January 26
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 January 26, 2023, after two years of meeting virtually. 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). You also have the opportunity to speak to your Delegates if you plan the visit and we can help you schedule that if needed. 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 virtually in Richmond as we continue our legacy as change makers here in our Commonwealth.
Register for UM Day 2023
Registration Link: https://na.eventscloud.com/2023umday
Location: The Pace Center 700 West Franklin
Time: 1/26/2023 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 for early registration ( runs until 1/1/23), $35 for late, $10 for students
2022 Follow-up Videos
FAQs about UM Day at 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, have been set by VICPP. You can read more about those as we get closer to January. We might also take on other priorities and will have all that information prepared for you at our December 1 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. Following the even you will need to fill out this form. Be sure to look over the form prior to the event so you are prepared to fill it our properly afterwards. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev2asd5hOFA851zMYNrt5-YOjcWopwP89ij6yorXcnxVGirQ/viewform)
Who is our keynote speaker this year?
The Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Minister of Connected Engagement with the Baltimore Washington Conference, works with the Conference’s four Campus Ministries staff and the Museum’s and Pilgrimages staff, the Young People’s Ministry Board, the Wellness and Mission Board, Small Membership Local Church, Ethnic Local Church, and Ecumenical and Inter-religious Opportunities Forums and relates to United Women of Faith (formerly UMW). Neal organizes legislative action focused on creation care, gun violence prevention, housing equity, immigration, voting rights, and domestic violence. He served as Assistant General Secretary with the General Board of Church and Society leading an eight year global revision of the UM Social Principles and a four year revision of the UM Social Creed. He is an ordained Elder and a member of the Greater NJ Conference and an affiliate member of the Baltimore Washington Conference and has served as a trauma hospital chaplain and local church pastor.
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 7:00 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 Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Minister of Connected Engagement with the Baltimore Washington Conference. 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