Engage Norfolk 2017

Thank you to all who attended our first-ever Engage Norfolk event on  Sunday, February 12, 2017! 

We had over 1000 people in attendance, plus more than 100 organizations represented, 59 volunteers and 4 fabulous co-sponsors!!!!  View the photo gallery of the exciting day we had engaging citizens.

The Engage Norfolk CivicFAIR showcased more than 100 organizations representing causes and communities of interest in Norfolk and beyond.  You can learn more from the links below for the following organizations registered* to participate.  Also, for more information on volunteer opportunities, please visit our co-sponsor Volunteer Hampton Roads!

Engage 2017 had five incredible workshops to jumpstart your civic knowledge!

Welcoming Remarks

Principal Tommy Smigiel, Councilwoman Andria McClellan, AltDaily Editor Jesse Scaccia, New Journal & Guide Publisher Brenda Andrews, Volunteer Hampton Roads Executive Director Kate Meechan

Workshop 1: What Now? Turning Passion into Action

MODERATOR: JESSE SCACCIA, ALTDAILY

So, now what?  You want to make a difference, but you're not sure how, who, what.... This panel will address many ideas, including how to translate your national concerns on the local level; how to identify the best volunteer opportunities to match your skills and availability; how to be a great volunteer, and more.

Workshop 2: Effective Local Lobbying

MODERATOR: HANNAH SERANO

Learn how effective lobbying led a great idea from concept to reality with the NEON Arts District.  

Workshop 3: How to Run for Office -- and How to Help Your Neighbor Get Elected

PRESENTER: JESSIE WILLIAMS, FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR ANDRIA MCCLELLAN, LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FOR VIRGINIA SENATOR LYNWOOD LEWIS

Whether you are interested in running for office -- or you want to help support the campaign of a good friend, colleague or neighbor, this session will provide some nuts-and-bolts of how to run for municipal or state office, including the filing and petition requirements, the importance of grassroots campaigning, how to use data to win, and the joy of fundraising.

Workshop 4: How to Write a Great Letter to the Editor

MODERATOR: BRIAN COLLIGAN, VIRGINIAN PILOT EDITORIAL WRITER

Do you want to make sure your opinion is read in the local/national paper?  Learn from the experts what it takes to get noticed and printed.

Workshop 5: Norfolk Government 101: How to utilize the resources available in Norfolk

MODERATOR: COUNCILWOMAN ANDRIA MCCLELLAN

Learn how to access the resources available for citizens and community groups in Norfolk (Norfolk Cares, Norfolk NBN Academy, grant opportunities, access to public buildings, permits for events, etc.).

Workshop 6: Activism at your Doorstep: The Power of the Civic League

MODERATOR: COUNCILMAN MARTIN THOMAS, JR. 

Representatives from Civic Leagues will discuss how you can make a bigger collective impact by working with your civic league to effect positive change where you live.