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!
- Access Aids/LGBT Center
- AltDaily/Virginian Pilot
- Angelica Hadsell Scholarship
- Arc of Southeastern VA
- Barrett Haven
- Bunny Hutch
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Chesapeake Climate Action
- Coaster Coffee
- Don't Duck History
- Elizabeth River Project
- Emerge VA
- Foodbank of Southeastern VA & the Eastern Shore
- ForKids
- Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center
- Friends of Norfolk Environment
- Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
- Girl Scouts
- Girls on the Run
- Global Shapers
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hampton Roads Hounds for Heroes
- Hampton Roads Justice Network
- Hampton Roads Organizing for Action
- Hampton Roads Young Democrats
- Heart of Compassion Partnership
- Herring for AG
- Hope House
- Justin Fairfax for Lieutenant Governor
- Keep Norfolk Beautiful
- League of Conservation Voters
- League of Women Voters
- Libertarian Party of VA
- Mother's Out Front
- Motherboard 757
- NEST (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team)
- New Journal & Guide
- New Virginia Majority
- Norfolk Botanical Gardens
- Norfolk City Democratic Committee
- Norfolk Council of PTAs
- Norfolk Education Foundation
- Norfolk Emergency Preparation
- Norfolk Forward
- Norfolk GAINS
- Norfolk Loving Steps Healthy Start
- Norfolk Department of Neighborhood Development
- Norfolk Parks & Recreation/RPOS
- Norfolk Public Schools
- Norfolk School Garden Collective
- Norfolk Sheriff's Office
- Norfolk SPCA
- Norfolk Summer Leadership Camp
- Orzo Studio
- OV Christian Academy
- OV Little League
- OV Station Museum
- Park Place Child Life Center
- PETA
- Planned Parenthood
- Primeplus Norfolk Senior Center
- QbyQ Press
- Ralph Northam for Governor
- Red Cross
- RESOLVE: Infertility Association
- Right Way Forward
- Ross Enterprises
- Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation
- Seven Cities Peoples Library
- Sierra Club of Virginia
- Spartyka
- STEP UP
- Tea Party of Hampton Roads
- Terry Hurst for Delegate
- The Planning Council
- The Up Center
- Tidewater Arts Outreach
- Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop
- Union Mission
- Virginia Opera
- Virginia Stage Co
- Virginia Symphony
- Virginia Beach Rescue Squad
- Wetlands Watch
- YMCA
- Youth Earn and Learn
- YWCA
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.