February 1, 2024
In the Virginia Conference we have been change makers in our great Commonwealth for over 30 years. We are excited to be back in person in Richmond for United Methodist Day at the General Assembly on February 1, 2024. When we gather together will have arranged visits with our Senators to discuss issues that are relevant to our faith with direction from our friends and partners at Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and other advocacy partners. You also have the opportunity to speak to your Delegates if you plan the visit and we can help you schedule that if needed. This year is an election year and while we can always use our voice when we vote we encourage you to move beyond the ballot box and come down to Richmond. One of the ways we put our faith in action is by advocating for the least, the last, and the lost at the General Assembly. We hope that you will come and join us in Richmond as we continue our legacy as change makers here in our Commonwealth.
Register for UM Day 2024 – Registration closes on Monday, January 15th!
Location: The Pace Center 700 West Franklin
Time: 2/1/2024, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 for early registration ( runs until 1/7/24), $35 for late, $10 for students
UM Day at General Assembly Preview Meeting
Have you been to UM Day before? Has it been awhile? Are interested in attending UM Day at the General Assembly but aren’t ready to fully commit? Do you just want to learn more about this event? Then this meeting is for you. Join us Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. for an informational meeting about what UM Day is all about. Ask questions, hear from past attendees, and learn about what we will be advocating for in 2024. Register for UM Day Preview here.
2024 Promotional Video of UM Day at the General Assembly
2023 Recap Video of UM Day at the General Assembly
FAQs about UM Day at General Assembly
How will I meet with my State Senator?
Jeanette Yoh, part of our Conference Legislative Network Team, is working tirelessly to put together groups to meet virtually with your State Senator. If your State Senator is taking meetings you will be placed into a meeting group with other constituents from your area. Sometimes, you won’t meet directly with the State Senator but with one of their aids. Either way these meetings are an important way to advocate for our priorities this year.
What are our priorities?
This year our priorities, what we will be advocating for in our meetings and beyond, will be set by VICPP and other advocacy partners. You can read more about those as we get closer to February. We will have a preview of what we will be advocating for at our November 30 virtual prep session.
As a clergy person can I get a C.E.U. for this event?
Yes! You can get a .5 C.E.U. for attending this event. You will need to attend Session 1, Session 2, and participate in a legislative session. The form link will be shared soon.
Who is our keynote speaker this year?
This year our keynote speaker will be Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson. This will be Bishop Sue’s first UM Day at the General Assembly with us and we are looking forward to advocating with her and hearing what she has for us this year as our keynote speaker!
Are there any plans for accommodations for out of town attendees?
If you are an coming in from a far distance we will have a rate at a local area hotel where you may book a room prior to UM Day. There are limited rooms available at this rate for our group. For information about reserving a room in our block please reach out to Joe Brancoli ([email protected])
What is the schedule for the day?
Our day begins at 7:30 a.m. and will run until 3:00 p.m. We will have two sessions with a lunch in-between. The morning session will be spent meeting with your Senators and Delegates. The afternoon will spent with our keynote speaker Bishop Sue. A more formal schedule if forthcoming. The night prior to our event we will hold a briefing session virtually. If you have any questions please email Heather Wray ([email protected])
Helpful Resources
Virginia General Assembly Home Page Click here
Guide on how to use the Virginia General Assembly Website, how to participate in various committee meetings, track legislation, and view Sessions of the Senate and House. Click here