a nonpartisan force for fairness ."
• "The Virginia Organizing Project 2007 Legislative Agenda ."
• "How Virginia’s legislative process works ."
• "Better training — one more step away from racial profiling ."
• "VOP steps up its General Assembly presence ."
• "VOP Tax Reform Committee gears up for 2007 session and beyond ."
• "Your feedback is needed! ."
• "2007 General Assembly Scorecard (pdf file format)."

October 2006 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Conservation: will the General Assembly catch up to Virginians?."
• "“Each One Takes 10” approach will greatly increase voter turnout."
• "Federal definition limits local governments from using HUD funds for Virginians in need."
• "Forum on immigrant rights held."
• "Interfaith Gay/Straight Alliance plans newspaper ad campaign."
• "Large number of Virginians are affected by low wages."
• "Local residents get flooding concerns heard by U.S. Forest Service."
• "Looking at the legacy of welfare reform."
• "Payday lending: a one-way ticket into the debt trap."
• "Racial Profiling Statewide Campaign."
• "Richmond youth peace project trains teens in conflict resolution."
• "Roanoke City Council delivers another blow to Historic Gainsboro neighborhood."
• "Virginia senate law enforcement leader meets on racial profiling."
• "VOP expands internship program statewide."
• "VOP leader recognized for housing excellence."
• "VOP’s new Leadership Institute gets off to a great beginning."
• "VOP urges NO vote on amendment #1 on November 7."
• "Williamsburg VOP Chapter in motion for inclusive housing."
• "YOUTHINK in action in Hampton area."

Spring/Summer 2006 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Brothers For Change lift their voices."
• "District & Chapter News."
• "VOP is part of new Virginia Fair Wage Alliance."
• "Virginians tell FCC to curb media consolidation ."
• "Minimum wage petitioners learn important lessons."
• "Norfolk City Council receives failing grades."
• "Racial profiling campaign continues."
• "Richmond immigrant rights rally includes African-American solidarity."
• "A Senator vs. Civil Liberty."
• "Virginia Latinos are heard at the General Assembly."
• "Youthink addresses youth discrimination."

Winter 2006 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "A strong desire to teach."
• "You say CAHDO, I say, Virginia housing needs CAHDO."
• "Current statewide racial profiling campaign builds on experience ."
• "Emory & Henry College living wage campaign is growing."
• "Giving to the cause."
• "VOP has full agenda for 2006 General Assembly."
• "Forests: lumber, landfill or living legacy?."
• "New book reveals corporate tax chicanery."
• "Solving James City County’s affordable housing dilemma."
• "Immigrant issues expected at General Assembly."
• "No executions in Virginia in 2005!."
• "Virginians need a raise!!."
• "Op-Ed: Here’s hoping he will change his tune."

October 2005 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Access to health insurance in Virginia is a problem."
• "VOP helps work on school accessibility issues."
• "Amherst rallies to restore and register."
• "Billboards show opposition to logging on High Knob."
• "VOP holds Dismantling Racism Workshop at VSU."
• "VOP Dismantling Racism weekend workshop held in Richmond in August ."
• "VOP’s Environmental Health Sciences program is at the leading edge of web technology."
• "Grassroots and political leaders join to strengthen housing program in Fairfax."
• "Hampton VOP Chapter sponsors voter project."
• "VOP House District 59 meets with Sheriff Ryant Washington."
• "Leadership Profile - John Horejsi."
• "Local communities in Northern Virginia struggle with the issue of day-labor."
• "Opinion: Left behind — ain’t that a shame?."
• "Petersburg VOP Chapter ."
• "VOP Racial Profiling Committee encourages contacting police chiefs and sheriffs for support."
• "Organizations encourage support of the Virginia Fair Wage Act."
• "The Virginia tax system is still unfair."

July 2005 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "AATF selects first teaching fellows."
• "Barry Butler joins VOP as Southwest Virginia Organizer."
• "Bev Sell joins VOP as Hampton Roads Organizer."
• "District & Chapter News."
• "Taxpayers are not in driver’s seat for Virginia’s I-81 policy."
• "The uninsured in Virginia: facts at a glance."
• "Workshop on racial profiling held at VOP annual meeting."
• "VOP holds 2005 annual meeting."
• "VOP’s Faithful receives College of William and Mary service award."
• "VOP’s Tax Committee works on future strategy."
• "VOP tax legislation summary — 2005 General Assembly."

