Dian Williams is a newer Virginia Organizing leader in Portsmouth who got active after learning about Virginia Organizing at a local civic league meeting.

“When I heard about all the issues that Virginia Organizing works on, I thought, ‘this is me!'” said Dian. “All my friends were pointing at me as we listened.”

Dian has experience with the school-to-prison pipeline and understands how important it is to address children’s issues at younger ages. Her grandson experienced discipline issues since elementary school and was arrested on his 18th birthday. He is now in prison.

She is part of another group of people who have adopted a local school. Dian spends time at the school reading to kids, helping provide for their needs, and even trying to get scholarship money for children.

Dian is passionate about helping people find their voice and she believes that Virginia Organizing helps with this.

“In my time with Virginia Organizing, I’ve learned that there are a lot of people interested in these same issues that we’re working on, but they don’t always know they can speak up for their rights and the rights of their children,” said Dian.

In addition to her work with children, Dian is also introducing everyone she knows to Virginia Organizing. She takes brochures everywhere she goes and has even talked to her pastor about how to get involved. Dian also had a letter to the editor published in her local paper.

Thank you, Dian, for your leadership!