April 2005 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Biased Policing and Data Collection: Getting the Facts."
• "Racial Profiling bill tabled in committee."
• "Students and local residents take a stand against racial profiling."
• "Supreme court abolishes juvenile death penalty ."
• "Tax reform must include tax fairness."
• "VOP’s Dismantling Racism Workshop."

Winter 2004 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "VOP’s anti-racism writing project completed."
• "Report shows how to save millions while protecting the environment."
• "VADP to push for end to juvenile death penalty."
• "“The struggle is in me, and I know it always will be”."
• "Racial profiling strategy committee preparing for 2005 general assembly."
• "Op-Ed: Revoke the 2004 Affirmation of Marriage Act."
• "VOP women speak about leadership development."

Summer 2004 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "2004 General Assembly makes modest start to reform Virginia’s tax code."
• "Augusta Coalition for Peace and Justice hits the streets."
• "Civic Revolutionaries."
• "VOP appreciates dedication of organizer Jill Carson."
• "New River Valley Living Wage Campaign to have play based on Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed."
• "Petersburg VOP Chapter gets good news in fair housing officer campaign."
• "VOP holds strategy sessions in Northern Virginia."

Spring 2004 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Amherst VOP Chapter succeeds in bridge naming campaign."
• "Groups hold candidates’ forum for Charlottesville City Council candidates."
• "Charlottesville City Council adopts new living wage ."
• "PHAR and VOP hold forum for Charlottesville City Council candidates."
• "Dismantling Racism workshop held in Virginia Beach."
• "Greater Williamsburg area group petitions for VOP Chapter status."
• "Hampton Roads VOP Chapter and students work together."
• "Intra-party conflict disrupts budget process."
• "Landowner protection bill passes legislature."
• "Living wage defended, minimum wage increase sought in legislature."
• "Lynchburg VOP Chapter holds Youth Dismantling Racism Workshop."
• "Petersburg VOP Chapter organizes fair housing officer campaign."
• "VOP delegation attends Presidential forum in South Carolina."
• "Racial Profiling bill carried over to 2005 legislative session."
• "City of Richmond opposes USA Patriot Act."
• "Broad coalition prevents backward step on VHDA “Family Rule” legislation."
• "VERM publishes voter guide for local elections."

November 2003 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Amherst VOP Chapter focusing on youth, bridge naming."
• "Hampton Roads VOP Chapter looks at state money issues."
• "Lee County VOPChapter sponsors school board candidates’ forum."
• "Legislative commission continues to work on tax reform."
• "Lynchburg VOP Chapter works with other groups to improve public safety."
• "Petersburg VOP Chapter wants fair housing officer in the city."
• "Temp workers give living wage campaign new energy."
• "Tenants’ and Workers’ Support Committee receives Leadership for a Changing World Award ."
• "Williamsburg group focuses on one-to-ones, continues to meet with legislators."

July 2003 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Amherst County VOP Chapter impressed with Sheriff Jimmy Ayers.."
• "Arlington County passes living wage ordinance.."
• "Clinch Coalition comments on forest plan.."
• "VAFW puts “Good Logger” list together for the public.."
• "Lynchburg Chapter’s work rewarded with success.."
• "Residents, companies settle on nuisance claim from 2000.."
• "Petersburg Chapter members meet with Senator Marsh.."
• "Eleventh annual Race Unity Day celebration held.."
• "VHDA board votes to repeal “family rule”.."
• "Community leader in Staunton recognized as citizen of the year.."
• "New tax reform commission begins work.."
• "VOP holds successful annual meeting.."
• "Williamsburg citizens begin to discuss Chapter development.."
• "Wythe County Chapter honors local employers.."

April 2003 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Amherst VOP Chapter expands operations.."
• "Fencing for “Suicide Magnet” bridge next on Lynchburg VOP Chapter’s agenda.."
• "General Assembly Wrap-Up.."
• "Hospitality job training linked to higher wages in Charlottesville.."
• "Petersburg VOP Chapter is closer to selecting first issue campaign.."
• "Tax reform measure backed by VOP passes legislature.."
• "VOP pushes for living wage in Albemarle County schools.."

January 2003 News Magazine. (entire issue in PDF format).

• "Petersburg group becomes newest VOP chapter.."
• "Racist artwork removed.."
• "Students urge school board to pay a living wage.."
• "VAFW calls for stronger logging laws on private lands.."
• "VOP backs bill for law enforcement to collect racial profiling information.."